november 30

For your MOM: Did you meditate at all over break? Take a moment now. Close your eyes. Breathe.

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Dr. Seuss once wrote, "How did it get so late so soon?  December is here before it's June.  My goodness how the time has flewn. [sic]  How did it get so late so soon?"

Here we are.  Tomorrow it's December.  In the blink of an eye, we'll be on Winter Break, and then-- but, wait.  Let's slow things down for a moment.  One of the things I love about reading is how the author's ideas sometimes connect with what I'm thinking, or feeling, or experiencing.  Sometimes connecting the dots takes a little effort, but the effort is always worthwhile, because whatever I'm reading becomes more meaningful in those moments.

So, here is today's journal question: what idea/s from any of our readings can you apply to real life?  What have the authors or characters done or said that make you think about yourself, people you know, or the bigger issues we all deal with in 2020?

-OR-

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:

1. Journal
2. Reconnect
3. Set your priorities for the week.

welcome to the home stretch

Hi All,

I hope you and your families enjoyed a happy, healthy Thanksgiving, and I hope that the break gave you a chance to recharge your batteries and prepare for the end of the semester. In that spirit, I intentionally didn't post anything here, so that you could use the time to rest and catch up if necessary.

In horse racing, the space between the last turn and the finish line is called the home stretch. We have rounded the last turn of the fall semester, and now we have 2.5 weeks to end the semester on a high note.

Rather than adding a ton of work and a final project/exam, I want you to use these last few weeks to ensure that you understand the material we've covered so far, and to demonstrate your understanding on your course blogs.

We will continue the practice of writing in our journals every day, and you will post your three favorites from the week EACH FRIDAY (December 4, 11, and 18) until the end of the semester. Please continue reading the course blog each morning to see the journal topic for the day. When we meet today (Monday), we will discuss how we can most effectively use our time this week.

See you on Zoom,

Dr. Preston

november 20

For our MOM: What is the first book you remember reading? Enjoying?

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tune: "Changes" by David Bowie]
As we get deeper into Fahrenheit 451, it seems that Montag is exploring a side of himself that's been hidden for a long time.  As you consider his character, and people in your life, and even yourself, ask yourself these questions: What makes a person "hard core" or gentle? Are such qualities innate or learned? Can they be changed?  How?

-OR-

Choose your own topic. You can use your journal simply to write about life and your experiences in these unusual, challenging times.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Post the work that is due today
3. Make sure you have a plan for Thanksgiving Break

blast from the past: f451 essay ideas

One of the things I've come to appreciate about Open-Source Learning and curating on blogs is that I can go back and see what I've learned and taught in the past. Just now I was looking through past courses for book ideas (based on yesterday's Zoom meeting) and I found a post from a couple years ago about the Fahrenheit 451 essay. I was struck by how similar the in-class process was to our online conversation over the past couple weeks. I miss seeing you all in person, but it's great to see how your ideas are evolving whether we're on campus or not. In case you're still working on the essay, and you want a taste of nostalgia for the whiteboards in our room, I copied the post. Party like it's 2018.
-----------------------------------
Based on our discussions and your contributions today (please see whiteboard notes at bottom), here is the essay prompt.  Please make sure that your essay is posted to your blog no later than 11:59 P.M. Pacific Time on Monday, November 30.

The feedback in class may be described in three categories: elements of the book, elements of Ray Bradbury's writing, and connections between the book and our lives in 2020.  Therefore, please feel free to mix and match from the menu of options below.  Please observe the minimum requirements as described, and please feel free to include more and/or your own original thinking.

I look forward to reading your work!


CORE PROMPT:
Fahrenheit 451 was published in 1953.  What does the book have to offer readers in 2020?

CATEGORY 1: ELEMENTS OF THE BOOK (Include at least one)

• Themes
• Self-determination
• The role of technology in society
• How authorities attempt to control people
• Happiness
• Integrity

• Characters
• Montag as dynamic character: how did he change?
• Protagonist/antagonist: Montag v. Beatty
• Clarisse's influence on Montag-- and the plot
• How Mildred helped and hurt Montag

CATEGORY 2: CONNECTIONS BETWEEN THE BOOK & OUR LIVES (Include at least one)

• Bradbury's technological predictions
• Seashells (ear buds)
• Parlor walls (parlor walls)
• Bradbury's social predictions
• Medics as mechanics
• Substitutes for happiness

• High school and college education

CATEGORY 2: ELEMENTS OF THE WRITING (Analyze at least three to support your major points)

• Characterization (direct and indirect)
• Syntax
• Tone/Mood
• Symbolism
• Synecdoche
• Figurative language

november 19/20

For your MOM: What if everything that is happening right now is exactly what is supposed to be happening right now?

