Synopsis
August 20th, 2008 | Uncategorized |
Episode 4 of Roots is pretty rough.
This episode focuses on Kunta Kinte’s daughter, Kizzy. When we first meet her, she is a young girl, about sixteen years old. She has just fallen in love with a boy named Noah. Noah is a lot like her father – he hates being a slave and is determined to escape. Kizzy helps Noah escape and when he is recaptured, her master punishes her by selling her away from her family.
Her new master is a very creepy guy, who has hinted that he wants to own a girl like Kizzy for creepy, non-work related reasons. On the first night that he owns Kizzy, he forces himself on her. Kizzy gets pregnant and swears that she will give birth to a son who will get revenge for her from the master.
The movie does another one of those frustrating, “Eighteen Years Later…” jumps and we meet Kizzy again as a grown woman. In spite of her dreams, her son George is very close to the master and thinks of him fondly, almost like a father (which is really creepy, if you think about it!). George is learning a valuable trade – raising and training fighting chickens, which is why everybody calls him Chicken George.
Kizzy meets a charming, handsome slave from another plantation named Sam and they fall in love. They get permission to marry, but on the night before they are supposed to leave the plantation together, Kizzy changes her mind. She decides that no matter how good a man Sam is, he isn’t as strong and proud as her father was and she can’t marry him.
At the end of the episode, there is another one of those weird, change-of-mood moments. Kizzy and Chicken George tell each other how proud they are of each other, but the fact that George likes his scum-bag master so much makes the ending really weird and a little creepy.
Your Assignment:
Read the chapter on the next page.
Imagine you were kidnapped tomorrow and taken away from everyone and everything you’ve ever known. When you have a child someday, what five (5) things will you tell her about your life here in Deerfield. Why those five things? Kunta Kinte had to make this decision. So did Kizzy. What would you share with your daughter (or son)?
What I am NOT looking for: Please don’t give advice or words to live by. Think about what your child should know about your childhood – either here in Deerfield, or elsewhere. (If it helps, think about what you would like to know about your own parents’ childhoods.)
I would tell my son things about my parents from Africa. I would want him to know what it’s like to be free and not have to work for someone.
[What are some of YOUR memories from YOUR life that you'd like to share with your child? - Mr. Fladd]
Shannon M.
Block D
2/2/10
1. I would tell my child that I went to a public school all through kindergarten up to eighth grade and all about the good friends I made there. I would tell them this because they would most likely want to know about my education and where I went to school. They might want to know about my close friends I made at that school over the many years too.
2. I would tell my child that I was an Irish dancer for seven years and that it was a lot of hard work. I would tell them this because I think that they might want to know what sports I was involved in when I was their age. I would also tell them this because Irish dancing is a big part of my life and it’s very important to me.
3. I would tell my child that I went skiing during the winter and all about how much snow we would get here in New Hampshire. I would tell them this because I think that they would be interested in skiing and hearing about all the fun that I had playing in the snow, especially if they have never experienced snow before. They might be interested in hearing about sledding, ice skating, and building snowman too.
4. I would tell my child that when I lived in Deerfield with my mom, sister, and my mom’s boyfriend, I had three pets; two cats and one guinea pig. I would tell them that my two cats were named Honey and Mr. Moody and that my guinea pig’s name was Frodo. I would tell them this because my pets are important to me and they might be curious about the pets I had. I would also tell them all about my family and what I remembered about my relatives.
5. I would tell my child that growing up in Deerfield made me realize how much I like cities and going out to eat or going shopping. Since Deerfield isn’t that close to many cities and there’s not much to do here, I really enjoy going to different cities in New Hampshire or in other parts of New England with my family. Because Deerfield is a rural town, it’s nice to be in urban cities sometimes. I would tell them this because they might want to know about Deerfield and what cities and places are surrounding it.
[Again, you are the first to get your blog post in. Well done. Why do you think it would be important to you child to know these things? For instance, why do you think they would want to know about Deerfield?]
Jason M
Block A
2-3-10
1.) if I was abducted by aliens from the planet Jupiter and had a child and that child wondered about where he came from I would tell him about Deerfield at DCS. I would tell him how the school is great at establishing friendships with all the other kids in your grade and class, mainly if u already get along with them.
2.) It is a good school because there isn’t a lot of homework which allows you to keep building your friendship after school through sports or just hanging out at friend’s houses.
3.) I would also tell my child about what the town was like. Including how it was a nice quiet town. It’s nice to have some quiet time at home because if you just came home from a rough day at work or school you could just lay down take a nap and relax. Unlike a really big city with everybody honking their horns at each other making a loud environment.
4.) Deerfield is also a good place to be because you can see a lot more wildlife. If you look outside there is usually a squirrel or something else.
[Do you have a 5th memory to share? Why would you share these particular memories? - Mr. Fladd]
Nick B.
Block B
2/3/10
1. I would tell my child about all of our family traditions and gatherings we had. Every year for Halloween my Aunt would have this party, with games and prizes. We had a family football game with my cousin’s and Uncle’s. We bobbed for apples and at the end of the day we carved pumpkins. At night, we lit the pumpkins and watched them glimmer in the cold autmun night. I feel I should tell my child this to give him some warm ideas about my family.
2. I would tell my child about my dad and I’s passion for baseball. I tell my child about all of my dad and I’s conversation’s about baseball. That he’s a diehard Mets fan and I’m a diehard Red Sox fan. We’d talk about the stadiums and the World Series. Escpecially, the 1986 World Series when the Mets beat the Red Sox. The year when Billy Buckner missed the ground ball through his legs. I’d tell my child how my dad would take me down to the baseball field and pitch me batting practice. I’d also tell my child about our games of catch on our front lawn.
3. I’d tell my child about all the baking memories I’d had with my mom. Every year we make sugar cookies and we decorate them for Christmas. I’d always take the longest decorating but in the end they always looked the best! I’d border the cookies with jimmies and try and make them look as real as possible. I’d spend hours on them but it was a great time. When I was really young we used to make Ginger Bread Houses and decorate them. With frosting and gumdrops, peppermints, marshmellows and gumballs. It fit the holiday season, looked great and tasted delicious. I’d tell my child this so he/she could get an idea of making cookies with the family.
4. I would tell my child about Easter and what we did for Easter. I’d tell my child that every (early) Easter morning my brother and I would get up and do an Easter egg hunt. We search the house looking for Easter eggs, we’d rattle the eggs around to see how much money was in them. Whether it were some quarters a dollar or a 5 dollar bill it was really fun. We also did colored eggs. Which is a bunch of assorted colors from red to green, blue, purple, yellow, and orange. You’d dunk your egg into the colored dye wait a minute and your egg would be that color. It’s really fun and you can write messages on the eggs with a crayon too! I’d tell my child this because I want he/she to know what Easter was like and some of the festivities that we did for it.
5. Every fall one of the best events of the year comes in my family. When we go apple and pumpkin picking. Every year since I was in my mom’s belly we have been going there. We’d go out to Apple Crest and go into a pumpkin patch and try and find a pumpkin of our liking. We’d search through every pumpkin looking for the perfect pumpkin for that one special night, Halloween! I remember when I was 6 and I found the best pumpkin and it was huge. I remember rolling the pumpkin to the weighing station because I couldn’t carry it, it was that huge! Then, we’d grab a bite to eat at the center of Apple Crest. They make the most delicious corn on the cob. It’s roasted on a charcoal grill until it turns to a nice brown color. I’d always soak it in butter and bite into the sugary sweet corn! Then, it was off to the apple orchard where we got a bag and filled it up with apples. We’d get fresh Macintosh apples, through high and low we got the best apples. I remember climbing onto my dads shoulders to get an apple so high up. I’d tell my child this because it brings up a lot of memories since I go there every year. I’ve been going there every year since I’ve been in my mom’s belly. It also is just a fun day with the family that I’m sure my child would enjoy one day.
[Excellent choices! I like your choice of words, too. "Glimmer", "Macintosh apples", "every year since I've been in my mom's belly". I love it when you write so well. - Mr. Fladd]
If I were to be taken away from my friends, family and home and I could tell my child 5 thing about it I would tell them…
1) I would tell them about the atmosphere. The four beautiful seasons that occurred in the town and telling all about my favorite one, winter. I would tell them about my memories of being little and after playing outside in the cold snow for hours coming inside and having a sweet cup of hot chocolate.
2) I would tell them about my friend. How I had stayed back and got to meet new people who became some great friends and how we would have sleepovers and watch scary movies all night. I would also tell them about my other friends in the grade above.
3) I would tell them about my family tree. Who was in it and were we came from and how my great grandparents sailed across the ocean from Hungary at 18.
4) I would tell them about all the things I loved to do. How I played a sport everyday of the week and it never bothered me one bit and how I loved to draw everyone but myself.
5) I would tell them not to let anyone tell them that they can’t do something whether it be big or small. That they are the ones who choose what they want. I’d tell them how my parents would let me make choices by myself and let me learn from my mistakes.
-Annie D. 2/3/10
[These are great choices. Why would you want your child to know about them? - Mr. Fladd]
Dana b
5 things I would tell my kid when he grows up . If I were taken from deer field.
I think I would tell her/ him about like what I liked to do and what got me into it and y I got into it. I also think It would help them no who I really am if I told them bout my friends and what was in style. Also about my school and Mr flad because hes so funny and Mr d because hes awesome and Mrs kilgor because shes funny. Also I would tell her that I had a step brother and step sister and another step brother and a lot of fun things I do. I think I would tell them about the small town of deer field and what I was like and how It was nuke and what happened on a day to the next.
[These would be good things to share. (I agree with you: Mrs. Kilgore IS very funny and Mr. D IS awesome, but don’t tell them that I said that.) – Mr. Fladd}
Sarah K.
