Reading Times

12/7/13

Lord of the Flies

Chapter 12 

Pg.183-202

1 Hour and 30 Minutes

Great Experience

  The writing center is a great place with the ideal learning environment.  My experience with the writing center was a excellent one.  I meet a new friend, I enjoyed working on my paper with them, which just added to my opinion to the writing center.  I really like Mrs. Spaht, who is also my study hall teacher.  All, adding up to my great experience in the writing center.

  All of the things I mentioned were great, however the best part of the writing center is that I got my paper done in the most fun way possible.  I liked, the people, the atmosphere, got the assignment done for english, and got the requirement of one visit to the writing center done.  Many people are probably at first not fond of the writing center, because they think "oh I need help" but it is really a great place.  There is probably no other school you can get the one on one student help, which is really worth it.  Overall the writing center is a wonderful place and I recommend any one to visit.

Best Part of my Day!

  There are many things that I love and strive for to see in my life.  I really enjoy seeing and talking to my parents.  I only like this if it is a good conversation and or in a good mood.  Not when they are in "one of those days mood," however I am glad to help.  I also enjoy the day in class when it is a laid back class, today in English we had a day like that, which made my day.  Another factor that makes my day is when you have cookies at lunch, I really like sweet treats so that just adds to my day.  Those are just a few of the things that I enjoy in my day.

  Another thing, I really like the day when you are with your best friend the whole day.  It makes you feel special, and double win, you bond.  My absolute favorite thing that makes my day is when you have a great meal at lunch and there is no drama that you are involved in.  One of my favorite meals at lunch is when we have papa johns pizza, canes, and eggplant parmesan, yum.  Those days are truly the best days.    Fortunately, a lot of things make my day, therefore I have a lot of good days!

Reading Record

Annie Kramer

#14 Reading Log

Block 4

Dr. deGravelles

11/18/13 -

Short Story- 30 Minutes

Literary Analysis- 30 Minutes

11/19/13-

Writing Center- 1 hour

11/20/13-

Literary analysis- 30 min.

11/21/13-

11/22/13-

11/23/13-

11/24/13-

11/25/13-

11/26/13-

Sixteenth Summer- 30 min. pages 43-48 (5)

11/27/13-

11/28/13-

Sixteenth Summer- 30 min. pages 48-55 (7)

11/29/13-

11/30/13-

12/1/13-

12/2/13-

LOTF- 30 minutes 5 pages

Total Minutes 240

Total Pages 17

Personal Questions

I could not decide on what question I was going to do, so I have picked a few.

1.) How can I make myself a better reader/writer?

2.) What do all books have in common?

3.) What type of style do I have when it comes to reading and writing?

Your Lord of The Flies Character

If you were in Lord of The Flies, what character would you be and why?

     I would probably be Simon or Piggy, but mostly Simon.  I would be Simon for many reasons.  One is that I love nature too.  In the scene where he is in the "cabin" of creepers reminded me of luscious green camp where we spend our time mostly outside.  I love animals and nature.  I also like people but need my own space.  I would need time for me which is why he is in the creeper "cabin" in the first place.  Simon wants time for himself at his own special place.  

     Third one of the main reasons Simon helps people build the shelters and anything other needed.  I would also help with making the shelters and other jobs.  THis is because I am living in the shelters and would want to be secure and safe just like everybody else.  THis makes Simon and me alike and different because I like nature, helping, and mown space, however I am sometimes selfish too.  Overall I would be Simon if I was in Lord of The Flies. 

Reading Record

Annie Kramer

#13 Reading Log

Block 4

Dr. deGravelles

11/11/13 Monday- 

LOTF- 30 Minutes Pages 12-21 (9)

11/12/13 Tuesday-

LOTF-  50 Minutes Pages 21-43 (22)

11/13/13 Wednesday-

LOTF- 35 Minutes Pages 43-57 (14)

11/14/13 Thursday- 

Short Story Final Draft- 30 Minutes

 LOTF- 15 Minutes Pages 57-64 (7)

11/15/13 Friday-

LOTF- 10 Minutes Pages 57-62 (5)

11/16/13 Saturday-

Short Story Final Draft 20 Minutes

11/17/13 Sunday

Total Minutes 160

Total Pages 57 and Short Story

Fish

     I love fish, and I kind of want one for christmas.  I have had fish before, some of them are messy and hard to clean up after.  The thing I like about fish is that the are calming, relaxing, and that they live in water.  For some reason they just interest me.  I have had fish before, but what sparked my memory is I was watching Tanked.  It is a show where these people own a business in Las Vegas and go over the United States and make cool tanks for people who want them.  Their tanks are different because they are custom to the customer.  This sparked my interest for a beta fish.

