The World! looks like cake :)

The World! looks like cake :)

The End Is Near! RUN!

Freedom? Stress? At the beginning of sixth grade, you have no idea what-so-ever of what that might mean. But as you learn and "pursue" higher education you either have to much Homework and stress, or you have none. Un-fortunately, one day I had forgotten that I had a big assignment due on the next day. I only figured out on the way to school, it was to late. So up-coming sixth graders, I would advise you to be more organized, and to use you planner. Write down your homework in class and check at home.

1. What piece of work and learning are you most proud? Explain.
I believe that my most valued, favorite piece of work was the Ancient Civilizations Diary, about Qiu Yan. Because I had worked hard, and had created so many ideas for the diary. I liked it the most because you could create any character, and you could put in the emotions and feelings you haven't felt before, to imagine what it would be like to be a person from ancient China. But of course, I didn't complete the diary alone. Radhika added some parts, and edited both the diary's. I chose the background of warfare and the sympathy of losing personal friends. Another reason of why I am proud of this piece is because I learn't herbs that they use traditionally in reality. One that caught my eye was goji berries (it is used to fight against bacteria and fungi). My mum eats it every day! No wonder she is so healthy. I can relate to this character, because I am too, half Chinese.

2. What were your greatest challenges? Explain.

I believe that the most challenging part of sixth grade, was the Literature Circles. I found that Literature Circles always tricked you, somehow. If you ever finished your work quickly, you tend to have spelling errors, and short answers. From that, you will lose points, resulting in a bad grade... Well, its not all about grades, for, most of it is just connecting with your group members, and having a good chat. For example; In the previous Lit Circle, my group and I had long discussions. This led to not finishing some work. It was an enjoyable time, and I believe that that was my best Lit Circle so far.

3. Reflecting on your growth this year, what did you learn about yourself as a learner?
As I said before, I believe that my Ancient Civilizations Diary was one part of sixth grade which showed my growth as a learner. I believe that it shows I have improved my vocab skills, enhanced my SLR use, and grown better with communicating with a group.

4. To evaluate your work habits, choose 1 of the following from each category ( and provide explanations):

a) Behavior

Could be improved
Satisfactory
Perfect - the model student

Explanation: Sometimes, I either chat with friends, or get involved in an argument about work with my members. Which explains why I believe that my behavior can be improved.

b) Participation

None
Satisfactory
Actively participate in class

Explanation: I barely participate in class, I would, but I am to shy to. For a long time this has been my problem, and I hope to fix it.

c) Organization

Needs serious help
Satisfactory
I'm super organized

Explanation: Most of the time I bring what is needed, and occasionally I forget to bring a book for silent reading. Which explains why I wouldn't mark myself "super organized".

d) Effort

Needs serious help
Satisfactory
I always go above and beyond what is required.

Explanation: Most of the time I just do what is needed, and get on with other subjects homework, and sometimes, I put that extra bit of effort, because I either want my grades up, or I have time to spend on it.

5. Based upon your reflections, write two personal learning goals for Grade 7 next year.

Goal 1 - In Grade 7, I plan to
Befriend the teachers, get to know them a little bit more. Meaning I would have a more enjoyable time in class and I would know what the teachers expectations are, so it would be easier to try and meet them.

Goal 2 - In Grade 7, I plan to

Become more active in after school, or during school activities. Most of the time, I tend to sit and listen in a group discussion, I believe I should be more active in a group discussion, and to contribute my ideas. I believe that this also shows that I should put more effort in work that I do, ranging from coloring to writing paragraphs.


6. Is there any more information about yourself that you would like the teachers to know?

I am sometimes shy, and I might have problems voicing my opinion. If I am not active in a group discussion, please remind me to be more active. I also like a good challenge though.

7. Finally, cast your minds back to the first few months of middle school (when you arrived in Grade 6 ) what "Words of Wisdom" or "Advice" could you pass on to the Class of 2018?

Class of 2018.... After pursuing sixth grade, life becomes harder, yet easier. You have time to walk around, talk to friends, have a snack, and collect your things for next class. (Although you may get stuck on opening your locker). But my "words of wisdom" have no connection with the 10 minute breaks you get. So my "Word of Wisdom" Are Practice, Be organized, and don't be afraid to ask. After time you will see how much easier things will get, and sooner you will become the best in the class! You would not struggle, and you will have more free time. (But you should also practice during your free time). If you follow my word of advice, believe me, sixth grade will be the best year of your life.....

Dear my beloved friend......

Dear my beloved friend Fiona,

I guess that changing sides might have been not so much of great idea. Life might be different, but I am not. My heart still stays attached to the old community ... I regret many aspects, one of them, not telling you of my feelings. I know that it is prohibited, but I feel so much for it. The truth is, your beautiful, and as delicate as a flower... I realize that this letter is based on an "obsolete" word called Love. But it is, the truth.

Enough about me! How is the community doing? How is my society family doing? How is Asher doing? Most importantly, How are you doing? Has anything changed? Which brings me to the point.. Who is the new receiver? I mean, without a person with the important role as the receiver, life there might not change....

How is the original receiver doing? (the one who taught me). I know it is has been quite a while, but I know he shouldn't be, released by now... I mean, he still has a long life ahead of him. You might know that, albeit you never see really see him...

I've heard a small rumor that your community are flying in new planes for traveling! It must be nice, for you can finally visit the whole world!! Just from that... Have they opened any new jobs?

And by the way, the true meaning of love; is to feel strong emotions for a person.... Well.. Thats the way I feel for you..

