november 30

For your MOM: Did you meditate at all over break? Take a moment now. Close your eyes. Breathe.

JOURNAL TOPIC:
Dr. Seuss once wrote, "How did it get so late so soon?  December is here before it's June.  My goodness how the time has flewn. [sic]  How did it get so late so soon?"

Here we are.  Tomorrow it's December.  In the blink of an eye, we'll be on Winter Break, and then-- but, wait.  Let's slow things down for a moment.  One of the things I love about reading is how the author's ideas sometimes connect with what I'm thinking, or feeling, or experiencing.  Sometimes connecting the dots takes a little effort, but the effort is always worthwhile, because whatever I'm reading becomes more meaningful in those moments.

So, here is today's journal question: what idea/s from any of our readings can you apply to real life?  What have the authors or characters done or said that make you think about yourself, people you know, or the bigger issues we all deal with in 2020?

-OR-

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:

1. Journal
2. Reconnect
3. Set your priorities for the week
4. Skim Chapters 2 & 3 of Book 2 in Les Mis

welcome to the home stretch

Hi All,

I hope you and your families enjoyed a happy, healthy Thanksgiving, and I hope that the break gave you a chance to recharge your batteries and prepare for the end of the semester. In that spirit, I intentionally didn't post anything here, so that you could use the time to rest and catch up if necessary.

In horse racing, the space between the last turn and the finish line is called the home stretch. We have rounded the last turn of the fall semester, and now we have 2.5 weeks to end the semester on a high note.

Rather than adding a ton of work and a final project/exam, I want you to use these last few weeks to ensure that you understand the material we've covered so far, and to demonstrate your understanding on your course blogs.

We will continue the practice of writing in our journals every day, and you will post your three favorites from the week EACH FRIDAY (December 4, 11, and 18) until the end of the semester. Please continue reading the course blog each morning to see the journal topic for the day. When we meet today (Monday), we will discuss how we can most effectively use our time this week.

See you on Zoom,

Dr. Preston

november 20

For our MOM: What is the first book you remember reading? Enjoying?

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tune: "Hatred" by The Kinks]
Think of someone for whom you feel nothing but enmity. Now imagine that tomorrow morning you wake up to discover that you and this person are two heads on the same body. Describe your day.

-OR-

You can use your journal simply to write about life and your experiences in these unusual, challenging times.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Post the work that is due today
3. Make sure you have a plan for Thanksgiving Break

november 19

For your MOM: What if everything that is happening right now is exactly what is supposed to be happening right now?JOURNAL: [today's tune: "Alright Now" by Free]

Many people look at life and see a need for change. What if we could change in ways that made it easier to accept and navigate life the way it is? What can you change about yourself that would make you more effective at living your best life?

-OR-

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:

1. Journal
2. Post your three journal topics by Friday at 5:00P
3. Post your Literature Analysis on your blog by Friday at 5:00P
4. Remember to publish your blog posts

family storytime this friday afternoon

If you have a younger sibling (*ages 0-150 welcome, so your parents and grandparents are welcome too :), and you'd like to share a story for fun with my daughter and, please join us for Zoom storytime this Friday (11/20) at 4:00 p.m. My daughter also loves Les Mis, so feel free to ask her anything!

LETICIA, TELL KAREN I CAN'T WAIT!

Here is the Zoom info:

David Preston is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: family storytime
Time: Nov 20, 2020 04:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83666874166?pwd=YmVmRHRvS2V6TFk4T0swdmloSENKZz09

Meeting ID: 836 6687 4166
Passcode: 688767
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november 18

For your MOM: What's making an impression on you right now?

JOURNAL TOPIC: [today's tune: "My First Impression of You" by Billie Holiday]
As the old saying goes, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression."  Why do you think first impressions are so important?  What do you think are the keys to making a good first impression?

-OR-

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal
2. Book 2/ Chapter 1 (& 2?) of Les Mis
3. Review and discuss inciting incident & elements of plot
4. Independent work

november 17

For your MOM: Slow down. For 60 seconds.

JOURNAL TOPIC: ["Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones]
We all encounter emergencies-- illness, earthquakes, stalled cars, the occasional zombie apocalypse--so what can you do to be prepared? Describe planning or training for something that might actually happen.

-OR-

Choose your own topic.

AGENDA:
1. Journal

2. Les Mis