Reflection (21/1/13-25/1/13)

 This week, we utilised acronyms in helping us to write better analysis for poems. While working on them, I realise that were other factors to consider in analysing a piece of poetry as well such as rhyme, audience and speaker. 

However, I found it hard to remember these acronyms unless they are short. Hence, I believe S.M.I.L.E. ( structure, meaning, imagery, language, evidence) was the most memorable and effective acronym as each alphabet covers a range of things that needs to be considered. 

Our literature circles had been great so far with members trying to come up with new ways to spice up our meetings. This week, Victoria made a jumbled up piece synopsis cut out of paper and we had to rearrange it. We also had fun using Zondle for our vocabulary.

Reflection (14/1/13-18/1/13)

This week, we reviewed each other's work on the chapters of the novels assigned to us. I believe we gave each other constructive feedback and gave a thorough analysis of the quality of work. Overall, I think some groups did a great job in creating illustrations and slideshows for the chapters' synopsis. After we collected the pros and cons of each chapter, we were able to understand what needed to be improved. I also believe this method was very productive! If we do this for the next chapters (11-20) we will be done with this project in another week!

Ms. Abena's example chapter also taught us about how to make use of Wallwisher  and to include more embedded exercises. The group discussion proved to be useful when we head over to the library to discuss about Sex and Sexuality. We were open and matured while discussing hence producing a fruitful discussion on issues about sex and sexuality. I found it refreshing to discuss about something that really matters to us teens but were always considered taboo.

We also got back our poem analysis essays and compared it with Miran's outstanding piece. I was impressed at her interpretation of solder as I did not understand the symbolism behind it. I think the practice essays really help us in preparing for the upcoming exams.

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Brain's numb. Numb from all the noise that infringes my space.

There's not enough space.

Shut up, just. Shut up.

Pathetic yelps. I smile a lot less. 

Is this what they call as "growing up"?

A nice long sleep on my bed. That's all I want.

Overcoming the trauma of metamorphosis. 

The slow transition into an ugly brew. A lifelong battle with oneself.

I want this but I should do this. Blergh.

"Yeah it's overwhelming, but what else can we do. Get jobs in offices, and wake up for the morning commute."

Reflection (7/1/13-11/1/13)

 discussion study guide

This week in English, we did a lot of poetry and kicked off the week with a nice game of 1 truth two false. I had been given an interesting word, "diction", and I had no idea what the theme of the game was as there was even "Kalashnikov" in it until we read the poems in our anthology. I had a newfound appreciation for some poems such as "Fatima" and "Clearance" as I analyzed the backgrounds of the poems (e.g: "Fatima" had a background of the Sarajevo war and ethnic segregation in it) and I learnt so much about "Clearances", the poem which I was most unfamiliar about, until Ms. Abena told us about the culture of Irish cuisine and its familiarity with potatoes. I found the poem really heartwarming after I  found the key behind the symbolism of potatoes within it and I could almost vividly imagine the poem inside my head. Out of all the poems, "Fatima" and "Clearances" have to be my favourite.

I chose to write on "Clearances" for my analysis essay as I felt that it was a breakthrough revelation after understanding its symbolism with potatoes. However, besides the symbolism, I also learnt to compare the writer's perspective and talk about the emotions that the poem carries in my essay as I feel that I could imagine the poem in my view.

We also played out the poems, which I initially thought it wouldn't be helpful but at the end, had indeed helped me in understanding the poems better. While acting out "For Rita With Love", I learnt that "Rita" could possible have Down's Syndrome and when I tried embracing my classmates, their genuine reactions of being freaked out was unfortunately real. I would not be able the situation of the poem ever  if I hadn't seen the faces of my classmates. This gave me an appreciation for the poem as I really learnt more of it's subtle significance. I saw how by being kind, people actually think of it as an odd manner because it's uncommon to be nice and kind. To hug other at random. To say, "I like you" to strangers.

Lastly, we discussed about our Study Guide project and I felt that questionnaire helped us all to see how we REALLY felt about working on the project. I was glad that we were all honest about how we weren't putting enough effort into the project but at the same time, we were not going to give up as we knew it would be beneficial at the end. We had a productive discussion and concluded that each chapter will be worked on among pairs. I think that as soon as we finish the project and put it aside, we will be able to focus on preparing for the exam.

reflection (2/1/13-4/1/13)

Another year unfolds and what better way to celebrate(for us students) than to hand in our first coursework! Apologies to Ms. Abena who has to mark a mountain pile of it though. :( The week kicked off great with us organizing ourselves to collaboratively work on the study guide and we've to play our part as everyone has a role. Our discussions resulted in a productive timeline and a division of tasks for the study guide. However, some did not participate in the discussion and were insensitive towards others such as Afifah who has too many tasks for herself to do.

I really hope that we could care for others and not wander off during important discussions as the study guide is for the benefit of all of us. I'm looking forward to the weeks to come where I could finalize my second essay and count the time ticking away to my secondary school graduation. May this be a start to another productive year in English class!