NCTE11 News and Notes
November 23, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Achieving Assignments, Mini-Lessons
My school district afforded me the wonderful opportunity to attend my very first National Council of Teachers of English conference held in Chicago, Illinois this year. I met wonderful national colleagues, many of whom I’ve been conversing with online but never had the opportunity to meet face-to-face, and I returned to school feeling completely motivated and recharged.
The following is a sampling of tips from a session titled “Zapping Apathy: Creating a Sense of Community in English Class” Please see Gary Anderson’s informative blog, What’s Not Wrong, for more detailed information:
My students' 1984 Chalk Talk!
1. Build Community Through Movement: Chalk Talk: A silent, non-threatening way to generate ideas, spawn discussion, understand connections. Here’s my students’ first 1984 Chalk Talk. (see my sample in picture)
2. Build Community Through Online Means: 6-Word Memoirs with Wordle: A team-building, creative writing activity. First, show the following two YouTube videos – First video and Second Video. Second, students write their own six-word memoirs. Third, have students go to www.wordle.net and create and a visual of their memoirs. They’ll be able to play with font, color scheme, etc to fit their subject and make it come to life.
3. Build Community through Cell Phone Activity (shared by Lee Anne Spillane): Did you know that if students text Google, 466453, and punch in Define: (followed by the word), Google will text back a definition of that word?!
4. Build Community through Discussion - A means to get the quieter students involved. Provide envelopes filled with slips of paper numbered 1 – 10. Give these envelopes to about 4 students and have those students stand in front of class. Read a statement and ask students to hold up a slip that represents how strongly they agree with the statement.(1 = strongly disagree; 10 = strongly agree)
Like these samples? . . . see Gary Anderson’s What’s Not Wrong site for more along with the original handouts and Prezi’s from the session.
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There are so many more worthwhile sessions I attended. For instance, stay tuned for a synopsis of Carol Jago’s Literature Project!!!!
Pre-Holiday Cardio Playlist
November 12, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
Want to indulge without the bulge this holiday season?! If you exercise now and push yourself a little harder with your cardio (4 days of cardio instead of 3? or 30 minutes instead of 20 minute sessions? or Run/Walk instead of Walk?), you will be able to partake in the festivities wholeheartedly!!
“The One You Say Goodnight To” by Kina Grannis . . . My right now song. Positively perfect beginning. :-)
“Dakent“ by Banger (VooDoo Bear Remix) . . . the xylophone will appeal to your inner child!! A unique, creative instrumental that has an inspiring beat for your beginning. At about 40 seconds in, the beat increases to get your heart rate off and running.
“Phazing Disposition” (JRowe Mashup) . . . . a remix of “Sweet Disposition” from 500 Days of Summer. Time to start kicking things up. This version moves your groove to a stronger beat. I’ve meshed mine so that this song begins before “Dakent” ends – perfect transition!! (Flash mob choreography is improving my remix abilities!!)
”Big in Japan” by Martin Solveig . . . remember Solveig’s song “Hello?” This may be even more heart-throbbing!! Great to get you in your faster zone ⟾~
“So Much Love” by Fedde Le Grand . . . . LOVE this song!! This song will find you in your happy zone!!! Love, music, dance: the necessities of life. I adore the heart-shaped hands:
“Good Feeling” by Flo Rida . . . Leave it to this artist to provide a workout wonder song . . . Workout video too!
“I Like How It Feels” by Enrique Iglesias . . . Just when you start to get tired, you need this feel-good number! ”Cause this is our time!!
“We Found Love” by Rihanna – This is one of those songs that just sounds happy!!! And, yes, love is usually found in a hopeless place. Celebrate it!
“Without You” by Eddie Vedder . . . another from his Ukelele songs. This song is simply beautiful – lyrics and tune. I saw this show over the summer; this is a fabulous live version of this song. Download it from Vedder’s Ukelele album. A smooth cool-down.
BONUS SONG FOR THE LADIES:
“Rumor Has It/Someone Like You” Mashup by GLEE - Okay, gentlemen may not like this one as much. Girls, this one is good for your cardio mix as you pound the pavement and feel lucky that you dodged that bullet from the one who made the mistake!!!!!!!
Symbols, Signs and Slides
November 7, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Achieving Assignments, Mini-Lessons, TLC Speaks
Whether or not you are an educator, viewing the two videos below will be worth your while. Sit back and enjoy the symbolism within our daily lives. . . .
Here is an assignment I recently shared with my two accelerated freshman English classes. We have a rigorous curriculum to follow in the classroom yet I wanted to give the students opportunity to express their more creative sides. I came up with this to supplement our study and analysis of symbolism. Aside from the period during which we watched and discussed “Words”, this is a project they had to complete solely at home on their own. The student sample below is just one example of how well they ran with this!