Block B
2/4/10
If I was taken away from my life, and I could tell my child 5 things about my life as it is today, these are the things I would tell them:
1)I would tell them about my family and friends. I would tell them about my parents and my brother and how we had lived in Deerfield since before I was born. I would tell about my uncles and aunts and cousins and how I was always the youngest, but that just meant I got to be the princess! I would also tell them about all of my friends I made in Deerfield and what things I would do with them like how we would always walk to each others houses and have sleepover almost every weekend. I would tell them this because my family and friends are very important in my life and I would want it to be just important in their life as it was in mine.
2)The second thing I would tell them about is the music I would listen to and play. I would tell them I played piano for almost 10 years, played trumpet for 5 years, and even played guitar a little bit. I would also tell about how my dad played many instruments. I would tell stories of how his band would come over every Thursday night when I was little and my brother and I would dance around while they played their music. I would tell them about that because I love to listen to and play all different kinds of music, and I would hope that they would love it as much as I did.
3)The third thing I would tell my child about is the sports I did. I would tell them that my brother, my mom, and I were all runners, and, along with my dad, played soccer. I would want them to know this because sports taught me about teamwork and helped me make so many friends. Sports are also a big part of my life and I would hope to tech them all of the sports I played as a kid.
4)I would tell my child about how I would go to camp every year and how many amazing friends I made there. I would tell them about the funny camp songs, the jokes we had, and all the activities and things to do. I would tell them about the counselors were sometimes from places around the world like England, Portugal, Germany, and even Egypt! I would want them to know this because it taught me about other cultures and I made other friends outside of Deerfield.
5)The last thing I would want my child to know is the way Deerfield is. I would want them to know how living here for my whole life gave me a different perspective than most people had. Most people wanted to leave and go to the city as soon as they could, but I loved the country and wanted to take my time to see everything before I left. I would tell them about the smell of fresh air and all of the woods and fields there were. I would tell them about how in the winter my brother and I would go sledding, and skating on the pond in the backyard, and how in the summer we could ride our bikes for miles before you ran into another person. I would tell them this and that it taught me to appreciate everything while it’s there and not to rush through you’re life.
[You’ve put some great thought into this. I like how you realized that there are REASONS why you like stuff and lessons that they teach you. – Mr. Fladd}
Pierce
Block:C
If I could only tell my child 5 things before they were taken from me forever, they would be:
1) Holiday traditions- I celebrate Christmas, not Hanukah or Kwanza. Christmas traditions are not specific, but we always celebrate at home with our family.
2) Everyone in our family has/ does play sports. We eat fairly healthy and we try our best to sucseed in athletics.
3) My family is not religious at all and we have never gone to church.
4) My family treats people and animals with respect. We really appreciate things. We think kindness is important to use towards people and creatures.
5) To not waste things and make sure you take only what you need. This will teach you to apprecitae what you have and make you aware how lucky you are.
[You’ve got me fascinated now! Tell me more – why do you think it’s important that your child knows you and your family don’t go to church? What is a memory that you have that shows that you shouldn’t waste things? You’ve got me all curious now. – Mr. Fladd}
Riley K
Block:c
What makes a good friend?
They are nice to you. We do stuff together, like play games with them. They stick up for you and they are not mean to me.if u ask them to do somthing they will do it for you. They keep promises. I call them on the phone. They help you
[These sound like good friends. I’ll bet you have some goofy phone conversations! – Mr. Fladd}
Kristin O.
Block D
February 4th,2010
If I were to be taken away from my friends, family and home, I would probably tell my child these 5 things about when I was young:
1. I would tell my child about how I was born in New Jersey, and when I was one my parents moved my sister, brother and I to Hampton where we lived on the beach for six months. After those six months we lived on the outside edge of Hampton for a few months. After that we settled here in Deerfield, New Hampshire. I would want them to know this so they would know how I had lived in a city setting for the start of my life and then I moved into the country.
2. I would tell my child about some of our family traditions. Like after Christmas we burn our Christmas tree and how on Halloween night we put out lit jack-o-lanterns that we carved and let them burn out themselves. I would tell them this so they would know some stuff about my family and so he/she could carry on these traditions.
3. I would tell them how the seasons are in New Hampshire. Like how we usually get quite a bit of snow and how the leaves change in the fall and how they look so beautiful. Also how the summers are extremely hot. I would tell my child this because I would want them to know that the weather is different in different places.
4. I would tell them more about New Hampshire; like how in the summer there are many places to go swimming and all the great hills in the winter to go sledding down. I would tell them about New Hampshire because I would want them to know the environment where I grew up and maybe make them want to visit there.
5. I would tell my child about some of my friends and how we used to do everything together. I would tell them how we used to have parties, sleepovers, watch scary movies, and also about the times when me and my friends went camping. I would tell my child this because I would want them to know that there are true friends in the world and with true friends you can do anything.
[I like all these memories! For some of these, you’ve really thought hard about why it would be important for your child to know about them. For a couple of others, I think you still have a little thinking to do. WHY do you want “Mini-Kristin” to know that you lived in a city and the country? Why would it be important for her to know? You’ve got a great start here. – Mr. Fladd}
Danielle O.
block A
2/4/10
5 things I would tell my children if I were taken from my friends and family and home town…
1).I would tell them about my loving family and the great memories I had because I think its important for them to know what my childhood was like. I would want them to know of the trips to see my dads side of the family. The fun we had together. It would also remind me what kind of a childhood I want for my kids.
2).I would tell them about my friendships because I think it help them to build friendships as good as the ones that I have. I would tell them about the sleepovers we had and staying up late. I would want to tell them about the good times I had with my friends and I would want them to know about the people who were always there for me when it was something that I couldn’t go to anyone else to vent or for advice.
3).I would want to tell them about my school and how it was really a good learning community. I would want to tell them about how safe I felt so they would know that my school was good. I would also want to tell them about the teachers, and how nice they were, to let them know that where I used to go to school had a good learning environment and experience.
4).I would tell them about the town I lived in. I would tell them about how all the different seasons made the town look so beautiful with the ice and snow covered trees that would then turn green. I would want them to know about the town and its history because I think it would be important for them to know where I came from and what my town was like.
5).I would tell them about what I liked to do in my spare time, like sports and reading. I would tell them this because I would want to let them know about the great experiences I had and adventures, even if they were just in a book. I would want them to know that I enjoy the same things they do.
[It sounds like you are starting to think about what’s important to you. Why do you think it would be important for your children to know about these specific things? – Mr. Fladd}
Stephanie Z.
Block B
If I never saw my family or home in Illinois ever again, I would tell my child these 5 things about it:
1. My parents always took me and my sister to Minnesota with them, and let us go on the boats with them. This is important because it was kind of like a tradition – my parents and a lot of our relatives would always vacation to Minnesota, and I am glad they kept doing that even when they had me and my sister. It was a fun experience for them, so they wanted us to have a fun experience as well, and it was.
2. My family has a lot of get-togethers – we have a lot of parties for birthdays and sporting events, and celebrations for holidays as well. I enjoy doing that because I think it helps keep us all close together, and to know that we are all there for each other. It is also very fun to hang out with everyone. I would tell my child this because I think it is extremely important to be close with your family, and by doing this it helps everyone to be closer.
3. There are special restaurants and stores in Illinois that you can’t find in a lot of other places around the country. I thought that was cool because you could go shop or eat at almost any time in those places, but people that lived far away had to travel pretty far to get them. I would tell my child this to teach them that there are unique differences at certain places around the country and around the world so that they know about different customs.
4. We had a lot of friends and family that lived near us, so we could always walk a couple houses down and visit someone. My parents always brought me and my sister with, even if there weren’t other kids there to play with. I think that is important because we were able to build stronger friendships, socialize, and have fun at the same time.
5. The geography where we lived was very flat, and there wasn’t a lot of huge rural areas or mountains. Once you left the suburbs, there was nothing but cornfields. It was also in Tornado Alley, which combined with the flat land, resulted in many storms, a lo of which contained tornadoes. It was cool to see some of the weather and storms at some times. I would tell my child this to teach them about geography and how it is different depending on where you go.
[I like the thought you put into this. Every story we share with people has some sort of lesson attached to it, even if we don’t know it at the time. I like that you thought carefully about what lessons you’d be teaching. – Mr. Fladd}
Zander F
S.S Block C
2/4/10
1.I would tell my child about how I lived in Deerfield N.H for most of my childhood, and about all the fun times I had while growing up. I’d tell them about my friends and the great nine years we had together. I would tell them this because they would probably want to know where I lived and a little about my friends
2.I would tell my child about my house. What kind of neighborhood I lived in and about my family and pets. I would tell them this because they would probably want to know about my family.
3.I would tell my child about all the holidays that I used to celebrate with my family. I would tell them about my favorite holidays, Christmas and Thanksgiving. I would tell them this because they would probably like to know about our culture.
4.I would tell my child about some of the things I used to do for fun. How I used to listen to music, read books, and play outside. I would tell them this because they would probably want to know some of the things I would do in my free time.
5.I would tell my child about the winter in N.H. Making snowmen, building snow forts, and all the fun I would have. I would tell them about this because going to play in the snow is something I love to do.
[WHY would they want to know these things? Don’t get me wrong – these are great memories, but why would it be important for your children to know these PARTICULAR things? – Mr. Fladd}
Mikey Langevin
Block D
● I would tell my kids about the time I got my big scar on my leg because it will be there forever. I got it riding my dirtbike with no boots on so it will be a learning lesson to always wear boots while dirtbiking.
● I would also tell my kids about when my brother nick shattered his leg riding dirtbikes and how I helped to get him to an ambulance.
● I would want my kids to know about my basketball championship in 7th grade it meant a whole lot to me because our school hadn’t won it in 10 years so it was very important and I will always remember the feeling of holding the championship trophy.
● When my dad shot a moose it was a big event for my family because we all helped to get that 740 pound moose out of the woods and what a project that was but I will always remember this event because my whole family was helping out and even some friends helped I would love to tell my kids this.
● There was this time when my family and me went camping out on the four wheelers and slept in a tent in the middle of the woods and we heard the deer creeping up behind our tent while we were in there and I remember getting all excited that we were going to sleep with deer but they left after like a half on an hour.