Sincerely, Jonas.

Enjoy life....

"You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom."

Pages 128-129

" Gabriel's breathing was even and deep. Jonas liked having him there, though he felt guilty about the secret. Each night he gave memories to Gabriel: memories of boat rides and picnics in the sun; memories of soft rainfall against windowpanes; memories of dancing bare-footed on a damp lawn.

"Gabe?"

The new child stirred slightly in his sleep, Jonas looked over at him.

"There could be love" Jonas whispered.

The next morning, for the first time, Jonas did not take his pill. Something within him, something that had grown there through the memories, told him to throw the pill away"

Pages 126-127

'Do you love me?'

There was an awkward silence for a moment. Then Father gave a little chuckle.' Jonas. You, of all people. Precision of language, please!'

'What do you mean?' Jonas asked. Amusement was not at all what he had anticipated.

'Your father means that you used a very generalized word, so meaningless that it's become almost obsolete,' his mother explained carefully.

Jonas stared at them. Meaningless? He had never before felt anything as meaningful at the memory.

'And of course our community can't smooth function smoothly if people don't use precise language. You could ask, 'Do you enjoy me?' The answer is 'Yes,' ' his mother said.

'Or,' his father suggested, ' 'Do you take pride in my accomplishments?' And the answer is wholeheartedly 'Yes.' '

'Do you understand why it's inappropriate to use a

word like "love"?' Mother asked.

Jonas nodded. 'Yes, thank you, I do,' he replied slowly.

It was his first lie to his parents."

Freedom is what might cause happiness. Without freedom, you will never see anything, but the same discoveries the same time, over and over again. This is what Jonas feels. In fact, from what I believe, Jonas' community does not feel much, for the thought of freedom. Some people become so greedy with the thought of freedom, they create war, and, of course, this was their Decision. Some were to crazy and started world wars. For example; Adolf Hitler. He was a man who first went to jail, because he had started to deceive the government, and based the aim of a revolution. He failed. Sooner he wrote a book called 'Mein Kampf' (My Struggle). After a few years, he created the idea of a world war.... And so... A World War took place in history.

Jonas had made a decision. He had decided to ask his parents if they 'loved' him. As an answer, his dad 'chuckled' and corrected him of 'vocab' usage. This shows the freedom that Jonas felt. He even lied at the end! For he knew his father and mother would not understand "strange," new concepts. Words that have a strong meaning, only to be diminished by the fact that, the committee had blocked the feelings.

In the passages, that the teacher, it shows freedom and choice. For Jonas had risked both, as he had taken it to the edge at the end of the story, when he leaves to join a new society "over there." (Quote from; The Giver, Written by Lois Lowry).

The Giver #2

Why does The Giver say that making choices would be frightening for people?

Ever since the community had started the 'unique' rules. The society had learned just to trust the 'great' committee. What if the community made a mistake, would everyone follow? Or would they make their own choice? They might be frightened, for the committee might supply a consequence, for the person to have taken the 'leaders' place. They might have been under pressure to make a decision, if to contribute time to one

friend, and leave out the other? To save one person, and to leave the other to die? This would be examples of pressuring choices. The Giver might have went back into his memories, just to watch people suffer from decisions.

"Or what if," he went on, almost laughing at the absurdity, "They chose their own jobs?"
"Frightening, isn't it?" The giver said.
Jonas chuckled. "Very frightening. I can't even imagine it. We really have to protect people for wrong choices."
"It's safer."
"Yes" Jonas agreed "Much safer."

This shows how Jonas and The Giver, feels about the choice of jobs. If they choose by them self, they have their OWN choice, they would have chosen what they wanted the most. When if the committee chose for them, they might have chosen a job that the person liked, but not loved. What would happen if the committee, released a person who only depended on the committee for choices? Would he die, because he would not know which way to travel? How would he survive?

“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

(http://thinkexist.com/quotations/choice/)

The Giver....

The Giver is an interesting book. Focused on a boy named Jonas, in a society where there is no pain, no hunger, and hardly any death. A 'unique' society. These people are living in a town, where there is no color but black and white, and no pain. This is controlled by a group called 'The Committee'. The group controls everything about Jonas's and the other citizens life's. Ever since I have started to read the book, millions of questions had popped into my head, but I have been assigned a new question:

Why is interdependence fostered in the community?

In a 'unique community', where there is no pain, no hunger and barely any deaths. People still depend on each other to keep safe... Ever since the community, had created their 'unique' design. Young children had been taught how they can depend on others, to complete an assignment. Some depend on the other to complete simple tasks, for example, tying bow ties, helping to finish a sentence, etc. From this, people are able not to get into fights about small things. Therefore, creating a safe society.

All of these rules are enforced by a powerful group called "The committee". When a rule is enforced, the 'ragdolls' (community) follows. This shows that the society depend on 'The Committee' to know what there is to do. An example from the book; "He remembered the cheerful voice calling out, "I want my smack!"

The other Threes, including Jonas, had laughed nervously. "Snack!" They corrected. "You meant snack, Asher!" But the mistake had been made. And precision of language was one of the most important tasks of small children. Asher had asked for a smack." (Page 55) This shows how mistakes might be taken as granted, and sooner, punished.

Interdependence may have variables. Albeit small, they can be important. Jonas's community, has shown that they have a very controlled society, and look into the new rule before they publish it. What might go wrong is, if they don't look into the question, there might be some type of variable. Therefore, creating mischief or pain for the citizens. So if the committee is not careful, they might lose their status as the leaders.