Next week's assignment - An Essay on a "Viral Video"

As we enjoy the first week of 2012, I'd like you to check out a "viral video" by Rebecca Black called "Friday."    It's the "most viewed" video of 2011.

Before you watch, however, let's first consider a question you might have: what is a "viral video?" As you know, when someone catches a cold, we can say they caught a virus that spread from someone else.  If that person coughs, another person will catch that same virus.  The key word here is "spread" - which is what a "viral video" does.  It spreads like a virus very quickly when people start telling their friends about something (or in the case of a cold, coughing on each other).

Here is a viral video I'm sure you've all seen before.

So now that you know what a viral video is, check out Rebecca Black's video.  After watching it, without knowing anything about it, I wasn't sure what to think.  Sometimes I thought it was a joke, but then I realized it was serious.  As for the lyrics..... hmmmm.  I won't be too critical, because I think Rebecca Black isn't writing this song for an old man like me to dance to.  Anyways, I'm curious what my writing students think.

During this camp, you are going to have to write a 500 word essay about a viral video, essentially researching it and giving your opinion on it - complete with links, quotes, and the video itself.  So, I'd like you to start thinking about a video you'd like to write about, and maybe posting it with some questions you'd like to answer later. 

In the case of Rebecca Black's video, a student would essentially decide if the video is good or not, giving reasons why. They could quote the opinions of other viewers that they agree or disagree with, and definitely would have to find some background information on Rebecca Black and her video, probably using Wikipedia as a place to start.  This video here might help you form an eductated opinion.

Where are you....? @@

Hello Students,

As you can see on the right, I have most students listed with their blogs under their class number.  This is so everyone can visit your blogs and leave comments, and so Jiyun and I can see how things are going.

IF your name is not on there yet, please reply with a comment beneath this post and I'll add you.

As of today, Jiyun and I are seeing some progress, and we are really impressed by some of the writers we have here.  However, some of you are slow to get writing, and really need to make better use of your time at the computers.

Keep up the good work, and keep writing! Remember, you can write anything you want on your blogs, and more writing you do the better the end result will be.  Your blog is your own and your goal is to showcase your creativity. : )

On a side note... does anyone know what's going on in this picture?  Why not reply with a caption below.   What do you think the raccoon is thinking or saying? : )  If I see something funny or impressive, I might consider awarding a GREEN CARD.

UPDATE: The best DIAMANTE POEM writer for each class will get a GREEN CARD!!

Below you will see a diagram which shows you the structure of a "Diamante Poem."  As you can see, it is shaped like a diamond, and that's where it gets its name. 

NOUN
ADJECTIVE  ADJECTIVE

ING-VERB   ING-VERB   ING-VERB

NOUN       NOUN      NOUN       NOUN

ING-VERB      ING-VERB     ING-VERB

ADJECTIVE  ADJECTIVE

NOUN

Similar to a haiku, the Diamante Poem uses words to create an impression without relying on full phrases.  Try and use your THESAURUS to make your words more interesting.  Instead of "cold" why not use "freezing" or "chilly."  There are three different approaches you can take:

1. Opposites:  As you can see above (and in the example below), the poem is divided in half.  The first noun and the last noun should be opposites, such as HOT and COLD, and in the middle there should be a transition.  This is the most interesting method, and you can be creative.  Spring and Fall, Love and Hate, Sleep and Awake etc. etc. etc.  
2. Just one topic: You can keep your poem about one thing only, and explore more words to illustrate it.  The first noun and the last noun could be the same or about the same thing.
3. Related Dynamically: Instead of using opposites, you could change your poem in the middle to contrast two things that have a relationship.  One of my students started with "Cheeseburger" and finished with "Global Warming."  Can you guess the connection?  Fastfood creates paper waste and the meat is from cows who produce methane.  Very creative!  How about North Korea and South Korea, or School and Academy, or Apple and Microsoft?  iPad and Galaxy? The possibilities are endless.

Here is an example of what I expect from you guys with the Diamante Poems.  Try to write at least two or three, and creatively make a transition from one subject to the next.  Post pictures to jazz things up a little.  This one, about Red Cards and Green Cards.  These pictures help a lot, and notice how I used colored fonts of that are different to mark the change. Make sure everything is centered . As well, I've made the font as big as possible for more impact.  Let's have some fun with this simple yet very creative style of poetry. 

ㅠ,ㅠ
Red Cards

harsh, critical

catching, punishing, crying

P.A., T.A., Teachers, Students

winning, earning, enjoying

positive, proud

Green Cards!
^,^

Three Things About Mr. Garrioch

Hello Students,

As I described to you in class, I want you to write down three things about yourself on your blog, and one of them should be something that isn't true.  I'd like these three things to be descriptive with a bit of depth, and what we are NOT looking for is the following:

1. I like pizza.
2. I traveled to China last summer.
3. I have an older sister.

I don't know what your opinion is, but that list above is pretty boring.  First of all, most people like pizza.  Secondly, if you did go to China last summer, why not tell us where and why and for how many days?  China is a big interesting country, and "I traveled to China last summer" isn't going to improve or test your writing skills.  As for the last one about an older sister, it's not that interesting either.  However, it could be interesting if you described her. Do you like her?  Why?  Do you have any story you can tell about her?  How she saved you from lions at the zoo?  How she makes the best ramyon? How she's friends with one of the Wonder Girls?

