14 Best Reading Practices Essay Example for Free

14 Best Reading Practices Essay Best Practice 1: Explicit Word Analysis Instruction, Including Phonics Teachers provide explicit instruction, build word knowledge, and directly teach skills and strategies for word analysis (phonemic awareness, phonics, word recognition, structural analysis, context clues, vocabulary). Best Practice 2: Assessment to Inform Instruction Teachers routinely monitor and assess the reading levels and progress of individual students. This ongoing evaluation directs and informs instruction. Best Practice 3: See more: Distinguish between problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping Essay Instructional Planning Teachers plan instruction considering three phases: before, during and after reading. Best Practice 4: Collaboration and Reflection Teachers routinely self-reflect and collaborate on instructional practices and student progress within school and/or district. Best Practice 5: Learning Standards Teachers facilitate conceptual knowledge of Illinois English Language Arts learning standards. Best Practice 6: Independent Students have opportunities for sustained reading (oral and/or silent) every day.

Lysistrata Essay -- essays research papers

Lysistrata A play about making war – and not making love†¦ The Talbot Theatre production of Lysistrata both entertained and delighted this member of the audience, who was there partly because of an English assignment requirement, but mainly because of the opportunity to enjoy a live theatre production. The theatre company employed many different components to bring this antiwar play to life that evening on the stage. These components can be broken into three categories, which visually enhanced the text of the play. The first of these categories is the setting, the stage lighting, and the props. The second component is the symbolism of some of those props, and the third component is the character portrayals by the actors on the stage. To take us back to ancient Greece, the props master employed a very simple interpretation using columns on a raised set of steps, with a backdrop of blue. To add to the feel of the era, a statue stands in the middle of the platform. This platform serves double duty as the Akropolis and as the Citadel, both of which the women have occupied. When the men light a fire below the walls of the Akropolis, smoke pours out of the bundle of sticks, making it appear as if a fire has really been ignited. Fortunately the women are ready and the fire is extinguished and the men all doused with water, which is portrayed well with buckets and actions that look as if the men are being driven away by the water. When Kinesias comes to see Myrrhine, and they he...