     Beta fish are intersting because they are one of the most colorful freshwater fish.  Freshwater fish as you know living in Louisiana are not very colorful.  Beta fish are also very easy to take care of, basically live alone and do not need a pump.  I love them because they can live in small spaces, are colorful, freshwater fish and can live a long time.  I can't decide if I should get one or not because I don't know where I would put it or when I would take care of the fish.  Overall I just like fish. 

The Christmas Season: Free Post

     Every year people are excited for christmas.  It mud be the sweet candy canes, family get-togethers, wrapped presents under the tree, or the christmas feast.  Every person has a different reason, however I feel that every year I get in the spirt a little bit earlier each year.  I like the Christmas spirit, but how much is too much?  I feel that people like christmas for Christmas but mostly for the anticipation.  Or at least that is how it is for me.  

     Christmas is fun, although I feel like I buy more things in December than I do at any other month of the year.  Did you know that stores like Walmart make sixty percent of their revenue from Christmas?  That is a lot of money.  Christmas has already started this year, it is November Ninth, wow.  I have seen christmas things at the mall, Walgreens, Walmart, and even a restaurant already decorated.    some neighborhoods have passed a regulation that you can have Christmas decorations out on a certain date and time and back up at a certain time and date.  This year especially christmas and the sales have started early because Thanksgiving is six days late, or six days less for Walmart shoppers.  Christmas is special even if it starts early, it is still fun and has it's benefits.   

Island Survival and Reading Record

      Last Friday was a fun day.  Especially in English Class.  We got introduced to our book and did an activity on island survival.  All of our class was stranded on island with jus the clothes on our backs and sixteen first grade.  It was really exciting and a little scary, although some people win our class did not want to participate or contribute because it was not a real situation.  The ones that did participate including myself got to have fun and got pretty far along.  We created a job list.  Dell was going to hunt and Alex was going to get fish.  Martine, Omar, and I were going to build a shelter and find food.  Amanda, Kate, Katherine Ann, and Brooke were going to take care of the first graders.  However some other people contributed and just wanted to help where was needed and just in general which was great!  

      Many people came up with what are the basic needs we need first which would help us in our real life situation.  My list had that we need to find dry fire wood and make a fire, we need a shelter, we also need clean water.  Martine's list had that we needed to get to the highest point and make a fire for a signal.  Bria ad Katie said that we should sacrifice the people that we don't like in a volcano, which is a little silly.  Dell said that we need to get coconuts and boil clean water in them.  Brooke said that some of the strong people should go off on their own group.  It is very interesting got see what people say about what we need to do as a group.  I think that we would survive on an island with sixteen first graders because people would take it more seriously than they did last friday.

Annie Kramer

#12 Reading Log

Block 4

Dr. deGravelles

11/4/13 Monday- 

Literary Analysis 15 Minutes

11/5/13 Tuesday-

Literary Analysis- 15 Minutes

11/6/13 Wednesday-

Literary Analysis- 30 Minutes

11/7/13 Thursday- 

Writing Center- 30 Minutes 

Literary Analysis- 30 Minutes

11/8/13 Friday-

LOTF- 15 Minutes in class Pages 1-7

             30 Minutes at home Pages 7-18

11/9/13 Saturday

11/10/13 Sunday

Total Minutes 165 Minutes (2 Hours and 45 Minutes)

Total Pages 18

Reading Record #11

Annie Kramer

#11 Reading Log

Block 4

Dr. deGravelles

10/28/13 Monday-

Sixteen Summer- 24 Minutes Pages 1-12

10/29/13 Tuesday-

Sixteen Summer- 23 Minutes Pages 12-23

10/30/13 Wednesday

10/31/13 Thursday-

Sixteen Summer- 29 Minutes Pages 23-36

11/1/13 Friday-

Sixteen Summer- 20 Minutes 36-43

11/2/13 Saturday

11/3/13 Sunday-

Blogging- 15 Minutes Free Post

Blogging- 15 Minutes Literary Analysis

Total Minutes 126

Total Pages 43

Free Post- Dogs

  Beaux, is my dog's name.  Beaux is a great dog.  He has been loyal, friendly, and listens.  Beaux, is a beagle with brown, black, and white course hair.  The great aspect of Beaux is he mostly always listens.  He almost never runs away, and even if you are in a bad mood Beaux somehow understands and listens.