ASSIGNMENT:
In conjunction with our study of “The Scarlet Ibis” and symbolism, watch this video from NPR’s Radiolab to help illustrate how images are contextual. You will complete an assignment afterwards, but first I just want you to watch and enjoy it:
Now search for the word semiotics and define it. Watch the video again with that definition in mind. As you watch, write down all of the words presented through the images and sound in the video. We will discuss how the varied definitions of these words match the context within which they are shown.
For the end result, you are going to create your own video. You will need to decide on eight words of your choosing. Four of the eight words must be from our most recent vocabulary list. You must find at least two different meanings for each word and at least one image to represent each meaning.
Use PhotoPeach, MovieMaker or another program of your choice. In addition to production of your slideshow, provide a “key” that highlights which words you used along with an explanation of the word definitions. Happy producing!!!
STUDENT SAMPLE:
Click here to watch: Student Sample
STUDENT’S ANSWER KEY:
Polka Dots and Moonbeams
September 19, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Fashion, Reviews
The name itself evokes a dreamy, blissful state. While shopping for fashionable clothing and eye-catching jewelry may not make all our dreams come true, it can help!! Finding that perfect dress or blouse or accessory actually can be a step to reaching goals, to building a confidence-enhancing wardrobe, and to creating special occasions!
“Create the occasion for the dress!” declares my savvy sis-in-law. This could be the motto for this popular Los Angeles boutique. I’ve been to Polka Dots and Moonbeams, located on 3rd Street in West Hollywood, a few times this year since my sis-in-law re-introduced me. Each time, I came out completely satisfied with my unique finds, and I can’t wait to pay another visit very soon!!! See just how satisfied I was last time. Two bags full!! ➔➔➔
Thank you to fashion savvy Polka Dot girl Lorin for her expertise in finding these items for me!!
The Polka Dots and Moonbeams concept is to bring the latest, newest designer collections together under one (adorably adorned) roof. It’s a one-stop-shop! Polka Dots & Moonbeams buyers stay on top of the trends, carrying such brands as Hudson Jeans, Milly, Hale Bob, Tarte, and Bailey 44 to name a few. The boutique carries a perfect mix of well-known designers as well as less mainstream brands. I am confident when I walk into Polka Dots and Moonbeams that when I walk out, I will leave with pieces I won’t dismayingly spot on others. Not only does the boutique carry just one item in each size, but the clothing itself is not what one can find at the local mall by any means.
As cited on their website, “Our customers come in whether they are looking for the special piece or the whole outfit.” That’s true for me – I paid a visit at the beginning of summer looking for any ‘new and exciting summer pieces’ as well as later in the summer for a first date outfit. 
On both of these visits, my finds were fulfilled thanks to Polka Dot’s expert shopper, Lorin. Lorin is one of the fashion savvy people who just look at you and know what will look good on your body-type. Lorin now knows me by name, knows my likes and dislikes, and knows me!!! It’s to the point where I simply walk in the door, excitedly chat with Lorin and mosey around while Loran briskly picks up piece-upon-piece for me. It makes me feel so . . . . Hollywood!!! I completely trust her judgment as I find pieces waiting for me in the dressing room that I would never pick up myself but look surprisingly flattering on. Check out me modeling a sampling of my purchases below ➔➔➔
One of my purchases I wear again & again - Viereck dress
This is one of those 'I'd never pick it out myself' purchases - Waverley blouse!
One of my new Bailey 44 dresses!
Grading Girl gives Polka Dots and Moonbeams an A+ for fabulously unique, fashion-forward finds, expert, friendly fun fashion advice, and reachable prices. Whether you need one eye-popping necklace or a dress for that wedding next Friday, you will find what you’re looking for at this trendy boutique in the heart of West Hollywood. Ask for Lorin and tell her Grading Girl sent you. :-)
Bonus . . . Julia Roberts, Demi Moore, Drew Barrymore, Eva Mendes, Reese Witherspoon . . . to name a few . . . have all been spotted shopping here!!
**Photos of GG taken by Proof Digital Image
Power Up with Power Foods
September 4, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cookbooks, Reviews
- Some unique recipes!!
power foods – 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients
I purchased this book at the beginning of the summer and experimented in the kitchen throughout the season. Whether you’re a fresh market foodie, a dining diva, or someone who walks the other way when the phrase “eat clean” is mentioned . . . . there’s something in these recipes for even the pickiest of eaters.