● When I was very little my family used to go snowmobiling up in the mountains with food and we would cook hot dogs and some other stuff we would also build snowmen with pepperoni eyes and carrots for a nose and a stick for a mouth they looked really cool and I would love my kids to do all the same fun stuff that I am doing as a kid.
[It sounds like you need a crash helmet to be part of your family! Why would these particular memories be important ones to share with your child? – Mr. Fladd}
#1) I would tell my child about me and my dad’s love for basketball. My dad would tell me about how he was the MVP for his high school team and basketball was his life. After every basketball game he’d tell me what I did wrong and what I did right. I’d tell my child about the times we played in my driveway 1 on 1, my dad taught me everything he knew everything that he thought I needed work on my dad was like my own personal trainer. We could play for hours.
#2) I’d tell my child about all my family gatherings. I’d tell him about every summery family and I would go to Canada for a week with our camper for a family reunion on my mom’s side. I’d tell them about all the great cousins and aunts and uncles that I only see once a year. I’d tell my child about all the great games I learned how to play while I’d be there and all the great times boating and doing water sports on the lake. I’d tell him about all the good stories people would tell around the fire and the fireworks at the end of the reunion.
#3) I would tell my child about my mom at every sports event and how she would always be my number one supporter would never miss a game for anything (unless someone died or something really bad) I’d tell my child how she could get really annoying sometimes with her yelling saying “LETS GO TRAVIS HUSTLE AND GET THE BALL” and much other stuff but I guess that’s how she shows that how she shows that’s she is watching and that she is proud of me no matter what. I’d tell my child that she would never make me late for anything.
#4) I’d tell my child about all the camping trips and vacations that I went on. Every April my family and I would go to Florida for vacation, we would go to parks, shows or just stayed by the pool and had a nice family meal. I’d tell my child about how that vacation always brought us together and was a good stress reliever. I’d tell him about many great camping trips I went on and the good memories that will always be with me about them. I’d tell him about the great adventures I had camping at my favorite camp ground up north called Branch Brook . My friends and I would go mountain biking I’d tell him about the huge jumps we would find and jump off with our bikes I’d tell my child about the great long river that went around the campground that we would float down as a huge group. I’d tell him about the cliffs I would jump off with my friends and that I always seemed to be the test dummies and that those memories will be with me forever.
#5) I’d tell my child about the great memories and events that went on during my enjoyable summers. Summer was the season I loved the most. With the sun always shining, the green grass and the tall grass in fields just gracefully swaying in the breeze. I’d tell my child about all the times that I would hang out with my practically second family the Kukla’s. I would go over there and just chilled swim in the pool or go on the lake and do water sports. I’d tell my child about all the great times I would have over at their house and the time when it was raining out and it was like 9:00 at night we all walked down the road into a train in the woods and saw the “crypt” which was where they use to store bodies during the war. Mr. Kukla told us stories to try and get us scared. I would tell my child about all the great sports camp I went to and about the different people I met at them. I’d tell my child about the times my family and cousins, aunts and uncles would go apple picking once a summer and how the only apple I liked right off the tree was Macintosh apples I would try to pick the best one on the tree the one that looked the best because it would have a shine and kind of a sparkle to it.
Those are just some of the great memories I would tell my child and I hope to do them all with my child one day because I know they would enjoy as much as I do.
[These are sparkling, vivid memories! Why would you pick these particular ones to share with your child? Why would it be important for him/her to know about these specific ones? – Mr. Fladd}
1. If I had to tell my kids about something I did when I was young I would tell them about the tradition of going to the fair every year and having so much fun. I think I would tell them this because I think that they would want to know what I did for a fun event every year. I could hear them asking “what did you do in the olden days to have fun?”
2. If I had to tell my kids about education I would tell them about my wonderful and exciting years at DCS where I made friends and new acquaintances. Frankly I think this would be one of the first things that they would ask me. I would tell them that I went to high school in Concord New Hampshire, and I would tell them of the hardships and the favorite memories of those hallowed halls.
3. There are many things I would tell my children about my grandparents and my parents. I would tell them of the mischief that my dad would get into trouble for at school and I would tell my kids about my grandparent’s camp in Maine and how we worked so hard to build it. I would tell them about Canada and how skiing there was so much fun with my grandparents.
4. I think a memorable moment that I would tell them about will be graduating from grade school and thinking with dread and excitement about high school. Showing them the diploma that I got and telling them about the speech Mr. Fladd composed just for me.
5. I think I would enjoy telling them about my everyday life at home because I think that is what gives someone character. A father yelling at you for getting bad grades and telling you to do better or else. The annoying siblings and the mom that’s there to encourage you.
[This is a very solid starting point. Now, why would you want your child to know these particular things? – Mr. Fladd}
If i could tell my children 5 things about my life right before i got abducted by aliens I would choose these 5 things.
1) First off, I would tell my child how my parents mean everything to me. They raised me and loved me, they gave me everything I ever wanted and a happy loving life. There were barely any arguments and millions of laughs, memories and love. I will never ever forget them because of all the things throughout the years they have done for me. It is important for my child to know that the reason I am the way I am is because of my parents who I love deeply. And how they spent their time pleasing my sister and I. I would also add onto that that my sister taught me lessons no one else could have ever taught and she was always there for me to catch me when I fell. Family means everything.
2) I would talk about how I was taught how to ski by my mother when I was just 5 and have kept at it every year since. Skiing turned into a part of me and my life. I would talk about how some of my best, funniest and amazing childhood memories involve crazy stories on the ski slope with my best friends, who I will never forget. Some of the funniest things I’ve ever done in my life happened while I was skiing in the mountains of New Hampshire. Also the beautiful scenery and the amazing sport. Something I truly love to do. It is so important to me because I plan on skiing the rest of my life, and my mother and I spend our most quality time on the long rides up and back to the ski moutains and on the lifts and on the trails.
3) I would talk about where I grew up, in a small town called Deerfield. Somewhere that I’ve grown to dis-like. I would talk about how Deerfield is a town with a lot of land but nothing in it, with nothing around it and nothing to do. Deerfield was not a great place for me to grow up because I love to be busy and have stuff to do, with a lot of people around. The reason its important is because my atmosphere where I grew up is super important and is apart of me.
4) I would tell my kids about how sports were such apart of my life growing up. And how my parents always paied and drove me to all my games and practices without ever complaining. I was apart of soccer and skiing since I was a little kid and in 5th and 6th grade i started track and cheerleading. Sports taught me responsibility, (keeping grades up, staying behaved) leadership, (being the captain of a team changes you) respect, hardwork, and rewards. I would tell my kid its so important to be apart of a sports team as long as you are having fun, and anything you want to do with your life I will support you.
5) I would say its OKAY to make mistakes and mess up, I have made so many mistakes and done stuff I regret, but so has everyone. I would share my stories and how I overcame obstacles. When I grew up every time I messed up my mom would be there to tell me a story about her childhood and how she made these crazy mistakes.
[I like that you took a lot of time to think about all this. I get the sense that you are still rolling it all around in your head and thinking about it. I know that you don't always think of yourself as a contemplative person (Look it up.), but it's good to see that side of you. - Mr. Fladd]
Griffin K
Block C
February 4, 2010
What would I tell my child about my childhood if I was kidnapped?
The first thing I would tell my child is about our family. I loved to spend time with my grandfather. He was a cool guy that would give you information when you went to help him. One of my grandmothers was a happy going person and she loved to eat sweet things and play cards with all of us. My Dad was a very hard worker. We always spent time in the backyard doing work or playing around. My Mom was always by my side when I needed her. She always loved to read books especially Pride and Prejudice. I have a sister Rose, who loves art and one of her favorite artists was Picasso.
Tucker was a Golden Retriever/Irish Wolfhound mix. He was quite the dog. The two of us loved to play in the backyard and run around. I would through the ball to him. He loved to swim in our pond. I also had a dog named Cookie Dough. She was a rescue dog that I got from Georgia. She loved to run around since she has lots of energy. Cookie loved to play with her toy rat and spider.
I always liked to eat cheeseburgers and onion rings. My favorite snacks were whoopie pies and ice cream. I also enjoyed drinking apple cider and chocolate milk. My Aunt Nadine always made me homemade chocolate chip cookies and sometimes she would make a wonder cake. When I went out to eat in restaurants, I would eat sushi and Chinese food.
I have traveled to Scotland to see castles, the country side and I went visit the University where my sister is going to school. The people in Scotland were very friendly. I have also been to Florida and have stayed with my grandparents. I like to go swimming and take walks on the beach.
When I was 3 years old, I started skiing. I went up to the White Mountains every year to my grandparent’s lodge. I have also played soccer for a few years. I played football both indoor and outdoor for the Nor-Rock Vikings and loved to play defensive end.
[I like these memories very much. Why would you pick these particular ones to share with your child? – Mr. Fladd}
hagen davis blockD
1 I would tell me son all about living in Deerfield. Because I really like to live in a small town where you have a ton or privacy. All about my house and gatherings. Even things like the fair I would tell him and about the time I was at my grandparents when I was like 6 and had a fart machine. And little funny stories like that. About my family and our history. About their grandparents and how they where fun people and loved to have fun. Even down to the little things like every year I and Cody go to my aunts for Halloween and would get like 5 pounds of candy.
2 I would tell my son about all the sports I played. Like baseball and how I was way too into it and was a super geek and like studied it and read books on the history of it. Basketball and how I was a part of the 2010 A team. About our practices and how when I had to by shoes for the basketball season we had to give me like 1 ½ for it because it took forever.
3 All about my house and the area I lived. I would tell him about the summer parties I had in my pool. And the epic wiffleball games. All about the four wheeling in my back yard. How my neighbors called the cops on me for my four wheeling, and when they called the building inspectors about the fences.
4 About the great winters and the ski trips we would take. We would skip school and go for a few days. We would go everywhere up to Maine and Vermont. Even about the time I skipped school and broke my arm skiing. Our snowmobile trips to we would go up north to main and Pittsburgh and just go for like a week and my cool uncle would come to go with us he was a crazy guy. Even when we flipped the sleds.
