Into the Wild and Beyond

College applications are being turned in or have already been completed, the holidays are approaching, and just when you thought you could relax I offer you the nonfiction reading Into the Wild.  

It seems totally apropos to read  Into the Wild because you are going on your own journey of sorts. You are asking the age old questions "Who am I? What do I stand for? and What do I want to accomplish with my life?" These are difficult questions to answer as an adult so when you're transitioning from teen to adult your head can swim with all the possibilities that life offers you. Good news is I'm not expecting answers that I will hold you to for forever---I'm merely asking you to think about them.

However, before we can 'officially' start looking into the journey of Christopher McCandless aka Alexander Supertramp we must look into ourselves because we all have a little Alexander Supertramp in us.  We need to explore three HUGE ideas or philosophies that reside in this chronicle of McCandless' life. As a class we will need to discuss and define what existentialism is, what a romantic hero looks like (not just in appearance) and the pull that leads many to search out a life of transcendentalism. 

First though, let's deal with one of the most complex topics: existentialism. Click on the Existentialism explained  link. If your group is scratching their heads unsure about the definition take a look at this link  existentialism simplified- a quick three minute video explaining the idea in it's most simple form. After watching it as a group try to define it in your own words on your note card.  Be prepared to share your definition by the end of class.




The Myth of Sisyphus; an existentialist approach to life. It is your groups job to read and watch the myth and determine the best definition of existentialism based on the myth itself. Still unsure what the myth is? Check out this 2 minute animated video animated video of the Myth of Sisyphus.Your group should be in close (not exact) agreement what it means to espouse the beliefs of existentialism. Write your definition of existentialism on the Myth of Sisyphus handout. Be prepared to share your definition by the end of class.

Secondly, we must explore the idea of Romanticism and the romantic hero. Does that mean that this 'book' is chick lit? Um, no. Wrong definition of Romantic. Check out this very brief video The Romantics. Look over your handout and tap that prior knowledge--that's the stuff you learned about last year.  After discussing what you've read and what you've watched come up with a working definition that you can share with the class. Be prepared to share your definition by the end of class.

Lastly, we'll deal with the idea of Transcendentalism. I promise you get to watch a video too. I wouldn't leave my Emerson people out of the loop, but seriously you're going to have to start relying on yourself soon <--this is funny joke--you'll see in just a minute.  Watch what Shmoop has to offer up about Transcendentalism then come up with a working definition as a group to share with the class. Also, take a look at Glenn's rules to live by  and how his rules can relate to the transcendentalist lifestyle. Be prepared to share your definition by the end of class.

After the class has explored in their home groups, and as a whole, let's think about what each set of ideals has in common and what type of person is attracted to each of these philosophies. In class I will share an  Into the Wild ppt with you--it brings up society and what we think we need versus what we want. I encourage you to look at McCandless' life not through your own eyes, but someone who was searching for more than they ever thought they could be.

Is College Worth It? When ERWC Gets Real

The first module that we will work on in ERWC is What's Next? Life After College. Even if you're thinking to yourself, "Mrs. Ordway, if that's your real name, I'm not going to college. I'm working with my dad, uncle, mom or for my twice removed second cousin--it's  this guy that kind of looks like a long lost family relative." And, I get that--no, really I do. I can't make you change your mind, but maybe I can provide you with options.

However, you wouldn't just buy an expensive item without doing at least a little research, right? Well, that is what this unit is essentially about. Research. It's not my job to convince you to apply only to UC's or Cal states or even community colleges, but it is my job to make you think about the choices you have and are able to make with the information out there.

So, with that being said. Below are a list of articles, Youtube videos and even infographics with information. I would like you to practice your 'interrogation' (thanks Harvard!) skills and deduce what the author's purpose is, what they are saying and what it can mean to your own life choices.

The Great Debate: Is College Still Worth it? (article)

Is College Worth it? (video)

Is College Worth the Cost? (Infographic)

Is a College Degree Still Worth It? Study Says 'Yes' (video)

Is College Worth It? TIME (Infographic)

Want to Get into College? Learn to Fail? (article)

10 Rules for Going to College When Nobody Really Expected You To (article)

In small collaborative groups go through each text and read, watch or dissect what information is being presented. You will want to be prepared to discuss your thoughts in class out loud .

Let the college talks begin.

Mrs. Ordway

Welcome to the 2016-17 School Year

Welcome! 

Me, Mrs. Ordway

First, let me introduce myself, my name is  Mrs. Ordway and I can't wait to get the chance to know you. This year we will be going on quite a few literary adventures.  We will be delving into the world of nonfiction in ERWC, trying our best to understand how the American Dream was created and if the dream was meant for everyone in Designing the American Dream, and lastly we will explore British, American and World literature in Honors 9th grade.



