Happy Birthday to Orber!

Dear Chibi,

Happy Birthday. I'm sorry that I'm cheap and didn't get you a birthday card. But it is the thought that counts, ne? And I'm pretty sure these are much better than a cheesy birthday card. Enjoy your present(s)! And daaaaayuuuuum, you're getting old (and heavy!)

From your sis.

P.S. Gnomes rule!

Mini-changes.

In a few minutes, I will be changing my blog's layout. The reason behind this is that I will be putting up images that tend to cut off in the usual layout. And if I leave it cut off, then the person that it is targeted for will have to either squint their eyes REALLY hard that they will pop out of their sockets, or they would have to do clicking and resizing... and it will just be a whole mess. So I'm just going to change the layout. Some people were complaining about the centered-narrow-ness anyway. So... without further adieu...

Updated To Do List.

For School (Currently): BEFORE DECEMBER 3RD WOULD BE NICE!

• Finish grading (EVERYTHING!!!!)*
• The Juvie Three Lesson Plan (Chapters...7/8?)
• Philippa Gregory Author Study
• Study for Special Education Class Exam... (still unsure when I am taking this)
• CP #1 - Teaching Context Form (finished); Unit Plan (finished*) + 3 Lessons (need the 3 lessons approved); Unit Plan w/ handwritten annotations (finished*); Statement of Revisions (finished); Handouts - Blank (finished*); Classroom Analysis; Classroom Students Analysis; Unit Plan Commentary
• Finish Teachers' Keys of Handouts
• CP #2 - Copy of pre-assessment and post-assessment (finished); Answer keys (finished); Samples of work from two students on both assessments with grading and comments (finished); Commentary on the assessments and results that addresses all requirements 1.1-4.2(finished*)
• CP #3 - Videotaped segment from one lesson (finished*); Written reflection and analysis of Videotape
• NCTE/NRE Standards for Teaching (finished)
• NCTE/NRE Standards for Unit (finished*)
• Overall Unit Plan Reflection
 

* - denotes November 30th edit

Happy Thanksgiving!

This made me smile. =)

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Latest Events.

I have been playing a bit of Virtual Families lately. I have all the game files filled up with families. And I just had two couples that popped a baby each. Both of the babies are males... Hmm... Random is random. Somehow two brown haired came with a fiery orange-baby. Anyway, I am planning to visit Ivalice today so we can do loads of homework. My parents decided to go to Ann Arbor and Chicago today.

I got a monthly subscription to World of Warcraft. <3 Now I get to play around as a Gnome Priest and a Tauren Paladin. Whee~

Heading out after I post something interesting. =)

Domo-dress.

I got done with the revisions to my unit plan and my students' final test. (Yes, this means I still have to go in for two more days before I can say I am finished with my student methods II.)

I then went on the interwebs (google images, in fact) and found this.

I hope you all enjoy it as much as I am.

And yes, I did find it to be quite a genius piece. I want one.

Gah.

I went in to teach, thinking that it will perhaps be my last day. Unfortunately, the students that I have didn't finish reading the final act as I hoped. There isn't much left to read for each class, so I will definately have them finish the play tomorrow. I am unsure what I am going to have them do for the remaining period since we will not be finishing any worksheets. They are not doing any vocabulary, so I may just have them study for the exam for the following day. Should I have them watch a movie? Discuss what they thought of the play in general; how they wished for the events to play out? I do not know what to do with them; I am hoping that all will be fine tomorrow morning.

I have much to do for tonight... COFFEEE IS GOOOD FOR THE SOOOOOUL, but bad for the brain.

Plans for after Methods II: Watch Gilmore Girls and (maybe) play Final Fantasy (the MMO).

To Do List (because I need the interwebs to host this for me)

For School (Currently): BEFORE DECEMBER 3RD WOULD BE NICE!

• Finish making corrections to the unit plan
• Finish the re-write of writing plan (that is part of the unit plan)
• Finish grading (EVERYTHING!!!!)
• The Juvie Three Lesson Plan (Chapters...7/8?)
• Philippa Gregory Author Study
• Study for Special Education Class Exam... (still unsure when I am taking this)
• Go over Methods II packet... and do everything that it tells you to do (meaning the video-editing, the numerous reflection pieces, commentaries...)
• Street Project: Overall reflection
• Street Project: Beneficial to community reflection
• Street Project: Community Event reflection
• Street Project: Interview + Reflection

For the Self: GENERAL... OVERALL STUFF!

• Buy some caution tape and cover my room with it... People tend to move my things.
• Stop... buying stuff at Office Max, Office Depot, Borders, Barnes and Nobles... and well... any store, really. Though it is all for a VERY GOOD CAUSE!
• Relax. Really. Breathe in... breathe out. (*secretly pulls her hair out*)

For School (Future): Cry now.

• Background Check (Going with Ivalice. Ah ho ho ho ho!)
• Call Student Teaching Cooperating Teacher to set an interview date/time
• Print out the Student Teacher Handbook... And study it like it is your Bible.

Unsure:

• Re-discover your fondness for the color red.

Things Already Finished:

• Applied and submitted graduation form(s).
• Died on the inside.