5 One of my favorite times when I and Chris would go fishing and our moms would drop us off on a river and we would go. Everywhere and walking. Catching fish and eating them at dinner. We would go like 3 times a week and sometimes get no luck and sometimes get good luck.
6 These are the things I would tell him but I would use more details though
[These sound like powerful memories. Why would you share these particular ones with your child? - Mr. Fladd]
Jamie R
Block A
1. I would want my child to know that I had once had a dog. He was a German Sheppard, and he had a brown and red coat. He was beautiful, but he seemed to get into trouble every single day. He would take off down the road and eat food off the counter and brake things every single day. He would annoy us every single day, but there were those times were he would be calm, and he would just lay down next to one of us and we would just pet him as he fell asleep, and we would love those small moment because he was the perfect dog then. But then one day he had to be put down. We all said goodbye, and then my dad took him to the vets and we never saw him again. But the things that I think about most about him was not the times he took off, or jumped onto the counter, or annoyed us. It was the times were he was the perfect dog.
I would tell my child this because I would want he/her to never take anything for granite [granted - Mr. Fladd]. Like everyone always says, you never know what you had until it’s gone. So I would want my child to cherish everything in her/his life, because you never know when it will be taken away from you.
2. The second thing that I would want my child to know was that at most every holiday me and my family (aunts, uncles, and cousins) would get together and have a little cookout. We would eat until we burst have a few laughs and have a great time.
I would want my child to know this because they should know that family means everything. When you grow apart, or get in fights, you’ll be surprised at how lonely it can get. I would want him/her to rely on their family as much as they would their friends, and to cherish every moment that they had with them.
3. I would want my child to know that I loved to play softball and baseball. I had been playing it since I was a little kid, and I find it so much fun. I played at every game, played catcher and infield most of the time. I was a lousy hitter, because the pressure always got me, but I loved playing he field more anyways. It was so much fun to see the ball coming towards me, and thinking about who I would throw it to, remember how many people were on each base, and which play would be better. I liked how when it came at you fast, your hand would automatically shoot out to wherever the ball was without thinking, and the great feeling that came along when you caught it.
I would tell my child this because I would want them to learn how to rely on teamwork, and thinking things through. I wouldn’t want them to act without a seconds thought. I would want them to think like the baseball was coming towards them, and would arrive in seconds, and they had to figure out where to through it in that short seconds time. I would want them to think both logically, but also instinctively. Sometimes there isn’t enough time to think through the pros and cons of each situation.
4. I would want my child to know that I didn’t have a lot of friends, but the ones that I did have were the best. I knew I could tell them anything, and they thought the same about me. We all laughed at the same things, cried about the same thing. It feels really good to have friends like that.
I would want my child to know that because every family had fights, they all are tense at some moments, and it’s a great relief to know that you can always turn to friends when your family just isn’t there at the moment.
5. I would tell my child that I loved to swim. It’s really helpful to have a hobby that you can set your mind to and that you enjoy.
I would tell my child this because I don’t want them to get bored. T really stinks when you have nothing to do, nothing to look forward to. Having a hobby gives you something that’s interesting.
[You picked five great memories! You put a LOT of thought into why you should tell your child about them. I'm proud of the introspection you put into this. (If you don't know what "introspection" means, look it up; you're good at it and should know the word.) - Mr. Fladd]
Travis D
Block D
2/4/10
1. I would want my child to know that I lived in Deerfield, NH. I would tell him that Deerfield was a small but great town to live in and to make friends.
2. I would want my child to know that my Pepere was in World War 2 as a tail gunner in B25 Bomber. He flew missions over China and Burma. He was shot in the leg on one of his missions but continued to be in the Air Force. My Pepere would always tell us great stories about his life and about being in the war. On October 7, 2009, my pepere passed away at the age of 88.
3. I would tell my child about a Christmas tradition. Instead of putting names on the presents, my dad would put random numbers. My sister and I would have to solve a math problem to find which present was ours. This was a great tradition because it made Christmas more fun before opening the presents.
4. I would tell my child about how we would go to a pizzeria named Yannis Pizza after every sports game. We would order our food and usually get pizza or steak tips. Their food was really good. While we waited for our food, we would either play video games there or go into the hall and play with the toys that the daycare left out. The video games that they had there were a fun racing game, a pinball game and a shooting game. Me and my friend Hagen hold the high score on the shooting game.
5. I would also tell my child about how every summer, I would ride my dirtbike in my yard. I had trails that go miles into the woods that I would ride on. I would make it like a race track and put jumps and berms on it. When I wasn’t riding my dirtbike, I would either be on my trampoline or swimming in my pool.
[These are great memories! Why would you want your child to know about these specific ones? - Mr. Fladd]
Emily L.
2/4/10
Block C
If I were taken from my friends, family, and home; and if I could only tell them five things about my life I would tell them…
1) I made a lot of mistakes but they made me who I am today. They made me think twice and enjoy life a little more and live it to the fullest. I made mistakes but I listened and learned.
2) I would tell them about my amazing friends and how they are always there for me no matter what. That they helped me get through the worst of worst days and made the best even better. How they would stay up all night with me when one of our friends died, and was more comforting than anyone else. The friend you have help you get through life and mine definitely did.
3) I’d tell them about my family tree and about their grandparents. How my parents gave me everything I needed and how supportive they were towards me. I would tell them about our family traditions during the holidays and how important it is to be around them like I was.
4) I would want them to know that I tried my hardest to succeed in what I do. To reach for the moon like I’m trying to do. That when you focus and try your best it will pay off. That I try my best in school and sports. I hope for the best and try to make it happen.
5) Be yourself. That sometimes you need to march to the beat of your own drum. That I spent so much time thinking about what others would think I forgot who I was, but it was my amazing friend that reassured me to be myself and that it would only make me better than I already was.
[Wow! This sounds like you've had a very dramatic life! These seem like good choices and I like your reasons. - Mr. Fladd]
Sean J.
Block B
5 things i would tell my children when i get older:
•that i live in manchester for 1-2 years. Because its important to let your childern know were you came from and what your home town is.
•i have 2 step siblings. Both of them are older then me. They became my step brother and sister when my dad mayered my mom when i was 3. After that we moved to deerfield. I have been there ever sence.
•i play football and baseball and i went to florida to play on an all star team for football. I would tell my chiled because i think its important to do sports. It helps you stay out of trubble and keep active.
•i went to Deerfield Community School. Ive ben there sence i was 3 years old. Sence then i have made a lot of friends. And Deerfield is a good place to grow up because its a calm place to be.
•i currently help out at MVP Baseball/softball academy. I have been helpping him durring the summers and when ever he needs my help durring school. MVP is a place were you can go to play baseball or softball. There are also lessons there. My uncle has loved baseball sence he was a little kid.
[Why would you want your children to know these specific things? - Mr. Fladd]
Matthew F.
block c
1) I would tell my kids about my life in Deerfield like the Deerfield fair and all the good times I had with my friends.
2) I would tell my kids about my family and how good they are to me and loved me to.
3) I would tell my kids about my sport teams like baseball and how good I am at it.
4) I would tell my kids about my house and how go it is and my mom, dad and my 2 sister .
[Thank you for sharing these memories with us. - Mr. Fladd]
Isaac D
Block B
1. I would tell my kids about my family members. I think it would be important for them to know where they came from and who their family members are. That way they would know how and why they are who they are. It would also make them be able to know who I am and why I am who I am.
2. I would tell my kids about all the gatherings we had for holidays and how much fun they were. All the fun we have around the table during Thanksgiving and how much we laugh when opening presents on Christmas Eve. Also all the traditions and the Easter egg hunts that we used to have ever Easter. I feel that it would be important for me to tell them that because this way it would give them an idea of how much fun it can be to be with your family and some ideas of traditions I had when I was a kid.
3. I would tell my kids about my brother because I think that he was really my best friend. I would tell them about all the inside jokes and laughs me and my brother shared and all the things we did when we hang out. I would tell them how he really has made me who I am because he was my role model and how he made me who I am. I think it would be important to tell them this because if I hadn’t had my brother I would have been a totally different person and how much he changed me. Also it would show them how one person can make such a big difference in your life and to not take your friends for granted because just imagine if you didn’t have them.
4. I would tell my kids how much I loved my house and where I lived. Even though I sometimes wish I lived more in a city or that I had a mansion for a house. All the things I did outside in my big front and back yard and looking at other lives and houses really shadows those thoughts. Every year we would eat outside on the screen porch for some lunches and a lot of dinners. I think that those meals really showed me how much I love my life and my house that were grateful enough to have a screen porch to eat outside without being eaten alive. I think that it would be important to tell them this because this way they could realize how I grew up and the environment I grew up in. Also that it would show them that even if they don’t live in the most perfect house or in the exact place they wish to live in because you could live in worse conditions.
5. I would tell them about my love of sports. All the times I had played in soccer or basketball game or gone to a practice or even just gone outside in the summer to kick the ball around or shoot around. Every time that my brother and I played one on one or played pass outside or in a gym. I think it would be important to tell them this because it would give them an idea about what I liked to do as a kid and what I did as kid to pass the time or have fun. It would also give them an idea of that if they do play sports they don’t have to just play when they have a game or practice, they can also have fun just playing by themselves or with a friend and joke around.
[Well done. I like how you explained the lessons that go with your memories. - Mr. Fladd]
Nicole C
Block A
My dear sweet child there are five things about me i feel as though you must know.
