Saturday, September 15, 2012

Getting Respect From Teachers


One huge challenge for most students is having their teachers/professors like them. It may seem like an impossible task at times, but it really isn't. Here are some simple guide lines that you can follow for success.

  1. This is probably one of the biggest things- RESPECT YOUR TEACHER!! If you treat your teachers like they aren't important, they won't give respect back to you. You can simply change this by paying attention during class.
  2. Turn in your assignments on time. If you always forget (or just not do them) your assignments and never turn anything in, your teachers will think that you are irresponsible and that you do not care what they say.
  3. Be polite when you are speaking with your teacher. Say you are going to miss a week of school because you are going on a cruise and you needed to let your teacher know that you were going to be missing some school. Don't say, "Hey! I need the assignments for next week. I'll need them fast, I'm leaving at 3:00!" Say, "Hi Mrs./Mr. [teacher's name], I am going to be going on a cruise and I was wondering if I could have the work that you are going to be using in class. I just want to make sure that I'm not behind when I come back." If they say that you should just check the school's website for the assignments, just let them know that you probably won't have a printer or Internet access (only if that is true!!).
  4. Don't be inappropriate. Ex. swearing, short shorts, low neck tops, etc. 
  5. Look alive in class! If you just sit in class like you'd rather be at home (yes, I know, most of us would) your teacher won't think that you are trying your hardest. Nothing is better than a juicy class discussion!!
  6. TRY YOUR BEST AND YOU'LL HAVE THE REST! :)
Even if your teacher does like you already, give these simple tips a try! This makes class more fun, happy teachers, smart students, and a sunny school.

Happy learning!
Lauren

Monday, August 13, 2012

The Cupcake Queen

Title: The Cupcake Queen
Place of Publication: New York, New York
Publisher: The Penguin Group
Author: Heather Hepler
Copyright date: 2009
# of pages: 242
Personal Opinion: I really enjoyed The Cupcake Queen, by Heather Hepler. It was definitely a page turner. In the book you dealt with everyday situations, like divorce, bullies, and fitting in to new surroundings. If I had to pick a book to recommend to a friend, it would definitely be The Cupcake Queen.
Book Review: Penny is a teen who is forced to leave her friends and father, to move to a boring small town named Hog's Hollow. Penny has a hard time adjusting to her new home, and doesn't want to accept the fact that she isn't going back to NYC and that her parents are really getting divorced. Everyone seems to hide things from her, her Mom, Tally and Blake (her new friends), and her secret crush, Marcus. When Penny finally is starting to get used to everything, she finds out why her mom is really going to meetings in the city, and is told to make a huge decision which could change her life.
Appeal: Mostly Girls
Popularity: 4 Stars! Great!
Quality: 4 Stars! Better than most
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Busy Bee!


Hi everyone!! I know that it has been an eternity since I have posted something other than a featured video or book review. I am normally on the computer, but then I forget to blog or I'm not sure what to talk about. I sure do love Summer, but my life is pretty bland when I'm not in school! I went to a concert last night with a couple of my friends and it was pretty cool. The only downfall was having to be around a bunch of smokers. My friends and I have a hard time being around the smoke. I am not sure why people smoke or how they do it.

A couple months ago, I started to take violin lessons with Bob Hagenbuch. So far I have had a great time! I feel like I'm learning a lot and he truely wants me to suceed. One GREAT thing about going into 7th grade is, I have strings everyday the entire school year. This will make us improve so much as a group and musicians. Also, they had key-board as an exlporatory option. Hopefully there was enough people that signed up, or else they won't have the class. I really want to have this class, because 1. I just got a key-board and 2. it will help my violin skills. But it's ok, because if I don't get this class I will get Art with Ms. Katz.

I have been watching the Olympics a bunch lately. My favorite athletes are...
-Aliya Mustafina
-Viktoria Komova
-Jordan Wieber
-Aly Raisman
-Kerri Walsh
-Tom Daley
-Sam Mikulak
-Misty May
-Michael Phelps
and more, just can't name all of 'em!

Love you all!
Lauren<3

Monday, August 6, 2012

Smile

Title: Smile
Place of Publication: New York, NY
Publisher: Graphix
Author: Raina Telgemeier
Copyright date: 2010
# of pages: 213

Personal Opinion: I really enjoyed the graphic novel, Smile! This book was a fast read, but I think I liked it mainly because the author, Raina Telgemeir, did a good job writing and illustrating. Smile was a unique book because it was a graphic novel of the author's life. I will more than likely, look into reading another graphic novel by Raina.

Book Review: Raina is like any other average girl. She deals with complicated situations like her appearance, friends, and most importantly boys. Once Raina believes that she has herself on top of things again, she suddenly is involved with a major earthquake. When reading Smile, you get to experience Raina's roller-coaster life throughout her high school years. Will Raina finally get everything figured out?

Appeal: Mostly Girls
Popularity: 4 Stars! Great!
Quality: 4 Stars! Better than most
Genre -- Please mark the appropriate box: Biography

Monday, July 23, 2012

Captain Nobody

Title: Captain Nobody
Place of Publication : New York, New York
Publisher: Penguin Group
Author: Dean Pitchford
Copyright date: 2009
# of pages: 220

Personal Opinion: I really love Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford. Newton was like any other general/average 10 year old boy who had workaholic parents, a star brother, and basically had to let people know that yes, he does exist. I really liked the writer's voice to the story. Each character had an individual personality that made you like the character so much.

Book Review: Newton Newman is a 10 year old boy who has a workaholic dad, a forgetful mom, and has the town's super star football player as his brother. Once Newton's brother, Chris, takes a hard hit during The Big game, he starts being alone while his parents spend all of their time with Chris. Once Halloween comes, he forgets to make his distinctive costume, so his friends make him an interesting super hero out of hand-me-downs. Will Newton pull of the costume and learn to understand his parents' reasoning?

Appeal: Mostly Guys
Popularity: 4 Stars! Great!
Quality: 4 Stars! Better than most
Genre: Realistic Fiction