  Beaux was my birthday present from when I was ten.  I convinced my mom after a year or two that I should get a dog.  She finally said yes when we were in New Orleans.  At first I wanted a golden retriever.  My birthday was a Monday and it was Sunday.  I wanted a dog on my birthday or before, I kept looking everywhere.  Then my Dad suggested to look in the newspaper.  I looked in the newspaper and sure enough they had dogs, but not the dogs I wanted.  I thought I would give a try the beagle and there were some other dogs there too.  I saw the cutest, and softest dog ever.  Although the reached smell outside from all of the dogs.  It was Beaux and the runt left.  I held them both and they were really fat from all the food they had just eaten after being feed.  That was really funny.  I choose Beaux, however the runt usually goes first.  I was excited to finally get a dog and close to my birthday. I still have Beaux today, and he is a great dog.  I suggest a Beagle to anyone looking for a dog.

Literary Analysis

  The Literary Analysis has been interesting.  So far I have been mostly on track.  We have been doing many activities and have many opportunities to learn more about Literary Analysis's.  One resource that has been very helpful is the English web page, on the topic's page under Literary Analysis's.  There are two videos, many documents and even a power point.  Those resources have been very helpful in the sense of understanding what is expected of our literary analysis.  

  One of my favorite activities we have been doing is discussing our literary analysis with our tablemates.  This has been helpful, because you get many opinions on your literary analysis and helpful advice.  One of my struggles was deciding which Short Story I was going to choose.  However I choose Araby, because of the many hidden secrets.  Other than choosing which one I was going to do, I have had no other struggles.  With my literary analysis mostly done, I will now work on the bare bones of the detailed outline.  Overall I have had a great experience and have learned many new techniques for writing and reading.  

Free Post :)

     Sunday School has always been fun and exciting.  I have been going for the past couple weeks with my family.  Today I went, I have made some good friends there.  I hang out with the older kids, the seniors, juniors and some sophomores.  Not because I want to be "cool", but because they are genuinely my friends.  I did forget there names but they don't know that, but other than that I know all about them.  Occasionaly I see some kids from my school.  You make eye contact and you know they are there.  They are usually older and boys for some reason.  After eye contact you never say "Hey" or "How are you doing?"  But in some sense you are glad there is another kid from your school.

     Sunday School is great because you are learning about God while at the same time getting got know friends and other people.  I have had a great time going there they have fresh hot doughnuts every time, hot chocolate, and even soft drinks.  Although I never get any because I don't want to spill it on my clothes and I I already had breakfast.  I love the atmosphere, dressing up, meeting people, and learning about God.  That is my cup of tea.   

Short Story Reading Response and #10 Reading Log

     I have been reading Sucker.  Sucker is a great, thrilling and emotional short story.  The annotations I have made for Sucker are great however, I still need to tweak some of them.  Sucker was thrilling because of what happens to the relationship between the two main characters.  It is also interesting how one main character is more dynamic than the other main character.

     Sucker is a great short story, I hope that the other short stories will be great and or better.  The annotations and short story section in English has really strengthen me as a reader and as a writer, which I think was very helpful in the long run.  Overall It has been a great first experience.  I think that doing annotations is very important for the success in our educational life.  

Annie Kramer

#10 Reading Log

Block 4

Dr. deGravelles

10/21/13 Monday- 

Seventeenth Summer- 15 Minutes Pages 332-340 (8)

10/22/13 Tuesday-

Sucker- 15 Minutes Pages 1-6 (6)

10/23/13 Wednesday- 

Sucker- 45 MinutesPages 6-13 (7)

10/24/13 Thursday- 

Purple Hibiscus- 15 Minutes Pages 81-90 (9)

Araby-  15 Minutes Pages 1-4 (4)

10/25/13 Friday- 

Roman Fever- 15 Minutes Pages 1-4 (4)

Araby- 15 Minutes Pages 1-4 (4)

10/26/13 Saturday-

The Snipper- 15 Minutes Pages 1-6 (6)

10/27/13 Sunday

Total Minutes 150 Minutes (2 Hours and 30 Minutes)

Total Pages 44 Pages 

Reading Log #9

Annie Kramer

#9 Reading Log

Block 4

Dr. deGravelles

10/7/13 Monday- 

Seventeenth Summer- 20 Minutes Pages 265-282 (17)

10/8/13 Tuesday-

Seventeenth Summer- 21 Minutes Pages 282-300 (18)

10/9/13 Wednesday- 

The Return- 45 Minutes (Reading and Annotating)

10/10/13 Thursday- 

Dry September- 45 Minutes (Re-read for test)

10/11/13 Friday

10/12/13 Saturday-

Seventeenth Summer- 45 Minutes Pages 300-332 (32)

10/13/13 Sunday

Total Minutes 176 (2 Hours and 56 Minutes)

Total Pages 67

Literacy Narrative Fixes

(I had the last name and page numbers of the right hand corner in word but it does not show up in the blog.)

