Mr. Battaglia's Blog

March 9, 2011

by Battaglia, Todd

Response to Quote 13

What do I do in a Response to Quote?

To respond to a quote, you should:

- give your thoughts or opinions about what the author of the quote means

- relate the quote to something we are learning about or discussing in class

- connect the quote to something in your personal life

Your response should:

- be three to five (3-5) sentences

- use correct spelling and grammar (Maybe write in Word first, spell check, cut, and paste)

- be free of dead words!

- be well explained so that it makes sense and leaves the reader with no questions

- avoid sentences such as "I think ________ is saying...." or "That is what __________ means."

"The problem is not how to wipe out all differences, but how to unite with all differences intact." - Rabindranath Tagore, Bengali Poet - won Nobel Peace Prize for Literature

Be sure to put comments in Response to Quote 13!

37 comments

March 9, 2011

by Battaglia, Todd

Wonderful Piece of Writing

A few weeks ago, I was reading Sports Illustrated and came across an article that really caught my attention as a writer. Can you tell me why? (Be specific!)

Excerpt from "Boston's Garden Party" by Ian Thomsen

The littlest Celtic on the floor was trying to defend the biggest small forward on the planet. Rajon Rondo, the 6'1", 171-pound point guard, harassed the Heat's 6'8", 250-pound LeBron James as he dribbled, attacking like an enraged Chihuahua going after a Doberman's chew toy. James, bemused, peered over his shoulder at Rondo as he shielded the ball from the unexpected irritant.

Rondo, hopping and darting in pursuit, spun at full speed and slammed in a pick set by 7'3" Miami center Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Undeterred, Rondo bounced up off his back and pawed the ball away from LeBron, fouling him in the process. The scene was something from America's Funniest Home Videos. It showed the NBA as it rarely is in the middle of winter: unpredictable and impassioned, teams starving - daring, even - to win. Rondo and James weren't holding back, until the postseason, when the games really matter. They were clawing now. Today.

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March 10, 2011

by Battaglia, Todd

What I'm Reading

Currently, my plate is full with books. I have started a bunch and am attempting to re-read a few of the Literary Circle books as well.

Why Gender Matters by Leonard Sax, M.D., Ph.D. - A really interesting, scientific, and cultural look at the differences between boys and girls. This might help me as a teacher and a father (I need it!)

Mindsets: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. -This book explains how we, as humans, have different mindsets and how those mindsets can affect our everyday decisions and lives. I am interested in this book to be able to identify some issues with my own mindset at times and some of my students.

Scout, Atticus, and Boo by Mary Murphy - A book celebrating the 50th anniversary of the publishing of my favorite novel. The book looks at family members of the Lee (author's) family, people involved with the movie and book, and famous author's memories of how the book affected them. Might be useful after we read the book. I hear there is a documentary coming as well.

What are you reading, and what do you think about it?

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January 24, 2011

by Battaglia, Todd