I think that the most precious thing in my life is my family. It is not an item, but they are the people who get me through. Without them, without family, there is nothing. I love them, and no matter what, they will always be there for me. It is a great feeling to have a group of people at home that will always be there for you. I definitely don’t know what I would do without them.

( Exactly 500 words [: ! )

Contact a student from another country from our blogging buddies list. Leave a comment on their latest post asking them the what do they think of when they hear the words “United States.” What are some symbols they would use to represent the United States. In your post please include the address of the blog you left a comment on, and then include the answer when they reply.

This is the comment I left on this blog:

Hi, Karen. I am from a class in the USA. We were just given an assignment. The assignment is to find out: What do people in other countries think when they hear the words “United States?” So, what do you think of when you hear the words “United States?” What are some symbols you think represent the United States? Please respond on my blog.
my blog: www.adr08.learnerblogs.org
Thanks =] Dolphins10

This is her response:

When I hear the words “United states” I think about the war of Iraq. About symbols, I don’t know what to think.

In just six months a great majority of eighth grade students will be going to High School. It is obviously a totally different world than Middle School. I am looking forward to High School but I am also a little nervous. This is mostly because I don’t have any siblings in High School right now. I do have friends that will be seniors next year and they might be able to help me.

I think I would feel better if I had an older sister/brother that was in High School. The main thing I am nervous about is grades. I believe I am a good student but I don’t think there will be enough time in the day for me to get done what I have to. I am hoping the work will not overwhelm me. I am hoping that I keep my grades up and do well in the classes. I also hope I will know the people in my classes. I don’t want to be with a bunch of people that I either don’t like or don’t know.

I also think that High School will be fun. I plan on joining the swim team and I think that would be a good experience. I also think it will be fun to have a bit more freedom while at school. In the classroom I plan to stay focused and work hard.

All progress is precarious, and the solution to one problem brings us face to face with another problem. — Martin Luther King Jr.

As most know, Martin Luther king was the man who fought for equality between whites and blacks. He was successful but faced many obstacles along the way. People were arrested, beaten, and even killed during their protests. Many people believed in him and what he was fighting for, but others opposed. It wasn’t only black people that protested, white people helped him reach his goal too. In the end, his dream came true. He was not alive to live his dream because he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

I believe that not having school is important. If we aren’t in school we are more likely to sit back and take a second to think about the accomplishments Martin Luther King Jr. made. If we get up, get ready, and go to school it will feel like an ordinary day. If we don’t have school we KNOW there must be a reason. We will be forced to think about King’s accomplishments and the things he did that really changed the world.

What are your thoughts? Do you think having schools closed is a good thing or would it be better if we did have school?

There is a big difference between Democrats and Republicans. Some people it is only based on the class you’re in, but it doesn’t. The democrats are the people that like to base everything on a group decision. It has to do more with the government. The republicans think that everyone should handle things on their own. For example, in the health care issue. Democrats are stepping up to help each other. They think that the government should ensure that everyone has health care. When I am eighteen, I will register to vote as a democrat. I have chosen this because I feel that democrats work as a team to create a good environment for people to live in.

I chose to write about this video because I think it portrays a good point. This video says to me that you should state your ideas no matter how ridiculous or unrealistic they may seem. You could have a great idea that needs to be shared.  Also, don’t let anyone tell you that your ideas are stupid. When the girl in this video is talking about the cell phone, everyone in her class laughs at her. Although what she was saying was brilliant and true, the kids in her class didn’t believe in her ideas. You shouldn’t shatter any idea, it might turn out to be the best idea in the world. 

Well, obviously my parents have influenced my life. But, besides them I would have to say my brother. Although he isn’t actually my brother, I think of him as one. I have known him for so long, and have grown so close to him, that I think of him as my brother. I first met him through swimming. He was my coach when I was younger. We have grown so close since then. He has helped me through good and bad. I tell him everything and have total trust in him. One specific example is that he was helping me and my friend with algebra. We were both having trouble so we went to him for help. He was very helpful and I learned a lot from him. Whenever I seem sad, he’ll ask me what’s wrong. He is the person that has impacted or influenced me the most. Anyone that knows him knows how nice and helpful he is. Whenever I need a helping hand, I know he will be right there.

I wonder where I’d be without my family and friends. They are so important to me and I think my life would be a lot different without them.

I commented here and here.

If my students can do the majority of their work with writing and reading online…If my students can receive all of their assignments online…If my students can maintain constant contact with their friends, classmates, and teachers online…If my students can create spaces to come together or work alone online… What do should we do in the classroom?

This man has a very good point. Everything can be accomplished using the internet. Contacts, papers, homework, interaction, everything.
This is the comment I left:

Many things can be accomplished over the internet. You can have a discussion, in words or in writing. You can assign things using blogs, wiki’s, podcasts, voice threads, etc. I personally think school would be a lot better if it was done online. Students wouldn’t have to get up at 6 and go to school. They can get up at 8 and be at their full potential because of the rest. One thing that would suffer are friendships. You would be alone all day online. At school you get to see your friends. Sometimes I think face to face interaction is important because seeing the persons facial expressions is sometimes important. Also the tone of their voice is important.