Annie Kramer

 Dr. deGarvelles

English Block 4

9 September, 2013

Who You Are

         Every since I was little, I wanted to be known, to do something that was important and helpful for people or things in need.  There are many different things I tried, but nothing seemed to fit.  My dad says, “You are not only your achievements but also your failures, - you are as only good as you learn from the bad.  It’s how you get up, and react to your failing.  Eventually, if you keep trying you will find something that works.”  That popped up in my mind a lot, which motivated me to keep trying more things, however like before nothing worked.  In Sunday school, a known author read us a book about a handicapped horse from Hurricane Katrina.  The book and author inspired me, and I realized that I wanted to be a writer too!  It was the perfect opportunity, being known and doing something that I thought was easy.  I wanted to be a writer.

         I was in Mrs. Jewel’s class, in first grade.  She was just finishing math when she announced, “Class our next project will be writing a book.”  After our voices settled down from all different feelings, she then added, “You will first pick your partner, then decide what you are going to write about.”   We could write about anything that we wanted.  Inside my first thought was ‘great, another project,’ but secretly inside I was happy and I wanted to write.

         I remember sitting at the blue round table with the cold blue chair.  This assignment was with partners.  Mine was a friend named Emily.  We had no idea what to write about.  My mind seemed blank, like all the ideas in my head had just flown out.  I was intensely worried we would not come up with an idea, or an idea that wasn’t unique.  I remember thinking that everyone else had their ideas and were writing and we had no idea.  Emily was sitting in front of me.  Looking at her, I remember smiling and thinking in my head what we were going to write about.  She looked up at me confused, but also happy, knowing that we at least had an idea.  Then I told her we were going to write about two princesses named Emily and Annie, and each one had a horse.  The horses followed a butterfly in the forest.  She was not convinced, but I said in excitement, “We can tweak it!” trying to convince her.  She nodded, happy that we finally came up with an idea.  Without help, we began pre-writing and practicing the drawings that were going to fill the pages.  Then individually, we started.  We each wrote our own book in which we were required to write and draw.  Finally we began writing.  We wrote and wrote about the two royal sisters who were living in a castle, riding their horses and started to follow a butterfly.  The book was perfect in my first grade mind.  I loved it!

         After I wrote the book and turned it in, I concluded that I loved writing, and wanted to be an author.  It looked so easy to me.  I had already written my first book, and it was a success.  Not knowing that it would be so hard, writing another book was my vision.  I told my mom, with excitement and enthusiasm, trying to persuade her that I should write.   She thought about it, and since it was educational and would develop me as a writer, she agreed.  Next, we both went to the store to buy blank books for writing.  The books were beautiful crisp and white with a smell that could only come from new books.  It was great, I opened and looked at it; I loved the idea anything could happen on this page.  I was happy to then finally get started on the first page, with motivation and energy.  It was going to be a picture book for little kids.  I wanted to start off easy. 

                   This project was laid out all over the den next to my dad’s office, also in my mom’s scrapbook room upstairs.  It was a mess to some people, but to me a joy.  Long hard hours were spent cutting out the shapes and creations for my book.  When you first opened the first page it was a collage of different colored paper; I had created the outdoors.  There were birds, trees, edgy grass, and even a small brown nest just for the bird’s babies.  Next I wrote the words, my favorite part, the one I have been looking forward to the whole time.  It took hours, although I was determined to at least finish the first page.  Finally, I finished the first page.  It was about my family, my dad, mom, and brother at the park.  My goal was to incorporate them, make it personal and special.  I worked so hard and I was so tired.  My mind was in absolute chaos because not only was it this hard, but also only the first page was written.   The idea that this is what writers do all day, every day, blew my mind.  Knowing this blew my mind not only because it was hard, but also because you have to be successful at it to be known.  I concluded that I might not be a writer after all.

         Even though I may not be a professional writer I loved writing the book, and still have it too.  Mainly why I love writing is because you can get your own thoughts on paper and anything can happen.  I love that idea, that anything can happen when writing is just like dreaming.  Writing still keeps me curious today.  What keeps me writing more and loving it is the idea that anything can happen.