When I was around 13 years old i lived in a small town called Deerfield. A very small town, almost everyone knew everything within an hour. I want you to know of all the fun things I did with my friends and places we went. I want you to have the same and better experiences i had. My friends and I would swim in a creak, walk to a pizza place called Yannis Pizza, and get lost in the woods. I hope that you have a chance to live in a place such as that and meet people like i did. I want you to know about my trips around the country. I want you to travel like I did, but even more. I think that traveling was the funnest thing i had ever experienced and I think you deserve that experience too. The third thing I want you to know is about my reading and drawing. You might not understand at such a young age but drawing and reading where and still are some of the most important things to me. When i was feeling sad or hurt I would draw to distract myself from everything. When I was feeling bored I would read a book to indulge myself in another world. These are things that I want you to know about em because they are a part of who i was when i was younger and still am. I want you to know that I want you to always express yourself in anyway you want and don’t let anyone tell you other-wise. Never be afraid to express yourself, I never was and I don’t want you to be either. My dear sweet child, there is one last thing I want you to know. I have made many many mistakes in my life, but i don;t regret a single on of them. Those mistakes made me who I am, and, even though I am not a perfect person, I love who I am and want you to feel the same way. I don’t want you to regret anything.
[This is a quiet, sad story and it makes me very happy that you wrote it. - Mr. Fladd]
Tyler B
Block B
2/5/10
If I was taken away by someone and was never to see my kids again. These would be the five things I would tell them before I left. So that they would know what their father had done when he was young and or giving them suggestions on how to be in their life.
■1) I would tell my kids is to be active and do sports like I do so that they can stay out of trouble and not getting into doing bad stuff like drugs because they are bored.
■2) I would tell them to pick the right friends and make sure that they don’t turn on them. Having the right friends can help you out when you get older because you can trust them with problems you’re having and they hopefully won’t tell anyone and to just have someone you can talk to.
■3) Stay in school and get good grades and hopefully get into a great college and to exceed more then I have. Also get a good paying job that is better then what I would have.
■4) If you were to get in a fight make sure you don’t throw the first punch because you would be the one to get more blamed on for it. It’s not right to get in a fight first of all but if do make sure u don’t start it.
■5) I would love if one of my kids could try and succeed in an athletic sport like one of the ones I play and try their hardest and get a college scholarship in one of them.
[What specific things would you tell them about YOUR life? Why? - Mr. Fladd]
Morgan F.
Block A
2/5/10
*I would want to tell them about Deerfield.Because that is where i have grown up for most of my life.I would tell them some details of how Deerfield was and looked like too.
*Next,I would tell them about my family.Like how i have a stepdad and about my mom and dad,also my grammy.Then about my family on my stepdads side.
*I would tell my child about how i owned horses.And how i was a day away from being born on one.And my love for them.
*I would tell her about my favorite things,Like tv,animals,people,ect.
*Last, I would tell her about my friends and teachers and my dream to become a barn owner.
[Why would you tell them about these things? These are great memories; why them? - Mr. Fladd]
Josh B
Block D
If I were kidnapped tomorrow and taken away from everyone and everything I’ve ever known; When I had a child someday, I would tell them 5 things about my life in Deerfield and they would be…
1.) I would teach them my old language, as well as my new language and make sure they know how important it is to know about your past.
2.) I would tell them what life was like where I used to live so that he/she knows what it means to be free. This is also important so that he/she knows what life is like outside where we live.
3.) I would tell them where to go if the ever escaped. If they ever escaped, I would be very proud of them so I would want them to know where to go.
4.) I would also like to tell my kids who their family members are so if the escaped, they would know how to go to. I would also tell them who my friends were so that they could tell them where I was if she ever escaped.
5.) I would also tell my children that they should never try to escape because I know what will happen if they get caught . I would not want to see my children go through the beatings and lashings that they would go through if they get caught.
[This isn't exactly what I was expecting, but it's very interesting. It's good to see your writing again. Welcome back. - Mr. Fladd]
If I was taken from my home, I would tell my child these 5 things:
1. Family- I love my family very much. They have taught me so much. They keep telling me try my best and life will always reward me.
2. My house- My house is where all the memories are. My first real home. I got my first pet, motorcycle, and first drove a four wheeler.
3. The Land- This land is beautiful and peaceful. I take long walks in the woods. Also a lot of fun parties happened on this land.
4. Garden- I made a garden 3 years ago. I worked hard to plant and keep up the plants.
5. Tree house- The tree house I made with my father. It took us 3 months to complete. This was actually a house in the trees. It is complete with a wood stove, sliding glass door, windows, and seating.
[Wow - these sound like really good memories, but why do you want your children to know about these ones, specifically? - Mr. Fladd]
Tyler L.
Block:D
2/4/10
If I had a child I would tell them..
1. I would tell my child about the town I grew up in and what my friends were like. I would talk about all the summers I spent at my lake house on Pleasant lake.
2. I would talk about my family and what we did on holidays. I would tell them what my family did for work and how I grew up alone because my brothers and my sister were so far apart in age.
3. I would talk about today’s technology I would say how I had a computer that me and my brother built together for computer games.
4. I would want them to know how I broke my leg before my second birthday on a trampoline. I would say how when I was three I fell in our pool when it was just opened so the water was green and I got sick.
5. There was a time when I wanted one fish and my mom went overboard and before I knew it we had about 21 fish tanks scattered all over the house.
[These all sound like fun memories, but why would you want your child to know about these specific ones? - Mr. Fladd]
Anna R,
Block D.
1. The first memory I have that I would want my children to know about is the amount of snow that we used to get here in Deerfield compared to the amount we get now. I can remember when I was about 6 years old, we got our driveway plowed. There must have been at least 3 feet of snow. My brother, my older sister, two other neighborhood boys and I were all outside, and just as the driveway was finished, my brother gets this look.
“Guys,” he said, “I think it’s time we build a snow fort.” We spent all day hollowing out the snow bank and making a tunnel system in and out of it. Of course, I didn’t really do any of the hard work. My job was to hollow out little shelves for snowballs. They had carved a large cavern in the very heart of the giant pile, and so I was forced to work mainly inside of it. I can remember sitting in the finished product and feeling like either an ice princess, someone helping to gather ammunition for a battle, or a maid simply going about her chores. I think it would be important for my children to know this because since that year, there hasn’t been enough snow to build a fort as extravagant as that one. That fort meant more than just a fort to me, because it was one of the few times I was actually incorporated in something around the yard because I was so small. It was just the kind of thing I would want them to sit around imagining themselves doing.
2. The second thing I would want them to know about is from first grade. In first grade, at recess, I used to play “Star Wars” with many of my fellow students. Only to us, it wasn’t just a recess game. It was like a whole other world. We would write about it at writing time almost every single day and would create these whole sagas involving every character. If someone else wanted to join in, we would just invent a new character for them. The boys would run around and have light saber battles while the girls would either be trying to steal each other’s imaginary “jewel of healing” or be worrying about their son. Later on, another group of students formed the “Mario Game” and then who ever played “Star Wars” would not speak to them in the classroom. I collected beechnuts, and whenever I saw a “Mario Gamer” I would throw one at him/her, and it would take away his/her powers. This is just such a fantastic memory that I would feel the need to share it. It was such a huge feat of imagination and ideas that it looking back on it impresses me that we could ever stay focused on a game for so long. It was just part of my childhood and most of my classmates (well, the ones in my first grade class) that it would be a shame not to share it.
3. My third memory is more recent than the others. It is of a day a few years ago not too long after the April flooding. There is a stream near my house, and when there is a lot of rain, it gushes forth so tremendously that there is no way you could not want to just stand in the middle of it. I was with my two sisters, and we had made a small boat out of tinfoil. Well, it was more of a large ball, because we wanted to keep the three Lego men we had placed in it to be safe. I mean after all, we wouldn’t want Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom or Legolas to die, now would we? Anyway, we put on these really high, huge boots and sailed the boat down the stream. It was really fun, because the water was extremely high and the stream twists and turns and tumbles and has marvelous waterfalls. It was a grayish day, and the water was crisp and cool. I remember watching the little boat sail along and running with Liza and Rose along the banks dodging trees and laughing and yelling. Once, the boat got caught on a huge log, and in the process of freeing it, Liza dropped her phone in the water. Not long after that, there came a huge hill with a lot of rocks and much less of the smooth flow that the rest of the stream had. Being the most ambitious one, I spent most of the time chasing the little boat in the water, and my boots filled with water and I was soaked. I didn’t care, though. Somewhere on that hill, poor Johnny Depp fell out of our little tinfoil boat. On the way home, laughing even harder, we mourned the loss of ol’ Johnny. This memory I would share because it shows the true characteristics of Deerfield. In no city could you do that. It was a true experience unique to maybe not just Deerfield, but to an urban neighborhood, of which there are fewer and fewer.
4. Memory number four is not of anything specific, but of all the great things here that happen in the summer that you just can’t do in the summer. Like running around outside with my siblings with no shoes in the middle of a rain or hailstorm, or eating about half of the total raspberry crop that our bush produces. Things like sitting outside stargazing and catching fireflies, or playing flashlight tag or hide-and-go-seek in the dark. Playing outside in the woods for hours on end, having huge water balloon fights, camping outside in the yard, climbing trees. We have a porch with a screen around it and we eat dinner out there almost every single night and then taking our ice cream or popsicle outside to the swing set or patch of tar we call the “sport court” and staying outside until dark. Swinging on the hammock and taking a nap, picking flowers and running around in the trees eating blueberries, drawing pictures on the street. All these things are unique to growing up in an urban area, and even more so Deerfield. To not share these memories would be a crime. They are such a part of who I am and how I am that I would be neglecting my duties to share these amazing times with my children.
5. My last memory that I would feel the need to share is of my friends. One of my nearest and dearest friends I didn’t meet until 6th grade, and we met by way of a school play. We tell each other everything, and even though he’s older than me, it’s still a friendship we are able to maintain. My other closest friend became my friend by pulling me off the slide and making me cry. Now, we are as close as sisters. The group of friends I have here with me provide not only amazing friendships, but also a sense of security that can only be found when you know everyone’s name in your grade. The amazing times we have like watching horror movies wouldn’t be the same in a city as in a house surrounded by woods. I have found and made bonds of friendship that have completely helped me to become who I am. I would want my children to know what it’s like to grow up with the same people and know the same people all your life. They provide such a great community and sense of security that I would owe it to them to share with my children the stories of our greatest –and most hilarious –moments.