JOURNAL: [today's tune: "Alright Now" by Free]

Many people look at life and see a need for change. What if we could change in ways that made it easier to accept and navigate life the way it is? What can you change about yourself that would make you more effective at living your best life?

-OR-

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:

1. Journal
2. Post your three journal topics by Friday at 5:00P
3. Post your Literature Analysis on your blog by Friday at 5:00P
4. Finish reading Fahrenheit 451
5. Read my essay on Fahrenheit 451
6. Make sure you're set up for Thanksgiving Break

family storytime this friday afternoon

If you have a younger sibling (*ages 0-150 welcome, so your parents and grandparents are welcome too :), and you'd like to share a story for fun with my daughter and, please join us for Zoom storytime this Friday (11/20) at 4:00 p.m. My daughter also loves Les Mis, so feel free to ask her anything!

Here is the Zoom info:

David Preston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: family storytime
Time: Nov 20, 2020 04:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83666874166?pwd=YmVmRHRvS2V6TFk4T0swdmloSENKZz09

Meeting ID: 836 6687 4166
Passcode: 688767
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,83666874166#,,,,,,0#,,688767# US (San Jose)
+12532158782,,83666874166#,,,,,,0#,,688767# US (Tacoma)

Dial by your location
        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
Meeting ID: 836 6687 4166
Passcode: 688767
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcLWedowv

november 18

For your MOM: What's making an impression on you right now?

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tune: "My First Impression of You" by Billie Holiday]
As the old saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."  Why do you think first impressions are so important?  What do you think are the keys to making a good first impression?

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Post your 3 journal entries and literature analysis by 5:00P Friday
4. Read Fahrenheit 451 and get a head start on your blog posts for the week and the break

november 17

For your MOM: Slow down. For 60 seconds.

JOURNAL TOPIC: ["Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones]
We all encounter emergencies-- illness, earthquakes, stalled cars, the occasional zombie apocalypse--so what can you do to be prepared? Describe planning or training for something that might actually happen.

-OR-

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Fahrenheit 451

november 16

For your MOM: Tell yourself, "I don't have to..." and fill in the end of your sentence in a way that makes you feel terrific. Enjoy your 60 seconds.

JOURNAL TOPIC: ["Thank You" by ZZ Top]
Some holidays are worth celebrating every day.  Feeling grateful makes us happier, healthier, and more productive, so why not celebrate Thanksgiving today?  Think of something/someone for whom you are truly grateful, and use today's journal time to give thanks.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Fahrenheit 451: status & reading calendar

reminder: monday zoom is mandatory this week

Please make sure you visit our Zoom meetings page and reacquaint yourself with the Monday schedule and login link. We have a tight schedule, everyone is expected to attend, and I won't be able to respond to emails during classes. Mahalo.

Welcome to Week 14!

Hi,
The learning gods have thrown us a schedule curveball. No problem. We will start by meeting today (Monday) on Zoom. This is the last week before we have a well-deserved week off for Thanksgiving, so let's take the opportunity to do something great.

Finish reading Fahrenheit 451 by Friday. I will post audio recordings as often and as fast as I can.

Over the break, you will write an essay on the book. This will be due on your blog by Monday, November 30 at 8:00A Pacific Time.

In the meantime, please continue writing in your journal each day. You will be asked to post your next round of three favorite journal entries by this Friday, November 20, at 5:00P Pacific Time.

Please also post one entry for each day this week about Fahrenheit 451. Details for these will be on the course blog daily agendas, so please read the course blog each day.

Keep up the good work!

