Learning Challenge: In Jelly Beans

I watched the video The Time you Have (In Jelly Beans), and I know that we do not live forever and our time here has a limit, but it is not something that I often think about. Further, I never considered an abstract physical representation of the days we have to live on Earth. On average we will live a total of 28,835 days. We will sleep a total of 8,477 days. Work for 3,202 days, watch television for 2,766 days. I have never thought about categorizing my days in life as to how I spend it. While it is sad to think that my big jar of jelly beans will one day run out, I need to think about my next jelly bean and make sure I don't waste it. Live it with gusto, with happiness and hopefulness because any one of those could be my last and don't waste a single bean!

The Jar of Jellybeans, make everyone count.

Growth Mindset: Passion and Enthusiasm

I watched the video Learning with Passion and Enthusiasm and it confirmed for me that learning happens when new information is connected to existing memory, like new memories that stick. One new thing I learned from the video is that being excited or enthusiastic makes our learning happen much easier and faster. The key is being able to ensure you are learning about those things that interest you most and that you are excited about for the long term. Many times when studying, it can be drudgery and feels like work. However, when I study now, I will prepare my mind to remember how excited and enthusiastic I am about the topic before I dig into reading, studying and learning.

Through passion and enthusiasm your brain can get a good workout. 

Reading Notes: Babbitt Jataka Tales, Part B

After reading part B of the jataka tales by Babbitt I feel like the story “The King’s White Elephant” really stood out to me. I liked the overall theme of the story and I plan to keep that the same but instead change the characters and the location of my story. I plan to use animal characters, but the animals will act as humans. They will wear clothes and do jobs, live in houses and so on. Further, I plan on having the following outline where a hard working father brings his son to work and shows him the value of working hard. Instead of having my character being humans and working to collect lumber, I think I want my characters to be squirrels and they will work at a nut factory.

Bibliography: Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt. Link to Reading.

Mr. Squirrel taking a break at the Nut Factory

Reading Notes: Babbitt Jataka Tales, Part A

For this week I decided to read Jataka Tales by Babbitt. Part A of this reading was filled with many interesting stories written towards children, so it was a really fun read! I loved the story The Monkey and The Crocodile and decided to use it as my inspiration for when I write my own story. I have heard this type of story before as a child just a different version. Something I really like about this version is all of the dialogue between the characters. It made the story flow very well and is something that I’m going to incorporate into my own story. Also, I like how the small crocodile had to use his wit to try to get what he wants, however the monkey was far more clever and in the end his cunningness allowed him to be free. I want to use animal characters in my story but instead of one animal trying to eat the other I want to create a type of parasitic interaction or one animal holds the other captive. Then through using ones intelligence one animal will succeed. 

Bibliography: Jataka Tales by Ellen C. Babbitt. Link to Reading.

The Monkey and The Crocodile 

Week 8 Comments and Feedback

Overall, I feel like the quality of my feedback has been pretty helpful. Also, I think the comments that have been the most useful are the ones that offer examples with the constructive criticism. Further, I think being able to read other peoples stories has inspired me to do new things with my own story writing. For instance, I read one story that was written from the 1st person perspective, which is something I haven’t done before but would like to try!

I feel like the introduction blog posts are really neat and they give me an insight into my fellow classmates lives. After visiting numerous introduction posts I think I’m going to incorporate some personal photos into my introduction. Looking forward, I plan to try to give constructive criticism with examples, as well as give praise for the things that I liked about the stories that I’m giving feedback on.


I choose this image in particular because I feel like with the help of feedback one is able to reach new heights in their work, andthis photo encompasses this notion perfectly.

Feedback Cats.

Week 8 Reading and Writing

Looking back, I have really enjoyed the reading assignments so far. In particular I very much enjoyed reading the Ramayana. Further, I feel like my reading notes have really assisted me in writing new stories. I think its neat that my reading notes are not just a summary of the original story but instead allows me to talk about specific aspects that I would like to some how incorporate into my own story.

I choose this image because I love flowers and they remind me of new beginnings and spring. I feel like this is the perfect picture to use when looking to the future of this class.

Flower Garden. 

When looking forward I plan on taking advantage of the audio if it’s available. I feel like I will be able to get more out of the reading if I can hear it and follow along. Also, I’m going to try to get my readings done a head of schedule that way I have more time to focus on writing my story.

Wikipedia Trail from Arjuna to Transcontinental Countries

Arjuna: He is one of the main characters in the Indian epic Mahabharata. Arjuna is a very skilled archer, one of the best ever. He is one of the three pandava brothers, he has had four wives and four children.

Archery: This is a sport in which one uses a bow to shoot arrows. A person who participates in Archery is called an archer. This practice was used for warfare in ancient civilizations and now it has evolved into a sport.

Egypt: Egypt is home to some of the oldest civilizations and relics, such as the great pyramids of Giza. I was surprised that modern Egypt began in 1922 when it declared its independence from the British Empire. Further, I’ve always been fascinated with Egyptian culture and it was really cool to look into the modern Egypt as well.

Transcontinental Countries: I wanted to look this up because I wasn’t exactly sure what this meant. I learned that a transcontinental country is a country that is located on more than one continent. For instance, the territory of Turkey is located over both Asia and Europe; where as Egypt can be found on Africa and Asia.

An Ancient Egyptian Archer.

Tech Tip: Canvas Mobile App

I downloaded the canvas mobile app last year and it was the best thing I've ever done. The mobile app is so convenient and I really like how I receive instant updates when new grades are entered into my account. Overall, I think the canvas mobile app is a great tool and I would recommend that all students download it!

Learning Challenge: Sleep

I read the article,10 proven ways teachers can improve their sleep, and I found it really insightful. Here is the link to the article.

A good night's sleep is important for keeping your body and mind operating at optimal levels. Good ways to ensure good sleep are consistent bedtime, routine sleep cycles, avoid caffeine and meditation.
However, the article mentions some methods that I was not aware of like de-cluttering your bedroom and beware of cold feet. Studies have shown that a messy room will increase stress levels and contribute to poor sleep quality. If your feet are uncomfortable with the temperature you will sleep restlessly. I am going to make sure that my feet stay warm by wearing comfortable socks to bed and keep my room clutter free and see if I can fall asleep easier and have a more restful night of sleep in the weeks ahead!

Sleep allows us to recharge.