[Wow! The aliens (or whoever) won't stand a chance against you and your super-hero children. Well done. - Mr. Fladd]
Jason M
Block A
2-3-10
1.) if I was abducted by aliens from the planet Jupiter and had a child and that child wondered about where he came from I would tell him about Deerfield at DCS. I would tell him how the school is great at establishing friendships with all the other kids in your grade and class, mainly if u already get along with them. I would tell my child this because it’s a greater part of my life and most of what I know.
2.) It is a good school because there isn’t a lot of homework which allows you to keep building your friendship after school through sports or just hanging out at friend’s houses. i would tell my child this because who wouldn’t want to spend time with their friends if they had any.
3.) I would also tell my child about what the town was like. Including how it was a nice quiet town. It’s nice to have some quiet time at home because if you just came home from a rough day at work or school you could just lay down take a nap and relax. Unlike a really big city with everybody honking their horns at each other making a loud environment. I would tell this child this because having a quiet environment is good thing to have and makes you a little more tolerant of people that just seem to irritate you.
(just a resubmit)
If I was taken away from my family and I had kids the five things I would tell them would be.
1. I went hunting all the time with my grandfather and we would sit out in the woods all day and drink hot chocolate and coffee.
2. The second thing I would tell them would be that me and my dad would go out in the woods every summer and split cord would to sell and heat are home in the winter.
3. I would tell them about my dad’s house and all of the animals that we had there.
4. I would tell them about when my mom my sister and me went camping every summer in are RV and about are last trip to Niagara Falls.
5. I would tell them about when me and my parents went snowmobiling up north every winter and how we used to spend weekends up in a cabin, and how much fun we used to have.
[Why would you tell them these things? What would you want them to learn from these stories? Why THESE stories and not five of the million or so other things that you have done? - Mr. Fladd]
Zoe B.
Block D
2/5/10
If I were to only tell my child about five things from my life, as it is now; they would be…
1) I would tell my child about my home and the farm I live on. How I grew up with walks to the river in the woods, and my many animals. I would tell my child about Deerfield, the town I grew up in. I would tell them this, because this is what I was raised with. I was raised on a small family farm, milking goats, playing with lambs, kids (baby goats), calves and piglets. I would tell them how my mom took me and my siblings on walks through the woods in all of the seasons and told us about the trees, flowers, moss and fungus. Every year we would also go to the Deerfield fair. I would tell my child about the yearly fair held in my home town and how we brought and showed animals at the fair. I would tell my child about the school and how I’ve attended the school for nine years.
2) I would tell my child about how I was a dancer. I would tell them how big a part of my life it was and how passionate I was for it. I would tell them about the classes and studio. I would tell them how I hated the leotards and tights. I would tell my child that I loved the sense of beauty and grace when dancing, and the flow and weightlessness. I would tell them how I loved to dance En Pointe, and what the shoes were made of. I would tell them about my injury, and my passion for dance. I would tell my child this, because I think it’s important to find something you’re passionate about and follow your dreams.
3) I would tell my child about the biggest “mess- up” in my life. I would tell them how it helped me grow up and really learn about myself as a person. I would tell my child this, because I would want them to know that its o.k. to mess up and that the best way to learn is from your mistakes. My mistakes made who I am today and I hope my child will also benefit from their mistakes.
4) I would tell my child about my family. I would tell them about my brother and sister and my parents and my grandparents. I would tell my child how supportive my family was during my childhood and how much they gave to me to help me succeed.
5) I would tell my child about my amazing friends. I would tell my child how important my friends are too me and how lucky I am to have such caring and loving friends. I would tell my child about my beach birthday parties, where me and all of my friends would load into my mom’s car and go to Hampton beach for the day. We would run up and down the length of the beach drawing in the sand, and jumping the waves. That is one of my best memories of my friends. I would tell my child this to show how important friends are, and how much fun you can have with friends.
[You've thought very carefully about these memories. I think your child would be a better person because of you telling her these stories. - Mr. Fladd]
Josh P. Block B
1) The first thing I would tell my children would be how my father was so into sports with me. I would tell them that because this is the one main thing I do with my dad. This is what I love doing and I bet my kids will to with me. I bet this would bring my kids closer to me if I was involved with things that they did.
2) Another thing I would tell my kids is how they should know where they came from. Everyone should know where they come from. If they didn’t know where they were from they wouldn’t know what to believe. They would just believe what people would tell them. This wouldn’t be right because they wouldn’t know anything about them.
3) The third thing I would tell them is that they should work for things. They shouldn’t just get some things for free. They should work for what they get. They should always help people like I do. They should help there neighbors like I do so they wouldn’t be hated by anyone.
4) The fourth thing they should know is that they should have dinner with there parents. They should do that because it would get them closer to there parents like it has for me. They could talk about there problems with there parents. This really helps with your relationship with your parents.
5) The last thing I would tell my kids is to stay close to your family. I think im pretty close to my parents because there apart of my life. If you just blow off your family you wouldn’t turn into something better that you could’ve been. You could turn into something worse than you couldn’t been. You should tell your parents everything that you want to so you could be closer to your parents like I am. If I wasn’t close to my parents I wouldn’t be where I am now.
[It seems like you thought these things out very carefully. Well done. - Mr. Fladd]
Tyler K.
Block D
If I was taken away from my family the 5 things I would tell my child are…
1 I would want my child to know the drive I had as a child, I had so much drive and would push myself so far until I couldn’t any more. This is one of my favorite traits in myself and I would want my child to know this because, my father had a lot of drive and my mom always said I got it from him an I hope my child has as much drive to accomplish things as I do.
2 I would tell my child about how growing up sports were my main thing, and how it really stopped other events for happening for my family. My mom always loved get to gathers but she always gave them up to bring me somewhere so I could do what I wanted to. I want my child to know this because, my mom is an amazing strong person and she would give up anything for her children and I would like my child to know I would do the same for him or her.
3 I would like to tell my child about my father and how hard he fought to give me and my brothers the best childhood he could. He always took on vacations to lakes and Florida as well as the ocean. He always said that he didn’t have the best childhood growing up, his dad was off at war fighting so he said that he wanted us to have a good childhood an give our children a good childhood. I want my children to know about my father and how I plan to give them the best childhood I can as he did for me.
4 I want my child to know my Christmas tradition on how we got our Christmas tree. Unlike a lot of people we cut our tree down at a tree farm instead of getting it precut. This was one of my favorite things to do in the holiday season because we did it as a family and we were always having fun too. I want my child to know this because it was one of my traditions and I plan on making memorable traditions with him or her.
5 I want my child to know about one of my favorite things to do in the summer with my little brother. It was when we would wake up at seven every morning; we would gather our fishing stuff and bare footed walk down the road dragging a wagon full of fishing gear behind us to, a nearby pond. We would fish there for hours talking, an even though he always caught more fish than I did I still loved that doing that with him. I want my child to know this because I want him or her to have special bonds and traditions with their siblings and friends.
[I like how you've thought so much about your parents. I suspect that you will be a lot like them when the time comes. - Mr. Fladd]
Samantha*
Block B
1.) Newington:
I would tell my children about all of the people I know there, about all of their pets, about all of the drama over the will, about the time the half of the family sued the other half of the family and we went to court, about all of the animals and people buried in the field, and how we always go there every Saturday and every other Friday for the past three years. I have made so many friends and met a lot of people there and I know everyone in the community, and they all know me. I would tell them about Newington because it is my favoritist place on the planet, and my entire life has evolved around it. I have grown up most of my life there, and I just love it there. I have also learned a LOT there about practically all subjects, and I know they will come in handy later in my life; some already have. Newington has had a positive affect on my life, and I have learned about everything from law and court to cleaning, renovating, and interior designing. From automotives, operating tractors and different machines to history about life in New Hampshire up to 300 years ago. I’ve learned about architecture, and how to write very good stories, memoirs, poems, essays, and articles for newspapers. From taking care of different animals, to how to take care of people of all ages; from 2 year olds through 95 year olds. I would tell them about this, because I think they would like to know about some things I have done in my childhood.
2.) School and My Friends:
I would tell my children about DCS, the friends I have there, everybody I met, all of the teachers, and the classes I took, especially things we did in food magnet. I’d tell them about Deerfield, and how it experiences all kinds of weather. We get snow in winter, we have nice warm summers, and we have a beautiful autumn where all the leaves change colors and fall of the trees. I would tell them this because they may not know what its like to grow up in a rural area and attend a small, public school or live in the middle of nowhere. I’d also tell them about what its like to live in a small town, especially if they grow up in a city. They also might never experience all seasons, like for instance maybe they don’t get snow where I am taken, or if they get nothing but snow, I’d tell them about the warmth of summer and spring in New Hampshire, and I’d go into even deeper detail about the seasons they don’t get. I think that they’d be fascinated to hear about a land so different from where they are, and they would like listening to stories about different parts of the world.
3.) My Family:
I would tell my children about Mom, Dad, and what its like growing up with no siblings. I’d tell them about my bunnies, and how much they mean to me. I’d tell them about some of our traditions, like how we go to Newington every weekend, or how I always got an iTunes card for good grades on a report card. I’d go into detail about Thanksgivings, and how we always cook this huge feast at my aunt’s house, and how we have just as big of a meal at my grandparents’ at Easter, and how we celebrate on Christmas day. I would mention how I would sleep over for days at a time at my distant cousin’s house whenever her grandchildren came over, and how I wouldn’t see my own parents during those days. I would tell them this, because I think that they should know what their family back in America is like, and why we do some things certain ways, because we did when I was a child. I also think that its important for them to know their family history.