Best,
Dr. Preston

the sheets hit the fan

Hi,
As you know, this semester is an ongoing experiment to discover what supports our learning process. During the first half of the semester, I posted Google Sheets for you to claim your credit when you finished each course assignment. Some people crushed it -- I've listed the heroes' names below. But most people didn't bother claiming their credit, and I can see what you've done on your course blogs. The only remaining reason to maintain the Sheets was to find out when a person couldn't attend a Zoom meeting but watched a recording - and if you want to let me know about that, you can send me an email.

So, wave goodbye to the Google Sheets. We're not using them anymore. Please catch up on your work so that your blog doesn't look like an empty kitchen cupboard, and please remember we're on a new Zoom schedule this week. See you all on Monday. Please consult the Zoom Meetings page for the links.

Enjoy the weekend,
Dr. Preston

These are the people who crushed it on the Google Sheets. Thank you all!

PERIOD 6
Jonathan
Katelyn
Hector


PERIOD 7
Juan
Rivaldo
Jasmine
 

november 13

For your MOM: [Set your mental or clock timer for 60 seconds. Close your eyes. Focus on a memory that makes you happy. Then let it go, like you're waking up from a dream... keep your eyes closed, think about nothing, and keep breathing...]

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Don't You Remember" by Adele; "Memory" by Barbra Streisand]

When we read we make connections between the text and what we already know.  Sometimes we find ourselves surprised when a book calls to mind an old memory we haven't thought about in a long time.  What are your earliest memories?  What makes some things impossible to remember and other things impossible to forget?

AGENDA:
*Moment of Mindfulness (& mindfully turn in your resume)
1. Journal
2. Read the posts about our Zoom schedule and plan your life next week accordingly
3. There is no new work today, so take full advantage of Freedom Friday and catch up on anything you're missing

BONUS POST:
Describe something you've done really well in this course.  Find at least one thing that makes you proud as you look back. (title: FOR THE WIN)

more info about our zoom schedule

I promised you that I would pass along information as soon as I received it. By now you should have seen my post yesterday about the changing schedule. Here is the letter that all SMHS teachers received from Principal Steve Campbell:

about your brag sheet

Please do NOT post it -- or your résumé -- to your blog. Please email it to me as an attachment.

Mahalo.

our zoom schedule

As many of you already know, the district is changing our Zoom meeting schedule to comply with California Department of Education requirements.  As a result, the Zoom schedule for all classes will be:

MONDAY: Periods 1-7 (All Students) Zoom for roll/remediation

TUES & WED: Periods 1-4 (All Students)

THURS & FRI: Periods 5-7 (All Students)

 

All of the information you need to log in is (still/ always) on our Zoom Meetings page.

november 12

[For your MOM: gratitude]

JOURNAL TOPIC:

Some holidays are worth celebrating every day.  Feeling grateful makes us happier, healthier, and more productive, so why not celebrate Thanksgiving today?  Think of something/someone for whom you are truly grateful, and use today's journal time to give thanks.

 

-OR-

 

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Fahrenheit 451
3. Posts

november 11

Pro Tip: 

School may be taking the day off for Veteran's Day, but your mind never takes a day off.

If observing Veteran's Day is important to you, please do so with honor. Take a quiet moment. Thank a person who has served our country.

And don't fool yourself. You will never get a second chance at November 11, 2020. Tomorrow we will all be one day closer to the ends of our lives. So practice mindfulness, be kind, exercise, make something, achieve something - find a way to make the day your masterpiece. 

Thanks for reading.

your fahrenheit 451 reading

The second audio track is now on the Fahrenheit 451 page. And, so you can find your place more easily, all of the text you can hear -- and that you should have listened to or read so far -- is marked in bold. You can keep reading ahead if you want to, but please make sure you're keeping up. Mahalo.

november 10

For your MOM: 60 seconds. Breathe.

November 10 JOURNAL TOPIC:
What do you think or say when someone makes fun of your lunch?

-OR-

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. 20 Questions (*These are designed to go along with our reading.  We're up to about #10.  The second audio file will go up this afternoon. Please answer the questions in a post on your blog (title: 451 QUESTIONS, 20 ANSWERS)

1. “The Hearth and the Salamander” seems an odd choice for a chapter title. Why do you suppose Bradbury chose it? What connections did he want to create? (hint: in mythology, the salamander is a fire lizard, said to be capable of starting and putting out fires)
   
2. The lines, “It was a pleasure to burn. It was a special pleasure to see things eaten, to see things blackened and changed” (1) tell the reader a great deal about the protagonist, Guy Montag. What assumptions can the reader make?
   
