A Sense of Worth

1/11: HOMEWORK: Continue to read. Be thinking about how the required essay prompt might fit your book.

We watched more Moulin Rouge! scenes to prepare for the exam.

Here's the link to the podcast with Claudia Rankine.

1/10: HOMEWORK: Continue to read. Be thinking about how the required essay prompt might fit your book.

We went over the exam review and rewatched scenes from Rushmore to use for the exam.

1/9: HOMEWORK: Continue to read. Continue the work we started in class today (see link below).

Focusing on the development of identity and self worth in the film and novel. We started by watching and writing about an early scene in Rushmore, then transitioned to the book groups.

1/8: HOMEWORK: Continue to read. Be thinking about self-worth and how it is developed in at least one character in your novel.

In class, we read through the lens of self worth.

1/7: HOMEWORK: Continue to read - bring your books tomorrow. You should plan to finish by Thursday.

We finished Rushmore: some things to think about include-"hurt people hurt people" Max and Rosemary are hurt people, as his Blume.

Max's mother's death continues to haunt him- it is tied to Rushmore and to his writing (she submitted his one act play about watergate to the school in order to get him a scholarship). The cemetery is right next door to his house.

Watch Max change of clothes - it tells you where his head is at.

Where's the growth? What does the film say about forgiveness and repentance? What does it say about developing a sense of worth?

1/3: HOMEWORK: Continue to read: you should be planning to finish the books for Thursday.

In class, we continued watching Rushmore: As we turn to the film, I want to start with the opening scene before we proceed today. Much of the film’s humor comes from its awkwardness and from an understanding of Max’s character.

writing first; We’ll watch the opening again. As we do, make a list of what you see visually in the opening. Camera shots are important, but even more important is the way in which Anderson creates the scene. Look at how characters are dressed, at the setting, at objects, at the shots he uses to draw your attention to particulars, etc. You should strive for at least 8-12 things in your list.Then, read over the list and write about how Max’s character is being shaped by this opening scene. Who is Max, what sort of kid is he, what matters to him and how do you know that, based on what Anderson shows you in this opening scene?

I’d also like to get you to think about the idea of identity and how it evolves over time. I ran across an article that used discussed the root of the word “evolution.” It comes from the Latin and its root means “unrolling.” Apparently, it was a tactical term and it described “wheeling” maneuver to realign troops. I like that idea of physical movement as part of evolving and I thin it fits well with the film. Please keep that in mind as we move forward.

1/2: HOMEWORK: Continue to read.

In class we read and we started thinking about identity and how it shapes a character in the novel. Then we started Rushmore.

12/21: Thinking and writing about identity and Colin Stokes' TED Talk

12/20: Reading and meeting in book groups.

12/19: We read in class and began thinking and writing about identity

12/18: We read in class for 25 minutes. On the front of the notecard: write down the title of the book, your page number, and Y= read in clas, N=read at home. Then, what is "sticking" in the book? What are you finding interesting? What do you want to talk about? What character(s) catches your attention (and why?), what questions do you have, etc.? Fill the front of the notecard.

12/14: HOMEWORK: Between now and Tuesday, read for at least a half hour twice.

We finished the film and talked copied down the guiding quotes for the unit.

"The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only by its people feeling that they are worthwhile."- Fred Rogers

"We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. ...There are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes." - Fred Rogers

12/13: HOMEWORK: Between now and Tuesday, read for at least a half hour twice.

We reflected on childhood and watched the first half of Won't You be My Neighbor?

We chose new books today.

These are our guiding quotes for this unit:

"The world needs a sense of worth, and it will achieve it only by its people feeling that they are worthwhile."- Fred Rogers

"We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. ...There are those who see the need and respond. I consider those people my heroes." - Fred Rogers