4.) Places I’ve Been:
I would tell my children about vacations I had been on as a family, with my mom, my dad, my uncle, and a variety of cousins. I’d tell them about the times we’ve been to Florida, and what Disney World was like way back when. I’d tell of the times we used to drive to North Carolina and Virginia, and everything that I remember about the places I’ve been to. I’d mention the Deerfield fair, and how that was always my favorite time of year. I’d tell them about the Zipper, my favorite fried dough stand, and the tractor pull with people I know competing in it. I’d tell them about field trips I had been on with my classmates, all of them that I could recall from kindergarten up until the New York trip in 8th grade, and some cool things we did as a magnet, like the times we went to Boston and Manchester, and that place in New York. I’d tell them about my hometown, too, and how we have to drive forever to get anywhere. I would tell them this because they probably won’t ever get to go there or know what its like to be at a place like these. They would also probably like hearing about what was considered exciting places back then, since I am anticipating new technology by then, and everything we considered advanced will be considered boring old antiques, and they would like hearing about things from “early history”, especially over in the United States, since it is most likely going to be very different from wherever they are.
5.) What Was Popular Then:
I’d tell my children about what was considered popular then, such as Aeropostale, Abercrombie, YouTube, “Party In The U.S.A.”, the iPod Touch, Blackberrys, Lady GaGa, Rihanna, Lil Wayne, Miley Cyrus, Ke$ha, Black Eyed Peas, Katy Perry, P!nk, Timbaland, Mariah Carey, Jason Derulo, Taylor Swift, Shinedown, Beyonce, Avril Lavigne, texting, the X Games, the Twilight Saga obsession, and when an iPhone was as futuristic and high in technology a it got. I’d also tell them about some of my interests that I have, and about my favorite things. I would tell them this because I think they would like to know about what interested me as a child, and also what was considered popular back then, as compared to what their interests are and what is popular then.
[You know when you're watching a movie or a tv show and they to a montage of clips or photos that start out slow, but go faster and faster until you can't really keep track of it anymore, but you're left with a definite emotion? Each of your memories releases a flood of images that sort of cascade around in my head. This is a pretty powerful piece of writing and it's not exactly the sort of thing I'd necessarily have expected from you. You present yourself as a very controlled, deliberate sort of person most of the time and it's nice to see this unrestrained quality in your writing. Well done. - Mr. Fladd]
Nick N.
Block A
· I would tell my children I loved to snowboard and I would want them to try snowboarding. I would tell them the mountains I went to. I would tell them this because it is very fun to hit ramps and grinds.
· I would tell them about where I lived in Northwood. Of how every summer that my family goes out on the boat and in the winter on snowmobiles. I would want them to know this because there is nothing much to do here in the country besides biking, boating, and snowmobiling.
· I would tell them about what I did for sports, baseball, and cross country. Just like my dad taught me how to play baseball and that’s what I would do with my children. I would tell them this because they would know what I did when I was there age.
· I would tell them about Florida and what is was like. Sharks teeth all over the beaches, amusement parks, the hot weather, and the alligators. I would tell them this because they may not know what it would be like to be in that climate.
· I would tell them about my schools that I went to and what I studied. I would tell them this because maybe they could study those same subjects that I did.
[These all sound like great memories. You do a good job of explaining why they are important to YOU, but I'd like to know a little bit more about why you think it would be important for your child to know about those specific things. - Mr. Fladd]
Jessie S.
Block A
February th, 2010
One of the very first things that I would tell my child is all of my childhood memories. I would tell him/her about all of the years I had these big birthday parties and I would call them my; “Pool Parties.” I always had these big pool parties at my house when I was little. I always celebrated my birthday in the Summer because it’s three days before Christmas. I would want my child to know this because your birthday is always a special time of year, for anyone.
Another thing that I would tell my child is that I never fit in with the “in crowd,” I was always to shy and nervous. But that has changed. I think that I would have told my child this because it’s okay not to always fit in right away. It takes time.
I would also tell my child that ever since Preschool, I’ve always been the tallest in my class. Literally!! People have always said that I should grow up to be a basketball player or even a model. But I’ve always seen myself as a teacher that helps kids. I would want my kid to know this because you shouldn’t let other people tell you what you want to be in life.
The fourth thing that I would tell my child is that I grew up in a small town called Deerfield and I had three brothers and got along with all of them. I was the third child and I wasn’t always a “perfect” little daddy’s girl. I had a lot of mistakes and which I now regret. I would tell my child this because you can never forget where you came from and all of your mistakes that you made in the past. But you can try and fix them.
The very last thing that I would tell my child is too have fun and never to take things for granted. I learned that the hard way and to always remember who your friends and family are; because that’s all that really matters!
[#1 - Welcome to the internet Jessie S! #2 - I like the way you wrote each of these items, particularly Number Four; accepting your mistakes is a hugely difficult thing to do. And #3 - I like the person you are growing into. I think you will be an awfully good parent someday. - Mr. Fladd]
If I had a child and I could tell them 5 things about my childhood, I would tell them…
1. I would tell my child about my family and how my dad had such a passion for traveling. I would tell them how we would go on family trips to different countries and experience lots of new things as a family. I would tell them how much stronger this made our family. I would want them to know how important family is and no matter what, they will always be there for you. Also, I would want my child to always follow their dreams and passions like my dad did with traveling.
2. I would tell my child about how great my friends were. That they helped me through all the rough times and made the good times some of the best of my life. I would want my child to know how good it felt to be able to trust someone with everything and how important that is in life. I would want my child to be able to know the importance of trust and true friendship where you can be yourself no matter what.
3. I would tell my child about how I am Jewish and how it is important to stay true to yourself. How being Jewish sometimes made me feel very different but being different is okay and important in life. I would tell my child about all the traditions we had on Jewish holidays and how it didn’t matter that I wasn’t celebrating the same things as my friends and how I felt that I didn’t always fit in. I would want my child to know about this because it doesn’t matter if you aren’t the same as everyone else but just be yourself and who you are.
4. I would tell my child about my childhood memories with my best friends in Deerfield. How we grew up together since we were in kindergarten. How growing up in a small town made everything more familiar and safe. I would tell them about our lemonade stands and camping out in the backyard and how things would’ve been so much different growing up in a city. I think my child would want to know about where I came from and the importance of growing up in a place where you feel safe with people who make you laugh.
5. I would tell my child about how I’ve made lots of mistakes in my life but how they’ve only made me stronger and a better person. I would tell them how it helped me realize what is important in life. I would want my child to know that they too can make mistakes and that that is part of growing up and becoming you.
[I had no idea you were Jewish! See? This is why you should share this kind of thing. I like the way you've explained all this; your writing flows very well. This makes me want to take a trip with your dad. Do you feel really lucky? That's the vibe that I get from this essay. That feeling would be a great gift to give your child. - Mr. Fladd]
The five things I would tell my kids if we were taken away from our home would be:
When I and my dad would go fishing and how much fun it was. I would tell them this because it is always important to stay close to your family and to bond with your parents.
I would tell them about the vacations that we took and sometimes almost our whole family went on them. I would tell them that because we could always go anywhere we wanted to.
I would tell them about the pies my sister would make and how they were always fantastic. The reason I would tell them that is because it was always the best to eat whatever we wanted.
I would tell them about Christmas and opening gifts on Christmas morning and our family would always be together. I’d tell them that because it is always important to keep traditions alive.
Last I would tell them about music and guitar. The reason I would tell them that is because its good to have a hobby, and music is a place you can kind of run away to.
[This is very short and to the point. I'd really like to hear some of the details about any of these memories; they sound really awesome. - Mr. Fladd]
Kyle C.
Block B
The very first thing I would share would have to be an item that means a lot to me. This item would probably be my guitar. I believe that that would be an important thing to share with my child it is one of my favorite hobbies I do.
The second thing I would share with my child was where I lived as a child. I would share this, because I believe that it is a important place in any one’s child hood where you grew up and all the friends you made in the area.
The next thing I would share with my child would have to be the bond I have with my Dad. How we would spend every Sunday during Football season watching all the games on T.V. I would tell my child this because the relationship between a father and a son in my opinion sets up how you act as a father. That bond also is the building blocks for the relationship you have with your child.
The fourth thing I would tell my child would be the stories of all the family reunions. I feel that this would be an important thing to share with my child, because keeping in touch with family is an important thing to. This would also be important due to all the fun we had together. Then also lets face it what group of relatives is not interesting to talk about and would make for great stories.
5. The fifth thing I would tell my child about all the fun experiences that my family had. Such as traveling to all different parts of the country and sometimes even outside the country. I think this would be important, because it is important to share and show to your child to get and experience the world, to live life to the fullest.
[You are definitely on the right track here. You've explained 3,4 & 5 pretty well. I'd ask you to dig a little deeper on your first two examples. WHY is it important to share your hobbies with your child? Why would it be valuable for your child to know where you came from? I agree that those probably ARE important; just dig a little deeper and explain your thought process a little more. - Mr. Fladd]
Connor R
Block C
Feb. 6, 2010
These are the things I would tell my children:
I lived in Deerfield, NH with my parents, Nancy and Dave. I had a brother named Jack, but I didn’t have a sister.
At home I used to like to ride bikes and shoot hoops with my friends. I also liked to play video games. We loved to watch basketball games as a family especially the Celtics and the University of Connecticut teams.
I had a lot of aunts and uncles and cousins. We used to get togeher at my house in Deerfield, in Connecticut, in Vermont, and Minnesota. We also used to go to Florida and to a beach in North Carolina.
My family celebrated Christmas. We would get a little Christmas tree and we would decorate it together. On Christmas Eve we would leave cookies and chocolate milk for Santa.
[It sounds like you have a fun family! - Mr. Fladd]
Leyan L
Block D
These are five things that I would share with my kids:
1. I would tell them about how I used to live with my mom and grandparents in China. I would tell them about school in China; about my friends that I made over the years and how we used to be very close. I would tell them those things because I think that it is important for them to know about my childhood and what it was like for me growing up. [Why? - Mr. Fladd]
2. I would tell them about how different China is compared to the United States. I would tell them about how the city is different from the country, besides the obvious. I would tell them that I missed living in the city and going out with my mom and her friends every weekend. I would tell them this because I want my kids to know about the life I lived China before coming to the States. I want them to be proud of where their family is from and that there are other places in the world other than the United States. [I agree. - Mr. Fladd]
3. I would tell them about my grandfather and how talented and likable he was. I would tell them about how stubborn and short tempered he was, but also how he was so supportive and funny. I would tell them about how he knew how to play many, many instruments and was also really good at art and Chinese calligraphy. I would tell them about how he was a big fan of watching sports and the Olympics. He was a great cook and how he used to drink tea after every meal, even breakfast. I would tell my kids this because I think that they should have a very good idea of who their great-grandfather was and how he was my role model.
