Halftime Speech: Part II

I wrote my halftime speech last week for my blog post. Coincidentally, it was to the exact same prompt that was given for this week’s blog. I am either lucky or a mind-reader, which has yet to be determined. Just a recap from last week: my expectations of more quantity and more complex reading have been fulfilled, and I believe to be a better critic and writer from it. Since I already reflected on this semester’s impact on me, I shall reveal the adjustments I would like to make for next semester:

-Let’s do a group project. I feel like besides the sparse group activity, I have not been able to interact with my classmates very much (official interaction... not counting the talking during class). I don’t know what units are next semester, but a reasonable-sized group project would be fun to do next semester. 

-I want to act something out. I know we have already completed the drama unit, but I was hoping we would act out scenes or something like that. I think that a large class participatory activity would be great learning and lots of fun.

-Lastly, let’s have a party. I’m serious. This is our last semester of high school ever (hopefully). I think that after the AP test we should have a large party to finish out the year. These are what I hope. What about you? I want to hear your recommendations.

My Halftime Speech

I am feeling a tad reflective today, and considering the end of the first semester is approaching, I thought I would take a look back at the past 16 weeks that was semester 1 of AP Senior English. The main difference (and challenge) I had expected from this course was the amount of reading. This class has not disappointed, with a regular reading pace throughout the semester. Along with the amount of reading, I had anticipated a much higher reading level than advanced english classes of the past. Again, my expectations were correct. The literature we have read this semester has been the higest of any I have read-- and rightfully so. However, I really appreciate the variety of literature we read. We have read short stories, dramas, and novels (independent reading). Also, we have read modern texts, older literature, serious stories, and humorous passages. I have been able to relate to most of them (not all) which has allowed to stay interested in the class, something which concerned me at the start. Writing has also been a large part of this semester. I have expanded my writing skills by regularly doing several types of writing. I have practiced timed writing, reflective writing, interpretive writing and personal writing. I feel like I am a much more refined writer and reader because of this course. What about you guys? How has this semester of AP Senior English shaped you? Was it all that you had anticipated?