Hachiko (Ritsu)

I don't think I've made this formal announcement yet:

Some of you may have noticed that I have changed my pseudonym to Ritsu (at the end). It used to be Yukimora, but Yuki thought it was kind of creepy-stalker-ish that I have almost the same name. So after a while, I decided that I would change my pseudonym (not that it matters since everybody calls me Hachi and not the full name). Buuuut, I've made the change. Just putting that out there. Aren't I a nice buddy? Haha.

So I'm moving things around a bit between blogs. Revo Emag is now very...very orange and swirly. I don't remember what I did with my book list. THAT is a project of its own whenever I get a chance to sit down and write for it. I'm considering writing a novel... or rather a conglomeration of all that comes to my mind (plot-wise). I have had quite a few ideas, just that I never manage to get it down on paper. I don't like it when that happens. I have tried keeping a steno-pad or something like it. It never really happens. We'll see how things go. Right now, I need to finish up school-related stuff. The semester is coming to an end rather quickly and time seems to not be my best friend right now. I'm quite surprised that I am up this early actually...

I have found a lovely button while typing new posts onto blogs: the "insert jump break" function. It's quite useful for when I have large posts. Basically it allows the entry (wherever one decides to insert it) a link (for when posted) that says "Read More > > >" or something of that sort (you may edit this when you go to "Design" on your blog) and click on the posts section. Your readers would just simply click on it, and they will be directed to your entire post.

A Few Changes.

As some of you may have already noticed, I have changed a few things around on this blog. Of course, I am writing this to my audience as I am in the middle of such changes.

Getting right down to the point: I have created two new blogs, one of which will be shared with two other authors (and merely just for fun). I will explain now the purpose for my doing so.

It has been suggested by one of my professors at the university that I should start an annotated book list of books/novels that I have read. I have decided that, instead of making it strictly on paper, to put it online as I finish reading them. Of course, since I have read many books in my lifetime, I will be posting my thoughts (and perhaps a summary) of the books as I run into them. Since I am starting the list now, I will be keeping a list of books that I have read, that I NEED to make a post about on the sidebar of that blog. And yes, it will be a blog of it's own. The link to that blog will be placed alongside the other links (of which, as you can see, I am providing a mini-snippet of; you will see what I am talking about if you keep your eyes open).

The second blog is the one that I have given access to two authors: Yuki (of Potential Wierdness) and Ivalice (of Shut Up, Caboose!). It is a dictionary of terms that get passed on between ourselves and other friends. I feel that it will be a fun experiment!

Oh... and yes. My blog is now purple. I felt that I needed a change in color scheme. =]

The (Growing) Music List

I have decided recently (as I have been listening to Pandora) to start a list of songs that I like to listen to. I always forget what song is what whenever I listen to it on the radio. And I find it especially annoying that I cannot recall the title of a song when I know I told myself that I wouldn't forget it.

So I will be keeping track of songs that I like on this blog, just like I am doing with the list of books that I would like to read at some point. Come to think of it, I should probably start an annotated book list pretty soon with books that I have read. There are just... so many things to do.

I'd also like to take this time to thank a lot of my colleagues, family members and friends. I feel that for the past few months I have been moody and enveloped in my school/career/family life that I do not have much time for anything else. Most of my appointments and meetings with people have been close to last minute. I thank you all for being supportive and helping me out whenever you can. I'd like to especially thank my parents for supplying me with all their love and especially... funds to do what I am doing to this day. Thank you, Yuki for being such a great friend. I love the way that you can be so honest with me about so many things. Our conversations have always and probably will always be enjoyable. Thanks Ivalice for being my knight in shining armor. You'll always be close to my heart and an important part of my life. Thanks Chibi-kun for being just you. I feel that even though you are young, you understand yet so much to life that it is nearly impossible for you to grow up to be the best that you can be. I hope you continue to understand life the way it is and take everything into account when the time comes to make your utmost important decisions.

I'd like to thank my professors, coordinators, supervisors, the big bosses, and especially the cooperating teachers for all their support and bitching sessions that we were able to have together.

I find it so sad and yet so relieving that a big portion of my life is just about over in another few weeks. And I really do not believe that I could have done it all without everyone I know and hold dearly.

Recent Thoughts.

As the title suggests, here are some of my thoughts that have come in and out of my head. I can't shake the mixed feelings of everything that my thought processes has brought to me. So here goes. Breathe, Hachi. Breathe in hard.

I don’t know what I get myself into most of the time. I live for the moment, yes. For those know me well enough, that is how I truly believe that people should abide by on a daily basis. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow, what will happen the next week. I don’t intend to figure things out until they come. I think about it, yes. But I cannot rely on plans to indicate how my life will play out. It just cannot happen. So for those that cannot deal with the way I see how life should run, perhaps it is time you leave my life. I don’t need people that are merely going to criticize me for the way that I see shit happen in the world. I don’t need your pity for the reasons why I follow the path that I take the way that I do. And for those of you those who just don’t understand get the hell off of your high horses. It’s time you stop with your egotistical selves and take into perspective that life doesn’t just revolve around you.

