UCLA

What looks interesting/exciting about going to a great university, in this case UCLA?  OR What are you hoping to see (from the video) when we visit UCLA?

What to know about UCLA

What a life!

When Mozart performed in homes, a bed similar to this was probably in one of the bedrooms. So I've added a playlist of piano sonatas to add to the historical mood.  

This portrait might resemble the lady of the house:

Here are the questions:*What do you imagine it would be like to reside in a home like this?  You choose your role and do a bit of imagining.**  Is it a life you would like to have?

*Answer in full - 2+ - well-written sentences.
**While NONE of this is tested or crucial to making money or getting into Harvard or MLB, knowing/imagining/listening is all a part of being a creative, happy person!

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

The Detail: Hair

After reading about and looking at Countess of Chesterfield's hair, I had to wonder ....many things. Is that why her hand is poised under her chin?  Probably not. Was the hair heavy?  Did she  get headaches? Of course, she must have had particular hairdresser servants. It would be uncomfortable to have hair "shellaced" and to carry around - in my hair - balls of wool. How did she sleep? 

Getting Ready for the Getty I

Details in art are important. Today we learned that artists place details, like ants, for a reason. Additionally, apparently gifted children don't always automatically note details. So let's (that includes ME) get some practice.

Play (at least) these TWO games and comment on the experience OR on one of the images.  Your comments should be 2 full, well-written sentences; they should detail specifics.
This was cool; it was fun....Does that sound like a thoughtful, gifted Room14er?

Game 1: Match Madness
Game 2: Detail Detective

Ted Talks for Kids

Ted Talks for Kids Playlist

Over the next week, would you find time to watch one, or all, of these Ted Talks?  Once you've watched one, take time to share. First tell us the talk you watched, and then write a reflection, connection, or important to you point.

How To Live

OUTSIDE THE BOX

Please write a 2 or 3 sentence comment, or response, to this video.  Ideally you will watch it at least once with mom, dad, or another important adult.

What can a 11/12 year old get from this talk?   or What can "someone" get from this  talk this?

What is making you happy?

What is making you happy today?

Here is ONE thing that ALWAYS makes me happy.

Additionally, your illustrations, floor plans, comics, etc that you are creating  for your Fascinatin' Factoids make me happy.

Finally this makes me happy, too.

Did you make the world a better place? Did you do your most important homework this weekend? Did you say to your parent or parents:

?

Be More Awesome, Do Something

Visiting the NY Times Lesson Plan page I came across this video as an extension to a Common Core lesson.

If you choose to comment, PLEASE think before you write. Don't just write a nice sounding platitude, but write something you plan to do this year, the next time you see  or know someone who has been excluded.

Note the word "do." because words without actions don't help.  The "Do" can be simple, but Do something. It is definitely a way to BE MORE AWESOME!

Be More Awesome

Kid President's remarks, in a childish, humorous way, relate to both Adora Spivak remarks on the TedVideo AND Zoe's post.

Be more awesome! What do you think Kid President means?????

So, how can YOU be more awesome?

What adults can learn from kids

You must have SOMETHING to say about this!?  Here is your forum

Listening to Duke Ellington

Daybreak Express is one of Duke Ellington's most original compositions. It provides a vivid picture of a train speeding down the railroad tracks, with its sounds and bouncing rhythms heard and felt in the music. Duke Ellington loved trains, and he and his band spent long hours on them traveling all over the United States. As there was hardly a day he did not write down some musical idea, if only on a piece of scrap paper, he often composed while riding on trains. Daybreak Express is an example of program music, where music is used to describe a non-musical image or event. Use your imagination and pretend you're on the train with Duke and his band!

Listen to this

Where would you like to take a train? 

Imagine what you would see while riding on the train and write about it.

"Help" us see what you see.

Obstacle and PERSEVERANCE

In "Teen Freedom Fighters," we read a fictional account of freedom fighters that was based upon true events. We discussed the big question: Why did people risk their lives protesting for the right to vote?

Here is the SLIDE SHOW we watched in class, which shows the heavy price paid. Please view it perhaps with your parent/grandparent. advertising on the side can be hidden by "pulling" the right hand side over.

So, What obstacles were put in place to stop Black Americans from equal rights, such as voting and attending better schools?  What character traits does it take to overcome? Please use the space below to respond to these question.

Please use full sentences (2+)

ReadingBuddies and Animoto

Using Animoto I created this quickie video, but it seriously needs a different tune!

Help. The only two songs I can think of are a 70s disco song, "Good Times," by a group called Chic and "Good Time" sung by Owl City and the Call Me Maybe girl.

Seriously, help find a tune. Thanks!

IF YOU WOULD LIKE A FREE ANIMOTO ACCOUNT, let me know and I will sign you up!

Self Portrait

 I am sitting outside where it is a perfectly cool blue-sky sunny sweater day. I've just returned from a walk that included a tall americano while listening to two of my favorite podcasts series.

In my school email, the Art of the Day website was Self-Portrait by Edvard Munch. You know one of his works, The Scream. Taking pictures of oneself is as natural to people today as breathing, but this is a recent - in history - phenom. A self portrait might help us get to "know" an artist as we look at where he has placed himself and what he chooses to put in the painting. Or not, it is just interesting to look at the work's detail.

Self Portrait

Edvard Munch

c. 1943

 

 I am NOT a fan of pictures with me in it, but I often choose to take many trips by myself, and I want to remember special places. With my phone I can take reverse pictures of myself and include the site I am visiting....it reminds me of the moment BUT I am not the focus.

See my head? This was taken while on my New York City vacation last summer as I was about to go in to see a Broadway play, One Man, Two Guv'nors.  The play was so funny that we, the audience, were gasping for air and wiping tears throughout the two hours. Good times!

Why don't you post a favorite self portrait on YOUR blog and write about it?
If you do, please let me know via email or a comment below.

Happy vacationing! Get outside!!!!