Friday, February 19, 2010

Seniors- Children's Books


Hopefully, Friday's class gave you further insight into what it's like to be a beginner reader. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Old Hat New Hat, The Cat in the Hat, The Foot Book, and Inside Outside Upside Down (and you may have read several others) all have distinct characteristics that make them good sources for improving a child's literacy skills.

Your assignment is to choose one book to analyze. Note the number of syllables used, the extent of the vocabulary, repetition of words, and use of rhyming. Was there a plot to the story? If so, explain. Who were the characters in the book? What was the gender of the characters?
How would this book help children with reading and language development? Explain. Also, in your opinion, what was the most complex book, the simplest book, the book that was easiest to memorize?

Answer the above questions in a well-developed paragraph, citing specific examples from your class worksheet.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Hawaii's Last Queen



After watching the film, "Hawaii's Last Queen," you should have a better understanding of imperialism and the motives that cause strong nations to overpower weaker nations. You saw Queen Liliuokalini's unsuccessful struggle to keep her Hawaiian people independent of foreign rule. You witnessed her faith in the American government as she gave up her throne with optimistic thoughts that her power would be restored in the near future. As we know, this was not the case. Hawaii was annexed as an American territory in 1898 and eventually became the 50th state in 1959.

In your reflection of the film, give a response with a summary (paragraph length) describing how Americans gained political and economic power in Hawaii. Be sure to include specific details about the missionaries, Queen Liliuokalini's childhood, foreign influences on Hawaiian culture, etc. Use your video question sheet and answers to help with this paragraph.

In addition, write a short paragraph on the way the story was portrayed through the Queen's perspective. You often heard excerpts from her diary that described her thoughts and feelings. Was this an effective way to tell the story? Do you think the program tried to persuade viewers to sympathize with the Hawaiian queen and people? Be specific in your argument.