My Poem: A Dedication to My Grandfather

"Unity"

© 2009 Hachiko Yukimora

We are gathered here today

Unsure of where we stood within the cold depths of sudden chilly November. We stand next to our inner weeping Mother, watching as the gathering separated themselves into eminent groups. Culture. Color. Class. All of us, we are the same and yet so different. Today, it is different: the only days that all of these people could stand together in unity at section eleven. All coming for a single purpose dressed in solidity, chattering amongst ourselves in this cold afternoon.

The younger voices silence, yet every bow they made, an impact on our hearts. Throbbing, holding back all the sorrows of the dearly departed. Time is slow in this moment, as we remember the painful memories of happy pasts, seething differences and misunderstandings. Those days, those nights, are the ones we will never fail to remember.

in respect to the passing of

Our grandfather, forever beautiful. All saddened, yet blissful for his death. He is no longer suffering from illness and quasi-poverty. And yet, we will forever hold him dear in our hearts, and remember his joyous laughter, even till death, his lively stature. His beauty was imminent to all of us, and by being himself, he was able to express his gracious attitude and make a mark within the family name. We only blame ourselves for not taking that very last picture, but his memory. Photographic.

Remember the morning’s wake, the early yet late lunches by the small windows in his fifth floor apartment building above the drafty urban neighborhood in Chinatown on eleventh street.

Let us join in unison, on this day.

It was as if he was still amongst us, crying with us. His drips of cold rain within the beautiful cemetery—the best that we could provide so that he could enjoy the scenic view of blooming flowers and its tall trees. With his new company, his new neighbors, lying and resting in peace amongst all others. We are all together, joined by this man’s death, our grandfather, still doing what is great for all of us, even in death. Unsure whether to celebrate, for that may be what he would of wanted this day to be—rather than confronted by heartbreaking sadness and grief.

In this moment of silence, his resting place.

We will visit every year for our grandfather, pressing on pretty tulips of every color to brighten the day in his very honor. Our grandfather, whom we took for granted in every bit of essence of his life. We are gathered here today, in his honor, to bring his soul to peace. He will have everything that he has ever wanted. Power, money, and value; all for him, these are our gifts for him.

Update.

I have been busy lately with methods teaching in all. But I figured that I would spend a moment in life while I am at work to say that... I APPLIED FOR GRADUATION (in Spring 2011) today! So let's just hope that it happens.

Thanksgiving Break is almost here, so that means I just have to finish a few days worth of teaching. I'll probably do a bit overtime. I'm not sure how I want that to work yet...

Class Wiki... Here are mine.

Creative Dramatics – n.

An informal dramatization of a story using simple means of staging. The creative dramatics has, if any, limited stage sets and costumes upon which the dramatic performance itself is based around an original story idea. Creative dramatics is usually formulated as skits, plays and scripts within the classroom setting, unlike its larger counterpart which may take place in an auditorium with more elaborate performance technology (lighting, set designing, costumes, make-up, choreography, etc).

History

The history of creative dramatics is obscure. Drama and dance on their own have existed throughout human history because of man's innate impulse to behave and act differently from their norm. Much of being an actor is to manipulate one's feelings; all in all, pretending to be someone or something else.

It can be said that drama became structured in Ancient Greece, where it is said that it is where people began to act accordingly to religious themes. Also, during the middle ages, drama was used as a vehicle to teach its audiences the importance of religion. However, most of the actors in the medieval plays were merely people of the local community, meaning that they did not act as a profession.

Reasons for Using Creative Drama in the Classroom

Creative drama can help students in the following ways:

1. It helps students (especially young children) develop social skills by working in small or large groups. There is a sense of community formed when working with others towards a common goal.

2. It helps students become aware of their community by developing all of their senses. Sense awareness is deeply emphasized within the dramatic arts.

Bibliography:

http://www.education.ne.gov/read/FRAMEWORK/glossary/general_a-e.html

http://www.susancanthony.com/resources/timsav/creativedrama.html

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Critical Theory – n.

The examination and critique of society and culture drawing upon knowledge available through social sciences and the humanities. Critical theory is shown within the classroom through analysis of the literary works. Usually it is complimented by questions posed through inferential, literal, evaluative means.

Bibliography:

TBA.

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Cultural Literacy – n.

The ability to conversate effortlessly by using literary devices such as idioms, puns, allusion and other familiar content that has been produced and established in a dominant culture. An important aspect to cultural literacy is the ability to understand the dominate culture’s similarities and differences to one’s own through the means of each other’s customs, values, and beliefs. Cultural literacy may be implemented to one's curriculum by referring and exposing students to literature that enables them to think critically about a world other than their immediate own, outside of the school, the city, the state and onwards.

Some authors that have written culturally diverse literature:

Alice Walker

Amy Tan

Bharati Mukherjee

Christopher Paul Curtis

Gary Soto

Gene Luen Yang

Gordan Korman

Khaled Hosseini

Langston Hughes

Marjane Satrapi

Maya Angelou

Merle Good

Mildred Dawson

Naomi Shihab Nye

Nikki Giovanni

Octavia Butler

Richard Ammon

Richard Wright

Steven Izuki

Walter Dean Myers