The premise of this book is simply the truth: the foods we eat have a GINORMOUS impact on our health, our well being and our mood. Food has incredible power and that’s what makes it so interesting! The editors of the book (also editors of Whole Living magazine) placed 10 “golden rules” at the very beginning of the book (i.e. choose a wide variety of natural, unprocessed foods) that are logical and easy enough to manage on a daily basis. Next the book is organized by the categories I have listed below. Each recipe contains one or more of the “38 healthiest ingredients.” After making and eating these, I’m here to tell you these are the types of recipes that don’t taste as healthful as they are, you know what I mean? If you buy just one new cookbook this season, make it this one and, I promise you, it won’t simply sit on your shelf.
Here are the “38 healthiest ingredients” and how they are divided in the cookbook~
- Eggs, Yogurt, & Fish: Eggs, Yogurt, Sablefish, Rainbow Trout, Wild Alaskan Salmon
Sample Delectable Dishes I Tried and WILL Repeat!:
~ Lemon Cream with Blueberries (This gliiiides down your throat!)
Grading Girl gives power foods 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients an A+ for downright delicious dishes!!!
Cardio Playlist – Fall 2011
August 28, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
Don’t just fall into autumn . . . jump into the new season with a refreshed, more toned you. It’s been a while since my last playlist and IT’S TIME!!!! Are you like me? Do you get bored playing the same music at the gym? These might give you some ideas . . .
Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People . . . . This is a PERFECT one to get you in the mood and get your own kicks pumped up!! I can’t get the chorus out of my head!!!!! Turn this one up ~
Bruises by Chairlift . . . I’m sure we all can relate to this one. Each one of us has that person whom we tried to do handstands for but kept falling over. ;-)
Beautiful People by Chris Brown and Benny Benassi . . . Brown brings it again with another catchy, can’t-help-but-move tune. I adore positive, life is good beats and this is definitely one of them! People everywhere ARE beautiful!!!
Walk by Foo Fighters . . . Such a heart pumping song that is perrrrfect for cardio!! Funny video too with great Los Angeles footage!!
One Club at a Time by Midnight Red . . . This one reminds me of dancing this summer with my daughter. She’s a vibrant soul and you will be to0 if you let the music take you away during cardio! (I couldn’t find the original video but this is a good live shot)
Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO . . . I can’t not include this one (how’s that for a double negative?)! Now if only we had a “shufflin” epidemic spread like the one in the video! LOL!!
Beggin‘ by Madcon . . . . This is a great one to strut your stuff to. Not crazy about the video but the song rocks me.
Can’t Keep by Eddie Vedder . . . I’m loving the softer side of Eddie we’ve heard lately. This is a unique tune to rock your world – yes, rock with a ukelele!! Love this whole album!! Watch for the whale in this amazing video →
Metaphorically Speaking
August 25, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Other noteworthies, Pencils Down
What inanimate object would you compare yourself to? Check out how some of my students very cleverly describe themselves . . . While not all objects below are inanimate, you can see, I have beautiful students.
- I am a baseball mitt because I have to be taken care of in order to do what I can do.
- I am an iguana because I am sly and stay out of trouble when I need to.
- I am a foreign film because not everyone understands me.
- I am a pair of Converse shoes because I am laid back and casual.
- I am a pair of dumbells, dangerous if I am wrongly used but excellent if I am being used for the good of others.
- I am a bad trader because I give but don’t require anything in return.
- I am a cup of hot chocolate because I am warm and sweet.
- I am a picture frame because I hold many special memories.
- I am a waterproof jacket because it takes me a while to absorb information
- I am a lamp because I brighten up the dark and give a positive outlook on things.
- I am an ant because I need to live in a large group to survive.
- I am a bill at Congress just waiting for the world to know me.
- I am a tree because I have deep cultural roots.
- I am the internet because I am full of bad jokes and random facts.
- I am a plane because I’m never on time.
- I am a rubber band because I am flexible but I can break.
- I am an elephant because I have a great memory and rarely forget.
- I am a brick wall because nothing will knock me down.
Easy, Eat Clean One-Pot Chicken
August 24, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Eat Clean Recipes, Recipes, School's Out
My mom created this recipe recently trying hard to please yours truly during one of our visits, knowing my affinity for delicious, eat clean food. I brought a batch to work today and received some oohs and ahhs. My lovely desk partner is going to make her husband cook this for her! It’s amazingly good for such a simple little dish. Make this ahead on Sunday and enjoy healthful leftovers throughout the work week.
One-Pot Chicken
(got veggies? I list specifics here but go ahead and throw in whatever you have in your fridge. Any should be delish!)
