Why we read...

I often hear my students provide the disgruntled groan when asked to read something for class.  It is not out of disrespect or angst directed toward me.  It is, I think, because we have become a society that views reading as a chore.  It asks us to engage with a text--not in a shallow or quick manner--but in a manner that asks us to make a commitment.  We need to pay attention to our words.  Not just the meaning either, but what they say, how they say it, what order they fall in, and to whether or not they are used out of context.  Additionally, we have to look at the figurative language, punctuation and the time period of the text.  All of this attention to detail begs us to engage.  We cannot be passive.  We must pay attention!!!

We are very capable.  We do this during video games, sporting events, musical entertainment.  We can do this for reading.  This video is by John Green (his name is the link) and he is an author of several books.  Pay attention to what he says about reading and how it benefits you to read. 

Your assignment:
1. Point out and explain one of his main points about reading critically.
2. What do you need to do as a reader in order to read more critically?
3.  Why do you love to read, or why do you hate to read?  Explain!


Happy blogging!!!

Creativity

We often take for granted creativity.  As children we enjoy drawing in the sand with a stick, using street chalk, painting with our fingers, and making up stories.  All of these are still part of who we are.  In our book Anthem and in our other texts read this year, we see the importance of our childhood and its impact on our later years. 
Being creative is so much more than being able to draw or tell a good story.  It is about being an original.  It is about allowing ourselves to step out of line and form our own steps, build our own buildings, or write our own tunes. 
I want you to watch this Ted Talk.  It will take you about 18 minutes.  (Yes, I know this is longer than normal.)  Listen to Jarrett J. Krosoczka (his name is the link) and what he says about creativity and how it is formed. Once you have listened, think about what influences your creative side. 
In your post, you should do the following:
                      1. Point out something you found to be interesting about Krosoczka's life and his art and 
                      explain why.
                      2. Explain what inspires your creative juices and what dampens them.
                      3. Explain how you will use art or the arts in your future career(s).