We are discussing "Harrison Bergeron", "The Pedestrian" and "Caged Bird". We are trying to figure out themes and connections and deeper meanings. In order to do this and do it well, we need to be...INSIGHTFUL!
You need to start challenging yourself to go beyond the obvious answer that anyone can pick out. Go past the literal meanings and interpretations and seek the figurative meanings. Look for the metaphorical reads. Find the analogies. "Caged Bird" is not just about a being locked in a cage. There is so much more meaning in those words. Maya Angelou trusts her readers (just like Vonnegut and Bradbury do) to find that meaning.
To the same extent you need to be thirsty for knowledge. I told you there was more meaning to the title of "The Pedestrian" than the initial idea that comes to mind. Yet, very few of you took the extra minute to look up the word "pedestrian" in the dictionary and discover what other definitions it has. Once you do, you discover that Bradbury is saying more with the title than you initially thought.
I want students to crave knowledge. Offer insightful commentary. Look for analogical interpretations. Go beyond the average and allow yourself to excel.
Today we discussed "The Pedestrian" in the standard classes and all of the pieces--with an emphasis on "Caged Bird"--in the the honors classes. If you have been absent, make sure you have read the material and annotated it well. Check out the prompts from the last few days too.
We will finish our discussion in class once our Acuity testing is over tomorrow. I am not sure how long that will take.
Honors will be receiving their papers back on Friday. Standard classes will receive them early next week.
Until next time...
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