3. Bradbury’s use of metaphor and animal imagery begins on page one of the novel. He writes, “With the brass nozzle in his fists, with this great python spitting its venomous kerosene upon the world, the blood pounded in his head...” (1). Why would he have chosen to characterize a fire hose as a “great python?” Is the imagery positive or negative?
   
4. Also on the first page, we learn that Montag’s fire-helmet is inscribed with the number 451. What is the symbolic importance of this number?
   
5. Explain how Clarisse McClellan is first described. What is it about her that immediately strikes Montag?
   
6. The names “Clarisse” and “Guy” are significant. How?
   
7. Clarisse questions Montag about his way of life. How does she question him, and how does he react to
   her questions?
   
8. During the first conversation between Clarisse and Montag the reader discovers several odd things about the society in which these two characters live. Describe at least three odd things we learn.
9. Montag employs two similes in thinking of Clarisse. What comparisons does he make and why? 
10. What does Montag realize about himself after Clarisse leaves him the first time?
11. What are “Seashells” and how does Montag’s wife, Mildred/Millie, use them?
    
12. There is a stark difference between Bradbury’s first description of Clarisse and his first description of
    Mildred. What does the reference to her face (11) signify and how does it contribute to our
    understanding of both her character and the marriage between Montag and Mildred?
    
13. Describe the machine used on Mildred. Explain the symbolism.
    
14. Montag’s comment that “Nobody knows anyone” (14) is telling. What is the epiphany he has?
    
15. Unthinkingly, Montage finds himself drawn to the window of the McClellan household. Explain the
    contrast between his house and this one. What does the contrast tell the reader about society at large?
    
16. Montag’s confused statement, “‘I don’t know anything anymore’” (15) signifies a pivotal moment in the
    text. Explain.
    
17. When Mildred wakes up from her near-death experience, she does not seem to remember what
    happened. Describe her mood at this point. Why has Bradbury characterized her this way? What does
    Millie’s conversation with Montag reveal about her?
    
18. Why does Clarisse visit the psychiatrist?
    
19. What is “the Hound” and what is its function? Why is Montag bothered by the Hound?
20. Why does the woman want to stay-- and burn, and die--with her books, rather than surrender to the fireman and leave the books and her home to burn?

november 9

For your MOM: Stare at something for 60 seconds while you breathe. Or, close your eyes and check out the light show behind your lids.

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tune: "I.G.Y." by Donald Fagan
What do you think of when you see the word FUTURE?

-OR-

Choose your own.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. On paper, write a list of everything you've ever done that you're proud of. If you need help, ask family and friends. Grades, awards, sports, community service, jobs -- it all counts. Come up with a list of ten and be ready to share by Thursday. Do NOT put this on your blog.
3. Listen and/or read the second installment of Fahrenheit 451, and complete the week's blog posts by Thursday. We'll discuss and move forward when we meet on Zoom.

Welcome to Week 13!

Hi All,

It's the beginning of our third month, and the start of the second half of the semester.  Except, when you think about it, the second half is quicker than the first half. Between Veteran's Day this week, Thanksgiving at the end of the month, and all of the usual pre-holiday/finals excitement, it's going to go by faster than you think.

With that in mind, here is a preview of the rest of our semester. 

• We will continue writing in our journals - your next post of three favorite entries is due by 5:00 p.m. Pacific time this Tuesday, November 10. 
•  We will finish Literature Analysis #1 and post it on our blogs by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 20.
  
• We will continue reading and writing about Fahrenheit 451. Please keep up with the reading schedule as it's posted on the course blog. If we get this right, we will finish the book around Thanksgiving.
• We will create résumés and cover letters that you can use for holiday employment, scholarship applications, and any other opportunities you pursue in the future.

Thanks to all the parents who visited during the evening Zoom hangouts over the last two weeks - if your parents ever want to connect, please feel free to share my calendar link with them too.

As always, please check the Work Product page, please keep up with the course blog this week, and please email or Zoom if you have any questions or need any help.

Onward.

Dr. Preston

november 6

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tune: "Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles]
Today I got to speak with my daughter online. Who are the people you miss right now because you can't get out of the house or do the things you usually do? Does the pandemic make you more aware of being alone? Why is being alone such a challenge for so many people?