Something new this year for Designing the American Dream and Honors English 9 is the creation of student blogs. Working on your own blog will allow you to find your voice in a positive atmosphere and creating a lasting and meaningful connection in the digital world. Also, I hope to start a Podcast this year, but I'll definitely need your help to get this going! I'm new to the whole creating and maintaining podcasts.


So, here we go, the start of a new year. Let's do this--we're in it together.



The start of a brand new school year is where you get the chance to reinvent who you are. There is something wonderfully exciting about the start of a new school year--the possibilities are truly open. It's like getting a new pair of shoes--the shoes have yet to take you to new places, adventures or simply guide you home. The possibilities are endless.

I hope that as we beign our school year and get to know each other you see a teaher who not only hopes to engage you academically, but someone who cares about you--the person.

Let the fun begin!

Below you will find the links to your class syllabus

ERWC: ERWC Class Syllabus

Designing the American Dream: DTAD Class Syllabus
Honors English 9 : Honors English 9 Syllabus

--Mrs. Ordway

You're not allowed to leave, I won't let you

It's June and we, and by 'we' I mean you are on the precipice (a very steep rock face or cliff, typically a tall one--this steep cliff is of course metaphorical) of your life.

Each year at the start of a new school year I think, I love seniors!! and then May rolls around and I think, I don't like seniors anymore. Not because you are bad; it's just that with freshmen and even juniors at the end of the year there are hugs and the seemingly comforting salutation--See you next year. With you, it's me wishing you off to a wonderful adventure--that I hope to hear about someday.

However, before I send you off into the world with a wish for all that is wonderful--I have some advice to share with you.

There will be moments of indecision and frustration in your new found freedom. You will secretly want a 'grown-up' to just tell you what to do while you verbally tell every adult around you, and those within a ten mile radius that you are: "in fact a grown-up capable of making all your own decisions--thank you very much." In these moments of indecision take a deep breath and listen to your gut...no, really you're probably right if you follow your instinct. Remember that time when you were a sophomore and that friend convinced you to do that thing, but your gut was telling you the opposite? Who was right in that circumstance? Your gut most likely. Follow your natural instinct or intuition -this is also true when meeting new people. If you get a funny feeling when meeting someone new give them a fake name and run--well, don't run that would look weird, just walk away quickly.

Be true to who you are always. If you change who you are to fit in with others or to seem like you belong then how will you know if those around you love the messy, chaotic sometimes irrational you? If you decide to change yourself make the change so you are growing as a person to better your life. 

Your life is a series of memories; good, bad, amazing and meh. This life, your life is a contribution to the story of humanity and it desrves to be told. Don't bury the bad memories of life way down in your psyche--deal with them and learn from them. The not so fantastic moments of our life are truly what makes us stronger and the person we are meant to be. Everyone has had a bad, day, week, month, or even year. This has been true of everyone of your teachers, parents (they're people too after all), friends, family and most likely your future college professors--except for that one (you'll know which one when you meet them, and for the record, I don't like them either). Take it from someone who thought it was best to only focus on the BIG moments in life, in fact for a while this was my mantra:  "this is a big moment-I should remember it"I forgot to remember the little quiet moments too. I'm better at letting the stillness of life seep into my soul so that I can relish in a quiet moment that becomes a tender memory. 

Don't just recognize the great moments of your life, embrace all of the moments of your life.

Lastly, we need to talk about your parents or those people who keep telling you what to do like they know something about life. Please do me a favor-- cut them some slack especially if you're the oldest. This is all new to them to and they're figuring out how to let you go so that you can continue onto this adventure of adulthood, but all they see is their baby with missing teeth asking to cuddle. You are their baby no matter how many times they roll their eyes or sound exasperated so hug your parents a little tighter, say thank you a little louder and try to resist the urge to tell them they're overreacting or that they're wrong. 

I will miss you, but I guess legally I can't force you to stay in high school so I'll  begrudgingly let you go into the world. Kindness is the greatest weapon against the evil in the world. Be kind, love with ferocity and travel the world because I like exotic presents 😉

To the moon and back,

Mrs. Ordway

No Monkeying Around When you are Designing your Dream

The semester is winding down, projects are in the process of moving from the page to real life and I need your help. Myself and the other teachers are trying to determine the changes that may need to be made to this class or continue what you find really valuable. It would really mean a lot to me if you took a few minutes out of your day to complete this anonymous survey. We're hoping students who are registering for next year (based on your answers) have a clearer view and understanding about what to expect from this class. Honesty is important--rude or unkind comments for the sake of being unkind are not important however.


