My Poetry Recitation Poster
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Prompt: As the first semester comes to an end, take time to reflect on your learning and growth in this course. In a well-developed response, explain what you enjoyed most about the class, identify the project or assignment you found most engaging, and discuss which aspect of the course you connected with the most (such as poetry, fiction, writing, or discussion). Finally, reflect on one area where you feel you need additional support or improvement as we move into the spring semester.
Prompt Response: In the past 4 months in this class, what I enjoyed most was the creative assignment we got to do. The project I found most engaging was the Cultural Identity Mask because I enjoyed the creative process in making it. The aspect of this class I connected most with was poetry. I am very fond of poetry, so to be able to read a new poem almost every week had me delighted. An area I feel I need improvement in is the discussion. I want to become more present in the discussions we have next semester. Summary: On December 17th, we performed a memorized recitation of our assigned poem and presented our created poster. Reflection: Through reading these poems throughout the semester, I am able to discover new poetry that I love.
Prompt: Many holidays center around traditions. Describe one tradition that is important to you or your family and explain why it still matters (or why it no longer does).
Prompt Response: A tradition that is important to my family during the holidays is secret Santa. We first did it in 2019 and it has stuck on ever since. Our budget is always $25 - $30 and we pick names on December 5th. The tradition still matters because we value the love in giving. It is also fun seeing what specific gift everyone got their person. Summary: In class we had a free day. Reflection: As I am practicing my recitation of my poem for the final, I am learning how to bring poetry to life.
Prompt: How have the holidays changed as you have grown older? Compare your experiences of the holidays during childhood with how you experience them now, focusing on shifts in perspective, responsibilities, or emotional meaning.
Prompt Response: The holidays changed quite a bit for me as I have grown older. I now am more immersed in the giving part of the holiday, when before I was more receiving. In childhood, I perceived Christmas to be the day I can get whatever toy I wanted, besides my birthday. Now, I see Christmas as a day I can spend time with the people I love most. The gifts are just an extra special part of it. Summary: In class we copied down lesson 6 vocabulary, made original sentences for lesson 6 vocabulary, did exercises 2, 3, and 4 for lesson 6 vocabulary. Reflection: I learned that platitude means a cliche.
Prompt: Write about something you’ve outgrown but still miss.
Prompt Response: Something I've outgrown but still miss is the playground. It's a place where I spent most of my childhood. In school and out of it. I started to realize I've outgrown it when I take my sister to the playground. I am not the kid playing anymore, I am the one who watches the kid play now. Summary: In class we took the "Vocabulary Lesson 1 - 5 Comprehension Assessment" and did the "Langston Hughes- Refugee in America" assignment. Reflection: I learned that a synonym for flippancy is disrespect.
Prompt: Write about something that you can't stop thinking about.
Prompt Response: Something I can't stop thinking about is what I want for Christmas. Throughout the year I think about what I want, but when the holiday season comes around, I blank. There are so many things I want but there's only so much I can get. I know I want a touch screen laptop, more CDs, and gift cards. The rest though, I am still thinking of. Summary: In class we went to the library to choose our electives for Senior year. Reflection: I learned that I will be taking Spanish 2 next year.
Prompt: Post the picture of your cultural identity mask onto your blog. Write a reflection about the creation process of the mask or presenting it to the class.
Summary: In class we presented our Cultural Masks. Reflection: By presenting my mask to class I got to share the most proudest parts of my Identity. For example, my hobbies, passions, and ethnicity. Those little things make so much of me. My peers got to know me a little more and maybe even relate with me as well. We all might have different masks but there's those small things that can bring us as one.
Prompt: Write about the best gift you have received.
Prompt Response: The best gift I have received was my Rose Gold Beats. I got them last Christmas from my mom. They are my true prized possession. I wear them every day besides school hours. I always have them on me no matter what. It also utilizes a privacy border between me and those around me, so they don't have to hear what I am listening to. Summary: In class we copied Lesson 5 Vocabulary and did Exercise 1 for Lesson 5 Vocabulary. Reflection: I learned that soluble means easily dissolved.
Prompt: After watching the short film Identity, write a blog post reflecting on how the masks in the film represent the pressure to fit in and the struggle to discover who you really are. Choose one moment from the film that stood out to you and explain why. Then, connect the film’s message to Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too” and to the mask you are creating in class. What part of your identity do you want your mask to reveal?
Prompt Response: The masks in the short film Identity represent everyone's need to fit into the norm and stay inside a box. The masks show a lack of self identity and are used as a shield to hide our true selves from judgment by others. One moment from the film that stood out was at the end when the girl walks out in front of her peers without a mask whilst they stare at her. This stood out to me because when the girl embraced her individuality and did not follow the crowd, she was looked at differently. It just shows how breaking out of the norm is so uncommon. The film's message of not being fearful of judgment and embracing individuality connects back to Langston Hughes’ poem “I, Too” by both pieces showing an individual embracing their own and being proud of who they are. The mask I am creating in class also shares the message with these two pieces of media, the parts of my identity I am most proud of will be showcased on the mask. It is a way I can embrace my individuality...
Prompt: In “I, Too,” the speaker expresses pride in his identity and his rightful place in America. Reflect on your own life: What aspect of your cultural identity are you most proud of, and why?
Prompt Response: The aspect of my cultural identity I am most proud of is my Korean side. I was not able to connect with that part of myself until only a few years ago. I have far more appreciation for it than when I was younger. I also started learning Korean from my grandmother. Embracing my Korean identity is so important for me, most of my life I did not. Now I can. Summary: In class we read and annotated "I, Too" by Langston Hughes and started the Cultural Identity Mask Assignment. Reflection: I learned that the speaker in "I, Too" by Langston Hughes is proud of his place in America.
Prompt: In “We Real Cool,” the speakers make choices that seem exciting, bold, and rebellious, even though those choices lead to consequences. Write about a moment in your own life when you followed what looked cool or fun, only to realize afterwards that it wasn’t the smart or responsible path. What influenced your decision, and how did your perspective change later?
Prompt Response: A moment in my life when I took the rebellious path but regretted it later was when I was at my aunt's house. I was with two of my cousins and one of them suggested we walk to the CVS around the block. I thought it sounded fun and I was on board with it, but our other cousin hesitated. We thought he was being such a coward and we then convinced him to go. After we came back from the store, we got in a lot of trouble with our aunt. I had immediate regret right after the incident and I realized we should not have walked to the store alone. Summary: In class we read "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks and completed the assignment "Dissect the WE". Reflection: I learned that the "WE" in "We Real Cool" by Gwendolyn Brooks stands for the group of seven pool players.
Prompt: Discuss something meaningful or memorable you experienced over the break, or reflect on what you felt most thankful for during that time.
Prompt Response: Something memorable I experienced over the break was going to Peachtree Park. I went with my mom, little sister, and my little sister's friend. It was such a chill day. We ate some lunch and then the kids played on the playground. I played pickle ball with my mom. Overall it was such a great day I will always remember. Summary: In class we completed exercises 1, 2, 3, and 4 for Vocabulary Lesson 4. Reflection: I learned that acme means the highest point.