Communication in Relationships

Amanda Cordova SOC3400- The Family in Transition 29 November 2010 Communication in Relationships Communication plays a big role in how successful a relationship can be. There are plenty of factors that affect the way individuals communicate. The most difficult part about communication in relationships is how the other person corresponds with you. It is all about how you may speak verbally and nonverbally to others. Many people believe gender and their roles can make an impact. Females are the sentimental ones who want to express how they feel and focus on intimacy.Males tend to use these as excuses of why they should be in charge or have power. Their idea of being tough and strong is to not show their emotions. There are specific ways of expressing one’s self, but they must learn the basics of communication first. Verbal communication is crucial to communicating in general. One thing a speaker must be aware of is their tone. The tone of someone’s voice can be misinterpr eted. Besides tone, word choice can play a role in how positive you may communicate; language is flexible and can be used in different ways.If someone tells another person, â€Å"you do nothing, you’re lazy,† the other person may feel upset or useless. In reality, the other person may be busy with work and school and simply forgot or did not have time to do the dishes. Culture can also play a role on verbal communication. A famous saying in one country can be nonsense in another such as â€Å"what you said went straight over my head. † Culture helps create specific dialects for different groups to make communicating more efficient. If used correctly, verbal communication can make or break a relationship.Unquestionably, nonverbal communication has just as big of an impact as verbal. Nonverbal can affect auditory, visual and physical channels. In most instances, people can hear the other person talking, read their facial expressions and may be touching or receivin g a touch simultaneously. Nonverbal communication has fewer rules and has more meanings. Verbal communication is structured with grammar, spelling, and pronunciation such as periods and exclamation marks or â€Å"there,† â€Å"their† and â€Å"they’re. † On the other hand, nonverbal communication shows they can also convey ambiguous meanings.In example, a glance at someone could be defined as flirting, contentment, or a sign of warning. Someone’s facial expressions, eye contact, posture, gestures, vocal tone, and clothing are usually things we focus on when communicating in person. Most importantly, nonverbal communication is being used through technology. Through the recent years, people have been relying on e-mail, phones and text messaging to communicate. Some things can be misinterpreted and cause conflict between relationships. Together, verbal and nonverbal communications express meaning and go hand-in-hand with each other.Generally speaking, males and females have different ways of speaking to others comfortably. What most people realize is that some of the stereotypes about communication between men and women can be true, but also false. Men tend to communicate more â€Å"informative, honest, relevant, and use more clear language† (McCornack, 2010). They usually focus on activities, information, logic and negotiation. Men often see a woman’s perspective on emotions as unreasonable. With women, conversations are negotiations for intimacy and avoiding loneliness in which they â€Å"try to seek and give confirmations and support, and to reach consensus† (Tannen, 25).They tend to perceive a man’s view as unsympathetic. Both males and females have different ways of communicating intrapersonally and interpersonally. When a man has done something wrong, they blame outside circumstances before they blame themselves. They talk for more periods of time; this supports the reasoning of having power and controlling it. In mixed groups, men make 96% of the interruptions and the result is that women have greater difficulty presenting their ideas fully (McCornack 2010). Women can feel men are arrogant.Men can feel that women are not assertive; that women contribute less. Women focus more steadily on the speaker, whether male or female. The result is that men can perceive women are uncritical thinkers, or even as flirting. Since men make less consistent eye contact, they can be perceived as not listening. Since men have less connections between the 2 sides of the brain, it is sometimes easier for men to process information if they are not directly also trying to process meaning behind eye contact. So sometimes when a man is looking over a woman's shoulder he is really listening intently.Men will smile and nod to show they agree with the speaker. Women will smile and nod no matter what, including if she disagrees with someone. They will smile and nod when they are sad, when they are co nfused, and even when they are angry. The result is that men will think women are â€Å"on board† when in fact they might not be. Then men, then, are very surprised when the conflict does arise. Women are acculturated to be pleasant and smile–so it is very hard for men to â€Å"read† the smile. Women are more apt to say â€Å"please† and â€Å"thank you. The result is that men sometimes don't take women seriously. Both men and women have words they use more frequently than the other sex, and some words that few of the other sex use. For example, men use more war and sports-related analogies; women use more imagery and relationship-based analogies. According to Dindia and Allen, both sexes have socially created stereotypes that keep them from communicating effectively (1992:59). In their minds, they have a predesigned concept of what