I Know That I Have Grown as a Learner, But How?

Quarter three has challenged me in many different ways.  I have learned that I have to prioritise different subjects.  By way of example, I know that humanities is not necessarily a struggle, while math definitely is.  This is not to say that I should not apply myself as much, but just balance out my efforts.  For quarter four, I will focus on being prepared by taking in-class notes, studying off of extra resources and making sure that my knowledge of each unit is solidified.  

How have I grown as a student?

Artifact: Musical Successes

I used to think of band as a class that I was not very good in.  In quarter two, I struggled with certain SmartMusic assignments which did not exactly lift my spirits.  Now, I know that practice completely pays off.  In band, I have sincerely tried hard to become a better student in band.  I have seen my improvement reflected through the fact that I received either first or second trombone on the pieces in the second semester concert repertoire.  

What have I struggled with the past that I still need to work on?

Subject: Math

I used to think that my learning was not reflecting on certain assignments, although now I know that I just have to put even more effort into math when studying in order to improve my learning. I will put more time into math then before so that I can succeed in this class.

What am I truly proud of? Successful?

Link to Artifact: Now Would I Live in The Community?

I used to think that a seven was nearly unattainable on certain assignments and that it was a complete challenge. Now I know that I can achieve a seven on all assignments. It just requires time and effort, as well as looking over work with a (very) critical eye.

If anything, this past quarter has helped me grow as a learner.  In quick, I know now to prioritise my "challenge subjects," but, at the same time put an equal amount of effort into the subjects that I am stronger in.    

Reviewing Plays

The play that I will be rating is Thief!, written by Marian Scadden.  It is a play that only uses one word per line and is rated for grades middle or lower.  I believe that the point of this play is to make the audience laugh, and also just to exercise student’s abilities whilst acting, as it is not terribly challenging.  Last year, in Theatre 6 we performed this play and it turned out very well.  The set is fairly easy to set up albeit cues for each actor’s line did require some memorization.  Much of this play was easy to comprehend, although the setup could be confusing at times.  I enjoyed performing this play, as it was entertaining for both audience and us.    

O Que Eu Quero Ser Quando Creser

Durante as aulas passadas de portuguese, nos estavamos trabalhando no um projeto sobre carreiras.  Nós tinha que tomar um mini teste vocacional.  Em fim, eu tirei estas notas finais.  

Eu sempre queria aprender mais sobre nosso mundo, então depois de um tempinho, eu escolhi o proffesão de diplomacia.
Para completar esta projeto, eu entrevistei o Senhor Dennis Hankins que trabalha no consol, o meu avô que trabalhava no o UNDP, ou United Nations Development Programme, e meu pai, que era um filho de um diplomata. 
As perguntas que eu fiz foram assim:

# 1. Quando você era mais jovem, o que você quer fazer quando crescer?


# 2. Especificamente, o que você faz para viver?


# 3. O que você estudou na faculdade? Qual faculdade?


# 4. Você gosta de ser um diplomata? Por que motivos?


# 5. Que habilidades / qualidades que você precisa ter como um diplomata?


# 6. Você já teve dúvidas sobre sua escolha de carreira?


# 7. Seus pais eram influente em sua decisão profissional?


# 8. Qual é a sua parte favorita sobre ser um diplomata, e por quê? 

A coisa que eu acho que são interessantes sobre este carreira e o ponto de vista que voce pode ter.  Nós sempre vemos o partes mais bonitos e incríveis no um país, quando na verdade, um país sempre tem coisas ruim, como pobreza.  Eu acho que pessoas que tem uma carreira como a de diplomacia podem ver estes coisas e sabem o realidade do nosso mundo.  
Eu gostei muito dessa experiência e eu agradeço as pessoas que mi-ajudou com essa projeta

Musical Successes

Throughout quarter three, I have made it a goal to be a successful Junior Band student.  I have tried my hardest to benefit the rest of the class.  In doing so, I found that my experience as a part of this ensemble more meaningful.  In the same fashion, I have been encouraging my friends and trying my best to help others when, for example they need to know how to play a certain note.  Moreover, I have noticed that I have been getting more advanced parts, such as first and second trombone for the May concert repertoire.
In addition, I have been practicing every other day for a total of at least ninety-five minutes per week.    I realize that my dedication has paid off, because, as I stated before, I have been getting more advanced parts.  Furthermore, I have seen this reflected through the grades on my SmartMusic assignments.  I have realised that succeeding in the outside-of-class assignments has made the work in class easier.
Mr. Stange states that anyone who plays a musical instrument knows perseverance.  This is completely true.  I have noticed that with SmartMusic assignments, it is mandatory to persevere in order to succeed.  Practicing goes without saying and the result is something so enjoyable and rewarding that the cycle continues again and again.

Expressions Through Acting

Theatre is a powerful division in the arts.  It is a way to model skills, explore different roles, but in a deeper context, it is a way for people to express themselves.  

I believe that through theatre, people are able to tap into a part of themselves that does not exist or shine through without the mask of acting.  Furthermore, people have been practicing hundreds of different forms of theatre for generations upon generations.  Through my research regarding “noh” theatre, originating in 14th century Japan, I have concluded that people were able to express themselves through another character.  People were able to explore different feelings and had to (at least) try to understand what their character felt.  Moreover, I feel as though people that practice theatre are able to express themselves in a more delicate way.  Theatre allows people to convey moods.  These are talents, not real moods.  A skilled actor, however, can be one with the character.  This is how humans can express themselves through theatre.  In a delicate way of exploring and then learning for to express themselves in that way.

Another Way to Solve for X

X ia an unknown quantity.  The unknown can be frustrating.  This is why we need to learn different ways to solve for x.
In math, we have been introduced to a project in which you have to use a different method to solve for unknown quantites.  To solve my question, I had been instructed to utilize the method system of equations.  System of equations can be solved through different ways, which are elimintation, subsitution, and graphing.
I did have some questions about this method.  For example, since I chose to solve using elimination, I had to subtract items and dollars.  The method still worked, but I was confused as to why it could, if two different units were being combined.  Eventually, everything made sense to me.  In light of these aspects, I got to enjoy math so much.  I learned so many different things and hopefully I can apply them to expressions in class!


Here is the link to my artifact: Link

Does The Community Make The Cut?

Countries today are driven by order.  Governments, no matter what form they take, share the common responsibility of keeping their country a safe place.  Unfortunatly, some governments may not conform to these qualities, as they are corrupted by the satisfaction of the power that they can come in possession with.

The purpose of government is to act as an enforcer.  A brave face or symbol that will not only protect the country from the outside, but help the citizens that live in the country.  Government must help the country evolve, strengthen, as well as better the country.  Moreover, a government must make important decisions as well as create rule and order.  Lastly, and maybe most importantly, meet the needs of people and minimize conflict.  In short, a government is the enforcer of fairness, peace, to the people of the country, and the face of strength and courage to the outside.

In Lois Lowry’s novel, The Giver, the Community’s government bends these rules.  Citizens of the Community are over-monitered.  There is no freedom of speech, no choice.  Girls must wear hair-bows until they turn nine-years-old.  This is when children recive their first bicycle.  One could argue that the government is enforcing safety and proper etiquette, but all children should grow up with the ability of expression.  The government cannot stifle that, or take it away.  Furthermore, adolescents cannot choose their profession.  Until they are twelve, they are watched over, every action taken into account by the Committee of Elders.  Then, their job, or "assignment," is chosen for them, not by them.

In light of these factors, I believe that the society in The Giver,  does not conform to or follow these rules.