Friday, March 20, 2015

Self Debate IS a style

Today you wrote a statement for your self debate and then explored ideas for your pro and con arguments.
Next week, be prepared to debate. NO EXCUSES!

Also, a lot of homework assignments from various class members have not been turned in, please finish these assignments. Those who have turned in everything, THANK YOU!

Thanks, John, for teaching us a bit about Martin Luther King Jr.

Saturday, PLEASE be at the scholar activity at 8 a.m. for set-up and last minute help.

Support Sage!!!!!!

Hannah, be ready for your leader presentation next Thursday. 

Friday, March 13, 2015

Honest Abe and Posing like Wonder Woman

Actions speak louder than words.  Today we discussed how important our body language is and what it says about us.(More than we would like to think!)
After a rousing game of 21 (a game that epitomizes the use of non-verbal communication and body "signs"), we watched a great TED Talk by Amy Cuddy.  If you missed class, here is the link:


Cuddy talked about how a 2 minute power pose can build confidence (and testosterone) when facing a social situation.  She had some great advice about "faking it until you become it." 
The homework for this week is putting these power poses into practice.  JUST DO IT!!!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Leadership Class
3/12/2015
Communications/Non-Verbal   HOMEWORK
 
Explain the idea and purpose of a power pose to someone.
 
X________________________________________________________________________
Signature of person who listened to the explanation
 
Perform a power pose for 2 minutes everyday.
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –
Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
 
Response to power pose – Did it work?  What is one instance where it was effective?  Did you feel different/empowered after performing it?  Did you apply it before an important event?
_______________________________________________________________________________________

Josh gave a well researched, thought provoking, and all around astounding presentation of Abraham Lincoln.  He was such a simple, kind-hearted, humble, honest man.  Definitely proving you do not have to be a loud, bold character to be a leader.  Thank you, Josh!

John presented his con side of the debate surrounding the mental health bill.  He delivered a no-nonsense argument focusing on MONEY!!  We do NOT need to spend more of it.

IF YOU HAVE NOT COME UP WITH A SUBJECT FOR YOUR SELF DEBATE- DO IT NOW!  HAVE IT READY BY NEXT THURSDAY.

And Sage, presented her plans for her FABULOUS, FUN, INCREDIBLE Scholar Activity!!  We can't wait.  A few of you were given assignments to accomplish this week.  Please get to work to make that happen.

Paige - contact Lisa Blanchard about Sword/Hero game, possible team leader
Haley - name tags, team leader
Josh - team leader (help lead and provide enthusiasm to your team)
John - team leader (help lead and provide enthusiasm to your team)

MORE assignments will come next week!  We need to SUPPORT Sage is this undertaking.  It is A LOT of work and she has been working ALONE!!  So let's be the best group of leaders by supporting each other and leading by example!!  WE CAN DO THIS!!  Thanks, Sage for taking this on : )!!  It is going to be fantastic.

PS - Now is the time to get your lip sync song chosen and start practicing! ;)


Monday, March 9, 2015

Let them eat cake, debate, Chamberlain and Walesa

Two words - CAT ISLAND!!

What an interesting way to start class.  If you didn't get enough, here is more:  http://www.theage.com.au/environment/animals/welcome-to-cat-island-where-felines-outnumber-humans-20150303-13u96s.html.
A few of the pictures are frightening!

But back to the serious stuff.  Teacher Jen was back and so was debate!  Paige and David delivered mediocre arguments that lacked their usual pizazz and passion.  Hannah stumbled through stating her case, but came back much stronger in her rebuttal.  It probably would've helped if she would've had someone to debate against.  (John, we NEED you!)  To say the least, it was a rough day in debate! But of course, the wise Teacher Jen said this was a good lesson.  We never know when our debates will be put on hold or when we will be called on to debate, so the key is to ALWAYS BE READY!!  This takes practice and preparation!  Aren't we lucky to have this awesome class to do just that?!

Next up, we heard two absolutely terrific presentations from Haley and David.  I loved that Haley chose to present on Joshua Chamberlain from Civil War fame.  He is a perfect example of a natural leader.  She gave great background information and examples of his leadership.  She recommended the book, Blood and Fire, if you want to know more of this American hero, although it was not the most rousing read.

David chose to present on Lech Walesa, the leader who led Poland out of Russia's grasp.  This was a great choice for him because his family has ties to Poland.  This incited passion and excitement about the topic from David.  I sensed his interest and knowledge right away.  It always helps when you have a passion about your topic.  It makes it easier for you to research because the interest is there, and easier for the audience to see your desire to share your understanding and enthusiasm for the topic.  So CHOOSE topics close to your heart!

Great job, Haley and David!

Next week, we will hear presentations from Hannah and Josh!  We can't wait!!

Also, Sage's scholar activity is in two weeks!  We need to check in with her to find out our assignments. Come ready to take notes and take action.

In terms of homework, here is where we stand:

-Mistake Journal - completed by everyone but JOHN

-Topics for Self Debate - completed by PAIGE, HALEY

-Personal Vision Board - completed by HALEY

-Presentations - completed by PAIGE, HALEY, DAVID

-Book Reviews - completed by HALEY, DAVID


Come on everyone, let's get this done!!!

Happy Birthday to Hannah, and thanks for the awesome cupcakes!

Good luck to David in his dance competition!

This week in class we are discussing and dissecting the art of COMMUNICATION!!