is the right way to talk to someone of the opposite sex and someone of the same sex.Some key words to remember when convers ing with another person are recognition, acknowledgment, and endorsement. Recognition is to declare that the other person exists. Someone may not voice their thoughts because they feel dismissed and overlooked. This can result in ineffective communication; the odds will always benefit one person over the other. Acknowledgement is a direct response, letting the other person know that you heard them. Endorsement is empathizing with the other person; let them know that you understand their view. Never become defensive or competitive with whom you are talking to.These factors can pollute the atmosphere and create a negative communication climate. The best way to improve communication in a relationship is recognizing one’s own style of expressing themselves. When expressing your feelings to someone else, always focus on talking about the other person’s behavior, your observations, sharing ideas and choosing the right time and place. If there is something bothering you, for example, not putting things where they belong, tell the other person that you are upset with their actions, instead of calling them lazy or inconsiderate.There are also four rules to follow for effective and efficient communication. First, you must say your feelings directly. Never assume that the person you are talking to knows how you think. Second, express and voice your feelings to your audience. If something is truly bothering you, take a stand and let someone know you are not happy and vice versa. This could work in some of the smallest situations like trying to decide on what to have for dinner. Thirdly, do not push your boundaries and know your limitations. If there is a problem in a parent and hild relationship, the child should never disrespect their parents. Lastly, do not use any foul language or curse words. If someone feels attacked or disrespected, they are more likely to dismiss the conversation or retaliate against you. There are three different theories that can be applied to communication in relationships. The first one is social exchange theory. Exchange theorists propose that corresponding with others can be controlled by a share of rewards and costs. A reward can be any form of positive exchange that benefits the relationship.Some examples are compromises, compliments and agreements. A cost is a negative exchange for instance critical remarks, complaints and personal attacks. Whenever there are more rewards for both people, they have made a profit in their relationship. When there are more costs than rewards, the result is a loss on both parties. The second theory that applies to relationship communication is gender role theory. Gender is socially and culturally constructed concepts that are attached to a male or a female. Gender roles are expectations that a male or female must fulfill or perform. Knox ;amp; Schacht, 78-82). Both are supposed to dress a certain way, they must participate in specific activities, and have completely opposi te interests. In many situations, males and females are divided from young ages, teaching children that there is no other way, but to live by the gender stereotypes that society gives them. Gender role theorists believe there is a social construction on how males and females differ. From early ages, males and females learn specific gender roles and behaviors that are considered appropriate for their gender.Males and females are expected to communicate differently because of their interests, causing a conflict in keeping the two from bonding. The last, and most applicable, is symbolic interaction theory. This theory uses a close-up focus on social interactions in specific situations. People tend to use the looking-glass self to solve situations. According to Knox and Schacht, this looking-glass self concept â€Å"involves looking at each other and seeing the reflected image of someone who is loved and cared for and someone with whom a productive resolution is sought† (2010:122 ).We tend to think about how our parents will feel if we do not go home for the weekend or how making plans with friends over a loved one will affect the outcome. When we communicate in our relationships, most people are consciously wondering how a conversation will be, making an impact on how the discussion will turn out. In the final analysis, communication can be affected by nonverbal and verbal communication and in some cases, gender differences. Verbal communication can share meanings, shape thoughts, manage relationships, and create conversation.Nonverbal communication is how we express our emotions, convey meaning, manage interactions, and help us communicate through our surroundings. Researchers still have not found enough evidence to support whether or not gender plays a role on communication, but social concepts show otherwise. Both males and females have predesigned thoughts of how the other must act, appear and talk. When we communicate, we need to recognize our own weak nesses and those of others. The way our relationships communicate can determine how our life will turn out.References Dindia, K. , ;amp; Allen, M. (1992). Sex differences in self-disclosure: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 112, 106-124. Knox, D. , ;amp; Schacht, C. (2010). Choices in relationships: an introduction to marriage and family (10th ed. ). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. McCornack, S. (2010). Reflect ;amp; relate: an introduction to interpersonal communication (2nd ed. ). Boston, MA: Bedford/St. Martin's. Tannen, D. (1990). You just don’t understand: Women and men in conversation. London: Virago.