-OR-

What routines are you adopting to compensate for the lack of school/sports/work structure in your life?  Are you exercising, reading, learning something new?  Do you eat and go to bed on some sort of schedule?

-OR-

Choose your own topic.

[Please feel free to continue writing on paper, or share your ideas in a comment to this post.]

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Please publish your blog posts for the week and spend some time reading your Literature Analysis book.

november 5

 [for your MOM: "How long can I feel an itch without scratching?"]

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tune: "I Know But I Don't Know" by Blondie]
How does uncertainty make you feel?  Do you think uncertainty is somehow inherently bad or good, or do the stories we tell ourselves about it make it so?  We are all navigating uncertainty, so please feel free to contribute today's journal entry as a comment to this post.

-OR-

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Speaking of uncertainty, have you done everything you can to support your success in this course? Check out the Work Product page and make sure your blog is up to date.
3. Read/listen to Part I of Fahrenheit 451 and post your first impressions:
title: IMAGE OF A MAN (What is your first impression of Guy Montag? What in the text gives you this impression?)
title: ENTER CLARISSE (What is the effect of Clarisse showing up? What is your first impression of her?)
title: FIRE CAN WARM OR BURN (How is fire described in the first scene of the book? Is it helpful or destructive? Explain.)

november 4

for your MOM: The word elect means to select or decide. What will you elect to think about during these 60 seconds?

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tunes: "Gimme Some Truth" by John Lennon; "Rise Above" by Black Flag]

It seems like the election is on everyone's minds today. What do you think the presidential election says about our country? What do you want to see happen this week? (OPTION: since today's topic is about public democracy, feel free to answer the question in a comment to this post instead of writing in your notebook.)

-OR- 

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:

1. Journal
2. Spend >15 minutes reading your Literature Analysis book - don't procrastinate! If you finish your book and/or feel ready to start answering the questions, do that too. Finishing before 11/20 means: a) one less thing for you to worry about, and/or b) if you like the process, you can pick a next book and help your grade.

november 3

For your MOM: Imagine what the world would feel like if everyone spent all day just wanting to help you.

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today it feels right to play this tune: you can choose the original "Rockin' in the Free World" by Neil Young, or this cover version by U2, Pearl Jam, and Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day - it starts at 4:36 in the video - which they played as an encore at a concert in Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, on December 9, 2006. I remember it very well because I was there.]

Every once in a while, often during moments of extreme stress, ordinary people do extraordinary things. (You've probably heard of stories where a mother lifts a car off of a child, for example. This is a real thing-- it's called "hysterical strength" and there are lots of cases.) What makes this possible? Can you apply this idea over the next few weeks to achieve your academic goals for the semester?

-OR-

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Spend at least 15 minutes reading the book you chose for your Literature Analysis

november 2

For your MOM: Listen to yourself breathe -- but hear it from inside your body.

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tune: "Missing You" by John Waite]
Today I got to speak with my daughter online. Who are the people you miss right now because you can't get out of the house or do the things you usually do?

-OR-

Choose your own topic. 

AGENDA:

1. Journal
2. Spend at least 30 minutes reading the book you picked for your Literature Analysis.

Welcome to Week 12!

Hi All,

I hope that Wellness Week gave you a chance to recharge your batteries and restore your momentum as we begin the second half of the semester.  Please remember to check the blog each day, write in your journal each day, and publish your three journal entries and a minimum three blog posts by this Wednesday, November 4. (It's been almost three weeks since I last posted scores on AERIES, but I didn't want to hassle you during Wellness Week).

This week we will begin reading Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451. Some of you may be familiar with the book, but trust me when I tell you that you haven't read it the way we are going to read it.

For starters:

When they attended Los Angeles High School together in the 1930s, Ray Bradbury tried to date my grandmother.  Here is a drawing he made for her.

See you soon,
Dr. Preston

october 30 (retro)

***Thanks for letting me know that the 10/30 post didn't appear on Friday***

JOURNAL TOPIC:

Choose your own.

AGENDA:

1. Journal
2. Finish Wellness Week strong, rest over the weekend, enjoy whatever passes for Halloween this year, and come back strong for Week 12!