Please click on the link for the Designing the American Dream Survey


Thank you so much,


Mrs. Ordway

When Our Expectations are Great

Pip meeting Estella for the first time

 We're winding down our travels with Dickens and Pip and that means we must get ready to analyze how Pip has changed throughout the novel. I will ask you to write an essay in which you analyze Pip's changes whether they're positive or negative and how each character influences these changes.

This is the prompt that you will be expected to write to: 

Which characters have the most influence (positive or negative) in influencing Pip's life? You will be expected to look at each stage (stage one chapters 1-19, stage two chapters 20-39, stage three chapters 40-59) pick out at least one character that influences Pip for each stage and write two CQTS per stage.  It may be easier to see the stages in these terms: Stage I – innocence; Stage II – sin/guilt;     Stage III – redemption

In terms of the of the essay you should choose ONE character for each stage it is the simplest way to go making your CQTS the most straightforward. If you're strong in your analyzing skills you may choose two characters per stage, but you should be a confident and strong writer in this case. 

A sample essay may look something like this: Introduction (include novel title, author, and the over thesis (claim) you are trying to make), Estella changes Pip negatively for the first stage, Miss. Havashim changing Pip negatively for stage two and Herbert Pocket changing Pip positively for stage three.  Conclusion (restate your claim, provide evidence and your final thoughts). Your essay will work out to be a total of 8 paragraphs. It will look like this structurally speaking:

Intro (one paragraph)

Stage One (two CQTs)

Stage Two (two CQTs)

Stage Three (two CQTs)

Conclusion (one paragraph)

Below is a sample of how a CQT is set up--I will give you handout as well to help keep your thoughts organized. I know you may feel overwhelmed in the beginning, but you have written CQTs before you are just expanding your writing; you can do this. I believe in you.


If you do get stuck use Shmoop to help you out--if you don't understand it once you've read it it's  okay to ask for help Great Expectations Explained

Mrs. Ordway

Of we go into the wild

It's the holiday season and just when you thought you could relax now that those college essays are almost done I say gleefully: Who's ready to read? It seems totally apropos to read  Into the Wild because you are going on your own journey of sorts. You are asking the age old questions "Who am I? What do I stand for? and What do I want to accomplish with my life?" These are difficult questions to answer as an adult so when you're transitioning from teen to adult your head can swim with all the possibilities that life offers you. Good news is I'm not expecting answers that I will hold you to for forever---I'm merely asking you to think about them.

However, before we can 'officially' start looking into the journey of Christopher McCandless aka Alexander Supertramp we must look into ourselves because we all have a little Alexander Supertramp in us.  We need to explore three HUGE ideas or philosophies that reside in this chronicle of McCandless' life. As a class we will need to discuss and define what existentialism is, what a romantic hero looks like (not just in appearance) and the pull that leads many to search out a life of transcendentalism. 

First though, let's deal with one of the most complex topics: existentialism. Click on the Existentialism explained  link. This link will take your group to a quick three minute video explaining the idea in it's most simple form. After watching it as a group try to define it in your own words on your note card.  Be prepared to share your definition by the end of class.




The Myth of Sisyphus; an existentialist approach to life. It is your groups job to read and watch the myth and determine the best definition of existentialism based on the myth itself. Your group should be in close (not exact) agreement what it means to espouse the beliefs of existentialism. Write your definition of existentialism on the Myth of Sisyphus handout. Be prepared to share your definition by the end of class.

Secondly, we must explore the idea of Romanticism and the romantic hero. Does that mean that this 'book' is chick lit? Um, no. Wrong definition of Romantic. Check out this very brief video The Romantics. Look over your handout and tap that prior knowledge--that's the stuff you learned about last year.  After discussing what you've read and what you've watched come up with a working definition that you can share with the class. Be prepared to share your definition by the end of class.

Lastly, we'll deal with the idea of Transcendentalism. I promise you get to watch a video too. I wouldn't leave my Emerson people out of the loop, but seriously you're going to have to start relying on yourself soon <--this is funny joke--you'll see in just a minute.  Watch what Shmoop has to offer up about Transcendentalism then come up with a working definition as a group to share with the class. Be prepared to share your definition by the end of class.

After the class has explored in their home groups, and as a whole, let's think about what each set of ideals has in common and what type of person is attracted to each of these philosophies. In class I shared an Into the Wild ppt with you--it brings up society and what we think we need versus what we want. I encourage you to look at McCandless' life not through your own eyes, but someone who was searching for more than they ever thought they could be.