Commencement

Friday was a very emotional day as 26 seniors commenced new lives away from Crotona Academy. Graduation was held at Manhattan College in an auditorium filled with teary-eyed family, friends, teachers and staff. Everybody worked so hard to get to this moment. The two Gens--our valedictorian and salutatorian--said it best. Check the side panel for their speeches and photos. We'll miss all of you--well, practically all of you. Just kidding! Good luck everyone.

Photos: Beth, Quantisha, and Joann.

Regina with the apple of her eye, Mr. Akonu, and Mom.

How to make sure you get a seat on the train

One of our many outstanding students saw this on the train and thought it unique enough to take a photo. We will keep her name anonymous as we have heard that it is prohibited to take photos on the subway. But we thought the photo was so great, we had to publish it. We are very impressed that the student, unlike most New Yorkers, was so observant of her surroundings and not only that, but had the presence of mind to take a picture of it.

The sound in the desert that no one hears

Ok, my wonderful students (and audience), I have a proverbial question for you: If there is a sound in a desert that no one hears, is it a sound? Is that too deep for you? Well, it relates to today's lesson on audience because I am starting to feel like this blog is the sound in the desert that no one hears. So I am going to force this issue and require you as part of today's Writer's Workshop to post your comments below instead of on a worksheet. At least this way, I can gather some semblance of an audience here on this blog. Tell me who you (my audience) are. Tell me what you thought about today's lesson on audience. Tell me about your favorite audience. Be thoughtful. Be creative. Be kind.
Thank you!

What we did while you were on your field trip vacation

Regina was the only student who came to the third period writing class. I guess the rest of you either went on Ms. G's field trip or else you were playing hooky so that you could finish up your persuasive essays on truancy. If it was the latter, it would be a great example of situational irony. Regina and I put the time to good use, making a video. Don't worry. It's a pretend class essay, but it did give me a great idea. This week, I hope we will start making videos and podcasts of our persuasive essays.
Regina also was the first student to contribute to the Literature Circle discussion board on the new Crotona ELA wiki. Posting a comment on the discussion board and replying to other students' comments will be a requirement for all students in the writing classes. You'll have to sign into the wiki to do this, but it is easy and only asks you to provide an email address. If you have any questions, just ask Regina!

Discussion Director

Tenasia Brown led an excellent Literature Circle discussion in the 3rd period writing class. This was no small feat for Tenasis, who admits that she does not like to speak out in class or participate. "Honestly, I'm shy most of the time," she wrote in her final reflection on the discussion. "For me to even lead it was a big step for me." Her questions were pointed and elicited a lot of discussion. For example, "Has your book had an impact on you? Why or why not?" She also asked us what we concluded about our authors from reading our books. Bianca said she was drained out today, but that said, Tenasia's questions nevertheless were very good and she enjoyed the discussion a lot.
Things did not go as well in the 7th period class. Too bad because I am very anxious to hear more about what students think about The Bluest Eye.
Here's a photo of Tenasia deep in thought writing her final reflection:

Finally, we are creating a Poetry Page here for student poetry. Email if you would like one of your poems or raps posted on it. Meanwhile, the offer still stands: The first five students to comment on this blog will receive two extra credit classwork points. 

Student teachers

Regina Whitely and Olivia West assumed the duties of teachers today during the 3rd period writing class. The lesson was about drafting our persuasive essays on truancy. They did an awesome job. The journal prompt asked students to write about three things they could do to encourage their peers to come to school. They then explained five different types of text structures for expository writing, giving a handout. With some gentle coaxing, Tenasia actually shared her journal prompt with the class for the first time all semester! Judging by their exit slips, the other students were equally impressed. Dominique said they actually taught "a lot more thoroughly than Ms. Becker does." Cherise said they were "the best teachers I ever had and it made the class fun and not boring. I look forward to doing my essay tonight."
Really, Cherise??? I guess I should start looking for a new job! Just kidding! Seriously, I personally learned a lot from this experience and incorporated some of the techniques into my classes that followed, such as Regina's suggestion to Dominique on how to begin his essay. (Brainstorm ideas on paper or draw a mind map.)
Here are some photos.

Bianca hard at work on her persuasive writing essay.

The teachers grading handouts and reading exit slips.

By the way, the first five students who leave a comment here will earn two extra credit classwork points.

New and final marking period

Today was the first day of the new and final marking period for the school year. It is hard to believe. The writing students are working on persuasive essays evaluating the issue of truancy. It is a topic that has produced many strong and thoughtful opinions. Students differ on whether it is a problem that affects them personally. I am very proud of all of them. Hopefully, we will post some of the essays here when they are finished.
Along the same lines, the literature class interpreted a poem today called "Refugee Blues" by WH Auden. They did an amazing job of deconstructing it, especially Kyla. The lesson plan for the day was posted yesterday.
Please email me your photos, poems, writings, etc for this blog. You can contact me by posting a comment. We are all learning this together. The first five people who leave a comment will earn 2 extra credit points.

Holocaust Poetry - Lesson Plans - Education & E-Learning - Yad Vashem

Holocaust Poetry - Lesson Plans - Education & E-Learning - Yad Vashem

Opening Day

This is the blog for and about students at Crotona Academy, especially ELA students. It is a work in progress, but hopefully it will become a forum for students to publish their work, engage in discussion and share experiences.
We are looking for prose, poetry, photos, video--whatever creative endeavors you would like to display. If you would like to register as an author to this blog, please let me know.
Comments and questions are always welcome.
Please friend me on Facebook: mscbecker (msbecker4@gmail.com)