Parables Response

Imagine you are one of your parents. Select a parable you (as the parent) want to share with your child (you). Write a three-sentence response that explains your choice.

Image Credit: http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-the-empty-pot-a-chinese-folk-story-about-honesty/

Fables & the Modern World

Review the list of Aesop fable morals and select one moral that interests you because it relates in a substantial way to the modern world. Read the accompanying fable, and write a 3-sentence response about WHY you selected that moral, using evidence from the story to connect to contemporary society.

Names and Story

What one idea from Mr. Allard's chapter on the significance of names and their relationship to story struck you and why? Post a 3-sentence comment to this post.

Tsunami Story

What one idea from Mr. Allard's chapter on the tsunami struck you and why? Post a 3-sentence comment to this post.

Fire Symbolism

What one idea from Mr. Allard's chapter on the connection between fire and storytelling struck you and why? Post a 3-sentence comment to this post.

Society's Views on Intelligence and Talent

“Our society worships talent, and many people assume that possessing superior intelligence or ability-along with confidence in that ability-is a recipe for success."

"In fact, however, more than 30 years of scientific investigation suggests that an overemphasis on intellect or talent leaves people vulnerable to failure, fearful of challenges and unwilling to remedy their shortcomings”(Carol S. Dweck, Scientific American Mind - November 28, 2007).

This passage is significant to the paper because it describes the main problem which is going to be addressed and discussed. It also tells an almost sad yet true statement that society warships talent, and many people who are talented may never realize it because they don’t feel that they possess intelligence or ability.

The passage then states that the people who who put an overemphasis on talent and being smart are more susceptible to fail, fear challenges, and not wanting to try to fix their mistakes.

Thinking Like a Fifth Grader

“They understood that even geniuses have to work hard for their accomplishments. Confronted by a setback such as a disappointing test grade, students with a growth mind-set said they would study harder or try a different strategy for mastering the material” (Carol S. Dweck, Scientific American Mind - November 28, 2007).
I landmarked this passage because it displays how these kids with a growth mindset weren’t so prideful that they couldn’t embrace failure. When those with a growth mindset didn’t receive the grade that they had expected, they had the immediate response of putting in more effort the next time around.

I also liked how it mentions trying a different strategy, because the way you go about studying is different for every person and these students understood that not every strategy will always work for them.