Good writing is full of detail, and on more than a few blogs I'm seeing some lazy writing.  However, here are some good lists of three things....or even four things or five things.  Push yourself to write more than you are asked to.

Yewon in Class 14 wrote 13 things, and even wrote another post describing her first day at GLPS and some debate notes.. 

Vanessa also wrote a nice list with some healthy looking paragraphs. Hyunwoo has some nice description of a trip to the USA.  I wonder if it really happened.  Hmmmm.  Hyunseo is voicing some opinions on Dokdo, and adding to a growing list of interesting things.

Hyuntae seems to like food. And I have to say - I like his blog so far because his font is simple and easy to read, and everything looks nice.  Some of you have chosen some pretty wild fonts - too big or too small or too something!  Simple is always better.

Yein has a good looking list with some beautiful pictures, but one of them is on top of the list.  Try to make sure things end up where they belong.;)

So - as you can see, all of the students I mentioned above are in Class 14, and I didn't see much else to mention in the other classes I checked.  I know you've had less time, but you can look at Class 14 as an example to follow.  So - get writing!

And before I forget - here's three things about me!

1. I'm from Canada, so that means I LOVE HOCKEY.  I have two favorite teams: the Vancouver Canucks (where I used to live) and the Winnipeg Jets (where I was born).  I try to watch every game, and even have an iPad and an iPhone so I can watch games anywhere at any time.  Since the games I watch are in North America and I'm now living in Asia, I have to pay for an expensive membership to NHL.com so I can watch the games on the internet.  You'll probably see me eating lunch in the cafeteria watching live games on my iPhone.  All in all, I'm a true hockey nut!  Up above there's a video of a really great moment last summer during the Stanley Cup playoffs!  At the time, I was teaching my KMLA students and I started yelling in class. They didn't know why and thought I was crazy.

2. When I was a little bit younger (maybe a lot younger), I spent one year traveling all alone from Korea to the southern tip of India.  I never took any planes, and only boats and buses and trains and even a camel!  During that year I ate a lot of weird things (even a scorpion) and I met a lot of great people (along with some really weird ones).  I even got robbed in China, and appeared on Japanese television! It was an amazing experience.  Here's a picture I took which I'm really proud of.

3.  I teach writing and debate here at KMLA, and some of your PA's and TA's are my students.  If they ever give you any yellow cards, just tell them that you are going to pay Mr. Garrioch 5,000 wan to give them a B next semester, and they will probably take the yellow card back.  I'm a very scary teacher.

So, now you know a little bit about me.  One of the above is not true.  Can you guess?

Help everyone leave comments on your Blog more easily!

Jiyun and I are going to be doing a lot of reading and commenting on your blogs in the coming weeks, and hopefully so will you.  It will be easier for everybody IF we don't have to see the following when we leave comments:

Everyone should deactivate word verifications. As well, I'd like you to allow "Anyone" and "Anonymous Users" to comment as well. All the options are available in the highlighted menus below.

Step 1:  Go to "Settings" and then "Comments" from your Dashboard.

Step 2: Scroll down until you see the option below.  Click NO. : )

Step 3: SAVE!

Google uses these verifications to protect against SPAM, but it's never been a problem.
Thanks for helping us out!

Welcome! Please leave a comment with your blog address!

 

"It was a cold snowy morning when I first arrived at GLPS..."

Dear GLPS 17 Writing Students,

Welcome to KMLA~! It's going to be a busy first week getting to know all of you, and from what I can see we have a uniquely talented group of students at this camp.

If you are reading this now, you've probably created your blog, which means you are equipped with a very important tool for this GLPS Writing Program.   As a teacher, I believe that in order for writing to truly matter, it has to be read  -  and not just by one teacher, but by parents, friends, and other student.  In order to improve your writing, you have to read what other writers have to say, and a blog is the perfect way to share your unique writing style and your creative ideas.

Some things to keep in mind when using your blog:

• Your mom is going to see it.  And maybe even some other moms.  Moms all over the world might see it.  So, keep it polite, and take pride in your work.
• You don't have to wait for your teacher to tell you what to write.  You can write anything you want when you have the opportunity.  You can write about GLPS and the new friends you've made, and you can also write about your favorite music, movie, or book.  The possibilities are endless, and we hope to see you writing for your own enjoyment.
• Try to make your blog look nice! Think of it as a store you are opening.  You want customers to come in and enjoy the experience.  You want your displays to look perfect.  Try to make it interesting with videos, pictures, and a nice font that is easy to read.  Too many pictures and videos, however, will be distracting and make your blog hard to read.
• GLPS will award the "best bloggers" with awards at the end of camp.  If you enjoy writing and want to pursue this, you should work hard and have fun with your blog.

An additional purpose of your blog is to create a unique and creative network among your new GLPS classmates.  Although it is just the first week of camp, and you are still getting to know your new friends, you can be sure that on January 20th, when it's time to say goodbye, that you'll want to keep in touch.  A blog is a grand opportunity to do so, and I hope you continue blogging after the camp.

So for now, keep writing about your daily observations and learning experiences at GLPS.  Have fun, and upload pictures.  Jiyun and I'll be checking in!

For now, please leave a comment under this post once you've finished making your blog. I will add your name and a link to your blog on the right hand side of my blog.  This is where you'll be able to visit other student's blogs and leave comments.

Please make sure your comment looks like this:

Name: Minjee Lee
Class: 19
Blog URL: iloveglps.blogspot.com