4 chicken breasts
2 red, orange, and/or yellow peppers
6 sweet potatoes (do not peel – clean and scrape off bruises)
1 – 1 1/2 zucchini – sliced (do not peel)
1 large yellow onion – sliced completely into thin wedges
1 cup carrots – peeled, sliced into rounds
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 cup grape tomatoes – sliced in half (optional)
Preheat oven to 350°. Dust the chicken breasts with pepper, oregano, basil and parsley. Place the chicken in an 11 X 7 glass casserole dish. Place the sliced vegetables (exeept the tomatoes) around the breasts in a single layer. Pour the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the chicken and veggies. Sprinkle the entire dish with one more dash of the basil, oregano, and parsley. (or Italian Seasoning). Place in the oven for 50 – 60 minutes, depending on how hard/soft you like your vegetables. If you are using tomatoes, throw them in during the last 10 minutes. Mangez!!
A Not-So Ordinary Lesson for Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life
August 21, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Achieving Assignments, Mini-Lessons
Have you heard about this book? One of my colleagues, Jennifer Krause, recommended this last year after she initialized her own successful encyclopedia journal project. Two more of us have since followed suit. I finally read the book this past summer and created my own online version. I can’t wait to begin an ongoing blogging activity with my accelerated freshmen, modeling the book’s format!! I explain my assignment below:
In her book, Rosenthal writes 200-plus pages of entries, written encyclopedia-style, for words and terms involved in her life: people, ideas, items and objects, anecdotes, her own definitions of words, obsessions. Some examples from the book appear at the end of this post. Part of her inspiration comes from reading other writers—from ancient China on to modern times—who wrote in essays that didn’t necessarily weave points seamlessly from one to another and instead wrote in separate, discrete entries, or an alphabetical format similar to her own.
The assignment is to write a mini-encyclopedia of your own by writing at least one encyclopedia entry for each of the 26 letters of the alphabet, plus two numbers. These entries can be definitions, short-short stories, zany asides. Provide at three visual elements within the 28 entries: illustration, chart, photo, sketch. Additionally, cross-reference at least three entries to each other. The entries can be anywhere from 5-500 words each.
Some ideas for entries? A favorite (or hated) word, a family name, an artist you love, or idea or concept that is directly related to your own experience. Perhaps write about something that triggers a memory from your life. Movies, books, comics, magazines, celebrities are all fair game. In other words, write about YOU!!!
Some excerpts from Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life are here.
The Proof is in the Image @ Proof Digital Image!
August 20, 2011 by GradingGirl
Filed under Professional Services, Reviews
They say that a picture says a thousand words but it is the talented photographer behind the picture that makes the image speak to us. Roger Ullman of Proof Digital Image is such a photographer – capturing the smiles in the eyes, the subtexts on the lips and the symbols in the settings that make each image come alive with a story.
I’ve been toying with the idea of breaking into the over-40 modeling industry on the side and finally decided now is the time! Additionally, my daughter wanted to have photos taken for her college internship profiles. I desired an experienced, outside-the-box photographer who was approachable and savvy enough to make newbies like us feel comfortable. After perusing through portfolio samples, it quickly became apparent that Proof Digital Image’s Roger Ullman was the man for the job. Not only did we feel comfortable , as you can see below, but we had a fabulously fun afternoon and evening of shooting that we won’t soon forget!!
Roger Ullman began as a sports photographer then one day began shooting local bands in concert per request from a friend. He received such rave reviews and appreciation for his work with these genres that he was soon asked for work in other capacities, namely modeling portfolios. While he still immensely enjoys doing both sports and concert photography, his primary focus today is in the modeling industry. As he states, he truly enjoys the interaction with ”real people” as he photographs them one-on-one. Roger’s main goal is to make everyone he photographs “look absolutely fantastic…that’s a promise.” He’s not afraid to challenge his clients to get daring, creative and stretch the imagination. Here’s a sampling of the many shots of me Ullman captured .
What’s so great about working with Roger is that, while he raises the bar in portfolio photography, he remains approachable as he encourages his models. He understands that quality photography requires teamwork between the subject and shooter. First, he asks for ample information, background and goals from his clients ahead of time so that neither one is walking to the shoot nervous. I felt completely prepared on the day of our shoot as Roger and I conversed back and forth the week prior discussing locations and attire. Roger was not only patient in answering questions but extremely thorough in discussing procedures. On the day of the shoot, it’s not simply a matter of him spewing out directives; on the contrary, he truly wants client ideas. He gives his honest opinions while remaining open to input. During our six and a half hour shoot, Roger would at times shoot the camera randomly as my daughter or I played with our own poses; at other moments, he’d make subtle suggestions that we eased into – and never once, might I add, did he tire or lose motivation!! That inspired us to keep fresh and relaxed throughout. I could go on as long as his impressive collection of art goes. . . . But don’t take my word for this – let Proof Digital Image photos speak for themselves!! See contact info below to see the proof in the images! btw, I will add more photos as they are published!!
Grading Girl gives Proof Digital Image an A+ for approachable professional service, unique creative shots and memorably beautiful images that linger in our thoughts long after our eyes leave the photos.