Othello, By William Shakespeare - 1728 Words

Love’s Purpose Love has many purposes. Traditionally viewed as wonderful, overcoming emotion, it sometimes take a sinister route. In William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello, the word love has a key role throughout the play. In the opening of the play we are introduced to Othello, the general of the Venetian army, and the supporting characters such as Iago, his coworker, and Desdemona, his wife. A Moor in a European capital, Othello becomes insecure in his position of power, and turns to the false-hearted Iago as a source of advice. Throughout the play a great deal occurs, such as Iago’s vendetta against Othello, which primarily controls the plot, and Desdemona’s struggle with her ideal of love. Although love is one of the most important themes of Othello, the characters manipulate love to disguise their true motives while maintaining the facade of loyalty. Some argue that love is the most important theme of the play, because it drives the plot as well as Othello’s illogi cal jealousy. One could contend endlessly on this argument, but there is far too much proof that love does not motivates the characters’ actions are not rooted in love. If one looks at the surface of the play, it could be written off as love, but a revisit of that reveals that each character has individual reasons and emotions deeper than just the word ‘love’. For example, Iago states â€Å"My lord, you know I love you,† (Act 3.3.134) though he says this Baron 2 purely to deceive Othello, the whole purpose ofShow MoreRelatedOthello, By William Shakespeare957 Words   |  4 Pagesinnocent person kills himself while not knowing the truth. The best example of that would be the play Othello by the great William Shakespeare. As little as a handkerchief could make a difference if it is a symbol for something. In the play Othello by Shakespeare, handkerchief is first introduced by Othello to his beautiful mistress, Desdemona, as a sign of their love. At the end of the play what gets Othello to take extreme measures by the location of the handkerchief. As the symbol of the handkerchiefRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare1599 Words   |  7 Pages William Shakespeare’s 16th century play Othello is a duplicitous and fraudulent tale set alternatingly between Venice in act 1, and the island of Cyprus thereafter. The play follows the scandalous marriage between protagonist Othello, a Christian moore and the general of the army of Venice, and Desdemona, a respected and intelligent woman who also happens to be the daughter of the Venetian Senator Brabantio. Shakespeare undoubtedly positions the marriage to be viewed as heroic and noble, despiteRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare1218 Words   |  5 PagesIn a historical time period where emphasis was shifting from religion to race and ethnicity, key indicators of differences that perpetuated into racial prejudice and racial ideologies are evident in Othello by William Shakespeare. Although racism was not fully formed at this moment in history, Othello can be interpreted as a representation and an exploration of this shift in ideology. In the past, before this change to ward racial differences, religion was the major segretory factor in signifyingRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare894 Words   |  4 Pagesthose that which occurred in Othello written by William Shakespeare. Throughout the play Othello, we see the struggles of a marriage that is not accepted by their society. Othello is a extremely cherished black general living in a primarily white community. The play begins with Othello secretly becoming married to a white woman named Desdemona. This reasons others who are white to become angry and excuse to dislike this black man further more than they already do. Othello is a downward spiral from loveRead MoreOthello by William Shakespeare790 Words   |  3 PagesThroughout Othello by William Shakespeare, Othello makes numerous poor decisions due to his jealousy. Hitting Desdemona, trusting Iago, and killing Desdemona are among a few of the poor decisions that he makes. The word jealous can be defined as feeling or showing suspicion of som eones unfaithfulness in a relationship. Othello feels suspicious of Desdemona’s and Cassio’s relationship because of the lies that Iago tells him. Many people try to tell Othello the truth but he only believes the wordsRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare1923 Words   |  8 Pagesdissatisfaction or complication is shown. Firstly in Othello love is presented as ephemeral and transient while atonement love is presented as unrequited and finally in cat on a hot tin roof love is presented as painful and troublesome due to unreciprocated feelings. The tragic plot of Othello hinges on the potential of the villain, Iago, to deceive other characters, above all Roderigo and Othello, through encouraging them to misinterpret what they see. Othello is prone to Iago s ploys seeing that he himselfRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare941 Words   |  4 Pageswas Williams Shakespeare’s play Othello which depicts the tragedy of Othello, a Morris Captain. What is different about Shakespeare play is that the tragic hero is the black Othello and the villain a white Iago. Therefore, Shakespeare depiction of Othello as a tragic character and Iago as a villain, challenges Elizabethan’s stereotypes regarding individuals of African descent. Shakespeare challenges the stereotypical â€Å"type –casting of the black man† in Elizabethan society by depicting Othello asRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare1152 Words   |  5 Pages‘Othello’ was a tragedy of incomprehension at the deepest level of human dealings as no one in the play came to an understanding of himself or any of the surrounding characters. The play ‘Othello’ by William Shakespeare focused on tragedy through the anguish of the main character ‘Othello’ which lead to the suffering and death of numerous characters including himself. Appearance Vs. Reality challenged human dealings within the play ‘Othello’ as no-one came to see anyone’s true self and no-one seesRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare1178 Words   |  5 Pagesprofitable in condition of good and immorality. Othello is presented as good and Iago as evil, but Iago and Othello’s relationship also shares a distrust of their wives. The overall logical argument is based on love, jealousy and betrayal between two lovers that ultimately leads to their separation because of Iago’s evil plan. I am using this article to agree with Berry s view on how Iago separates two lovers just so he can take retaliation on Othello by manipulating everyone to unmasking their trueRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare1140 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Othello† is a play written by William Shakespeare in 1603. In this play, Shakespeare features three major characters: Othello, Iago, and Desdemona. Othello, a black man, and Desdemona, a white venetian secretly eloped in the play. Iago shows racism and prejudice towards their relationship because of their skin colors. In the play, Iago says: â€Å"Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise! Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, or else the devil will make a