         There are two things I learned that year in first grade about writing.  One is that I love writing, and the other is that I won’t be a professional writer. 

Reading Log

Annie Kramer

#8 Reading Log

Block 4

Dr. deGravelles

9/16/13 Monday- 

Seventeenth Summer- 41 Minutes Pages 203-225 (22) 

9/17/13 Tuesday-

Seventeenth Summer- 35 Minutes Pages 225-243 (18)

9/18/13 Wednesday- 

Purple Hibiscus- 15 Minutes Pages 81-93 (12)

9/19/13 Thursday- 

Purple Hibiscus- 15 Minutes Pages 70-81 (11)

9/20/13 Friday

9/21/13 Saturday- 

Seventeenth Summer- 40 Minutes Pages 243-265 (22)

9/22/13 Sunday

Total Minutes 146

Total Pages 85

Blog Comments

Hey Annie. I like how you use stream of consciousness writing. I really like your sentences about golf too. What is your characters name and who are the names mentioned? Great post. From, Alex on Waking Up Remove content | Delete | Spam

Alexandra D

on 9/23/13

Hi Annie, to me your book is filled with tons of amazing dialogue! It has a lot of non-fiction life meaning it is more than likely to happen in the real world. Bennett on Brothers and Sisters Remove content | Delete | Spam

Bennett B.

on 9/15/13

Hey Annie, This dialouge it really amazing! Its very relatable and I can picture what is happening when Max tackles his sister! Keep it up! Katie on Brothers and Sisters Remove content | Delete | Spam

Katie C.

on 9/11/13

Hi Annie, I really like your dialogue! It has lots of detail and it could happen in real life. Happy Blogging, Omar on Brothers and Sisters Remove content | Delete | Spam

Omar

on 9/9/13

Hey Annie, I love movies and that one sounds really good! Im glad you get to hang out with your family and do fun stuff! Id love to go see that movie now! Katie on The Butler Remove content | Delete | Spam

Katie C.

on 9/4/13

Hey Annie! That movie sounds so good! I love going to see movies too. There are so many good ones out. I think it's really neat that you go with your family, it sounds like a really good way to bond. <3 Kate on The Butler Remove content | Delete | Spam

Kate Landry

on 9/4/13

Hi, Annie! My family and I love to go see movies too! Also, that movie seems really interesting. I liked how you gave the plot of the movie, because now I am convinced to go and see it. Great job! Chanler on The Butler Remove content | Delete | Spam

Chanler T

on 9/4/13

Annie this books sounds really good! I hope you are enjoying it! on Coco Chanel an Intimate Life Remove content | Delete | Spam

Bria T.

on 8/29/13

Hi Katherine Ann, Thanks for your advice. I will take it! -Annie Kramer on Divergent in response to Hi Annie: I am glad you liked Divergent! I did too! However, where you put the first comma in the first sentence, there should be a period. There should also be a comma after "For example." Good job though, Katherine Ann, by Katherine Ann Andreeff. Remove content | Delete | Spam

AnnieK

on 8/29/13

Dear Annie, That sounds super cool!! I liked your description of how it feels and i'm really jealous! Sounds like a blast! That's cool that you met someone that had that car! Great post! -Paul on 1965 Mustang Remove content | Delete | Spam

Pauldagingar

on 8/29/13

Hey Annie, That sounds super cool, I love riding in convertibles with the music cranked up and my hair blowing in the wind. It's kind of strange that a random guy came up to you and started talking about his life, but it's kinda cool learning about other peoples experiences. I liked the topic because it was unexpected and unique. Wish you the best with blogging, Amanda on 1965 Mustang Remove content | Delete | Spam

AmandaT

on 8/28/13

Hi Annie: I am glad you liked Divergent! I did too! However, where you put the first comma in the first sentence, there should be a period. There should also be a comma after "For example." Good job though, Katherine Ann on Divergent1 replies. Remove content | Delete | Spam

Katherine Ann Andreeff

on 8/26/13

Thanks! I am most excited about meeting new friends and hanging out with the old ones! Annie on Introduction Remove content | Delete | Spam

AnnieK

on 8/23/13

Hey Annie, What are you most excited about for high school? I'm also a huge fan of fashion, and think that it is super sweet and considerate that you enjoy volunteering and helping out animals. I also enjoyed that you choose to do an introduction of yourself as your free post. I wish you the best in working hard and achieving you ideal grade. Sincerely, Amanda on Introduction Remove content | Delete | Spam

AmandaT

on 8/22/13