What makes a good teacher?

1.  A good teacher has to be patient.
2. A good teacher wants to improve his teaching methods
3. A good teacher mastery of his/her subject
4. A good teacher should be a positive role model
5. A good teacher has to understand how children act

Mattie Stepanek

1) Who was Mattie Stepanek?

Mattie Stepanek was an American poet, who had six books of poetry and one book of essays all reach The New York Times bestsellers list. He became a peace advocate and motivational speaker, and lobbied on Capitol Hill on behalf of peace, people with disabilities, and children with life-threatening conditions.

2)Why do you think he was famous?

I think he was famous because at the age of three, Stepanek started to write poetry to cope with the death of his older brother. His first five books are Heartsongs, Journey Through Heartsongs, Hope Through Heartsongs, Celebrate Through Heartsongs and Loving Through Heartsongs. All five works made the New York Times bestsellers list

In 2002, Stepanek began a three-term appointment as the Muscular Dystrophy Association National Goodwill Ambassador, due to his national high profile because of his poetry and related appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Larry King Live, and Good Morning America. In 2003, Billy Gilman - singer and friend of Mattie's - released an album called Music Through Heartsongs: Songs Based on the Poems of Mattie J.T. Stepanek. The album reached number 15 on the U.S. Top Country chart and number 109 on the US Billboard 200.

3)What is posthumously?

Posthumously means after dead. His book published after his death.

4)What does Jimmy Cater mean when his say “We have known kings and queens, and we've known presidents and prime ministers, but the most extraordinary person whom I have ever known in my life is Mattie Stepanek. His life philosophy was 'Remember to play after every storm!' and his motto was: 'Think Gently, Speak Gently, Live Gently'. He wanted to be remembered as "a poet, a peacemaker, and a philosopher who played". Explain.

President Cater means that Mattie Stepanek was very inspiring a lot of people. Mattie  means we must feel happy after a big problem come to us and we must try our best to solve the problem. For his motto, think gently means we must think positive about life. Speak gently means we must speak politely to other person. Live gently means we must live in happiness.

A Matter of Balance by W. D. Valgardson

1. What significant events or details in the story are releaved through flashbacks?


The events or details in the story are releaved through flashback are when the bikers reminded him of kids from his public school days who used to block the sidewalk. He tries to ignore the bully but the bully does not care about Harold’s feeling. This event remind him by seeing the bikers. The second events is when Harold remember when his wife was killed.

2.What inference can you make regarding the fate of Harold's wife? about the nature of illness?


Inference can I make regarding the fate of Harold’s wife is death cannot be expected and about the nature of his illness, he still cannot forget about his wife death.

3.From the beginning of the story, Harold's behaviour is motivated by feelings of uneasiness. How does the author develop these feelings?


The author develop uneasiness in Harold's behavior is when he was not comfortable seeing the two bikers.Harold felt contempt and fear. Then, the blond biker raised his hand and pointed two fingers like a pistol and pretended to shoot him. After that, the blond biker already coming down the cliff, while the other one blocked off the path and the biker take out a knife.

4.How does Harold rationalize his leaving the bikers in such a dangerous position? What other reasons he might have? Do you think his actions are justified? Discuss.


Harold leaving the bikers in such dangerous position because the bikers can attack him after Harold help the biker. The other reason he might have is if he think about his past. He don’t want to help a person who had disturb him. I think Harold actions are justified because if I was on his shoes, I will think about myself and my family safety. I become selfish for a moment because I have responsible to take care about myself.

5.Comment on the appropriateness and effectiveness of the title. 


My comment on the appropriateness and effectiveness of the title is that our past helps us to make decisions about our future. In the story, Harold recalls him past experience as well as memories to make a decision. He had many adversities in his life from being bullied in the school yard to his wife is dying, which were all factors in him deciding wheather or not to save his attackers.

I like this song because this song give me a lot of inspiration that I can adapt to my real life. This song is all about the way we express our sorrow. For example, when I was down, I remember the lyrics of this song and I think back why I must sad because I know every problem there is a solution. This song very meaningful for me.

In addition,this song as a beautiful melody. Especially at the chorus that can make me smile again.Besides, firework is a symbol of joy because firework is a necessity in every festival. So we should not let our sadness control our mind.        

smile