4. I would tell my kids about my interest in swimming and how I have been swimming since first grade. I would tell them about the ups and downs of my swimming history. There is a lot of hard work involved in swimming and how you have to keep practicing and practicing no matter how boring it is to get better. I would tell them this because I think that they would want to know what I did for a sport and how swimming was a big part of my life. [Your third sentence here comes very close to explaining it, but again, WHY would it be important for your child to know about this? - Mr. Fladd]
5. I would tell my kids about the city and how beautiful it is. I would tell them about my love for the city and it never sleeps. I would tell them about what it’s like to live in the city and to fall asleep to the sound of beeping horns. I would tell my children about how pretty the night lights were and how I used to go on walks with my grandmother just to see them. I would tell them this because I want them to love the city as well. Someday I want to go to the city with them and enjoy the food, the shopping, and the sights.
[This makes me want to meet your grandfather. Also, I'm looking forward to visiting the city on the Class Trip this Spring; you remind me of how exciting a city can be. - Mr. Fladd]
If I were never going to live in Deerfield again and I had to tell my kids what my life was like in Deerfield I would probably first start telling them about the school. I would tell them about how our school was very small, how everyone complained about Deerfield and how they couldn’t wait to get to Concord but how close we all became. I would tell them about my family and how it is so dysfunctional but we tried to make it as good as possible, I would tell them about those times that I spent with my dad and how even though I didn’t get to see him much it helped me become that much closer to him, and my sister and how even though we fought she was still there for me no matter what. I would tell them about our annual two weeks in the summer in Rye with my grandmother, grandfather, mother, sister and I, and how much we all loved being at the beach. I would tell them about the snow, especially if there is none there, how we would go sledding for hours and how much fun it was. I would tell them about the Deerfield Fair and how that was like the big thing in Deerfield, that everybody went and just couldn’t wait for it every year. I would tell them about all of the people that have horses and cows and how “in the middle of nowhere” it was but how that was home. I would tell them about going down to my grandmother’s house in Hampton and watch the fireworks on her porch and no matter how old we got we would play with sparklers and watch them light up. Then I would probably tell them about all the friends that I made and how I still miss them because they became such a big part of my life.
[I like the way you write. You have a lyrical quality to the way you describe things - it's poetic. That said, I still want to know WHY you'd pick those particular things to share with your child. Why would they be important things for her to know? Why would you want her to know them? - Mr. Fladd]
BRADLEY W
Block D
2/6/10
1) I would tell my kids that they should live life the way they want to live it. I would tell them this because I would want them to be happy in life and it is a good life lesson. If you don’t live life the way that you want to live it then you wont be happy and you wont be happy with your life.
2) I would tell my kids to set goals for their life because you want to try and get somewhere in life. I would tell them this because you don’t know when your life is going to end and it could end at any time. It would help them to succeed in life. I think that it helps you because when the next day comes you know that you need to go out and do something.
3) I would tell my kids to stay close to the people that got them far in life, to stay close to the people that they most care about. I would tell them this because the people that are close to you are the ones that will help you get far in life. If you stay in contact with them they can give you good advice about things because they know you very well. Another thing is to have a role model that helps you when your down and you can look up to them for advice about anything, they are kinda like a brother or sister to you.
4) I would tell my kids to find a hobby it helps you to keep busy and make new friends. I would tell my kids this because I would want them to be with kids that like the same things that they like. It helps you to find a passion that you like. A hobby can be anything from playing a sport to collecting a item. The goal of the hobby that my kid would do , would be to keep them interactive with other kids.
5) I would tell my kids to behave throughout there whole life. I would tell them this because I have learned that if you behave around other people them you gain trust from them. They learn to respect you because you are a good kid and don’t get into trouble. It is a good thing to behave because not only do people think you bad but you can get yourself into a lot of trouble.
6) I would tell my kids that if your parents ask you to do something then do it because if you don’t then there is usually going to be a bad consequence. It is good to listen to your parents because it will make them happy and it is good to make your parents happy because then they won’t yell at you.
7) I would tell my kids that when you are doing something do it to the best of your ability the first time you do it. I would tell them this because if you don’t try your hardest the first time you do something it will make you frustrated if you have to do it over again. It will make them try harder to do things right and make sure that they are doing their best.
[I'm glad you took your time with this. It was worth waiting for. I won't take any points off (this ONE TIME!) You explained your reasoning very well. I'm glad you felt free to give me more than the assigned five items. I will always take MORE of what you want to say. Good work. - Mr. Fladd]
Jeremy K.
Block A
[Late]
1. I would tell my son/daughter about the fun times I spent with all my friends in school and about how I went to that school from 1st to 8th grade. I think they would be interested in hearing about my friends because all my friends act different and maybe they would like to hear the different personalities they have.
2. I would tell them about all the great times my family had when we all gathered together for the holidays. I would tell them that so they would know the different times our family had spent together as a whole family.
3. I would tell my child what Deerfield is like and the good and bad things about it. Like Deerfield is quiet, has a good school, and is really small, wildlife, but Deerfield is spread apart with not much around. You would have to travel pretty far to get to a lot of different places
4. I would let my children know about all the vacations my family has been on together. A couple cruises, New York, Lake Sunapee, Lake Winnipesauke, camping and all the great memories we shared when we where there.
5. I would tell them about the fun times me and my friends shared at the Deerfield fair together. Them going on the rides and me only going on a few. Eating all the food I could eat.
[Why would it be important for your child to know about these specific things? - Mr. Fladd]
Rigby B.
Block ?
[Late]
Five Things I Would Tell My Child About My Life if I Was Taken Away From My Family Tomorrow-
1) The first thing I would want them to know is about is how caring my family was. We could have the biggest arguments about the smallest things and then all go out for ice cream. We really loved each other. I would want them to know this because I want them to know that they come from loving people, and I’d want to see them carry on that love.
2) The next thing I would want to tell them is about our religion. I would tell them how we went to church almost every Sunday, and I would teach them this religion, because I would want them to carry it on.
3) I would tell my child about my friends, and all of the shenanigans we got into, and all of them jokes we played on each other, because I believe it’s important to have a good sense of humor.
4) I would tell them about their roots. I would tell them all about where my parents are from, and where their parent’s parents are from and so on. I would tell them about their ancestors too. I’d tell them about my favorite family stories. I would do this because I would want them to be able to know about not only where they come from, but who they come from.
5) Lastly, I would tell my child about all of the successful people in the family. I would want them to learn from these people that when you have a dream, you have to run with it.
[These are really good ideas and you've explained them pretty well. INRE #4: Why would it be important for your children to know where and who they come from? (I agree with you that it is VERY important, but WHY?) By the way, I really love the phrase, "I'd want to see them carry on that love". - Mr. Fladd]
Jessica G.
Block A
[Late]
• I would tell my child all about Deerfield and NH and what a nice place it was. I would describe what the weather is like, lots of snow during the winters with sometimes feet of snow. And how we would love to play fun sport called skiing but in the summers it would be hot and you could just go down to the lake to cool off. I’d describe to them some of the beautiful scenery it had in the fall with all the colorful leaves on the trees. I would want my child to know about that because maybe the place we would be living in wouldn’t be as good of a place as NH.
[Follow through on this explanation; I think you're on to something. If the place you were living wasn't as nice (and if you'd been kidnapped there, presumably, it wouldn't be) why would you want her to know about someplace nicer? - Mr. Fladd]
• I would tell them about my family and about the house I lived in with my Mom, Dad and Brother. I would tell them about their heritage how my dad is French and my mom is Irish and Cherokee Indian. I would tell them about my parents and how they raised me to be who I am and how they loved me and about my brother and how he influenced who I would become. I would tell them about my aunts, uncles, cousins and most of the family members I had. I’d tell them all I know about whom there grandparents were and where they came from. I think this is important for them to know because they should have the right to know who they are and where they originally come from.
[Again, WHY? - jf]
• I would tell them about the places I went to school and the years I spent at DCS, how I stayed at the same public school for years and made most of my friends there and also learned a lot. I would tell them about the teachers I had, and the ones I remember the most who taught me a lot. I think this would be important for my child to know how I know everything I know and to know who taught these things to me.
[WHY? - jf]
• I would also tell my child about my pets and the animals we have like my dog Pippin and my two turtles. I would tell them about the deer that sometimes come out of the woods into the fields. I would tell them about the crickets chirping at night throughout the summer. I would also tell them about the farms across Deerfield with all the horses and Cows and pigs and chickens. I think this would be important for them to know about the animals that I grew up, how I loved all my pets, and the ones I saw around everyday where I lived.
[Why would that be important? - jf]
• Last thing I would tell them about would be my friends and most of the people I knew well. I would tell them about the friends I made at school and other places. I’d tell them about the people in [??? -jf]
• Last thing I would tell my child would be about all of the traditions and holidays we have in my family. Like how everyone on my dads side of the family gets together at our grandparent’s house and we have a huge dinner and play a huge football game in the backyard. I’d tell them about our Christmas traditions like how we travel up to Maine and stay there for a week. Also how every summer my cousins from Mass. and Virginia would come down for three weeks and we would go hiking and go to the beach and have fun.
[These are all great memories. Dig deeper and tell me why it would be important for your child to know all this stuff. How would knowing it help her? I know it's hard to think it through that far. Thinking is hard work; that's why most people don't do it very often. I just think you're really on to something here and I'd like to see you take it a step further. - Mr. Fladd]
Nicole J
Block B
[Late]
If I were to leave Deerfield now and never come back, I would tell my child this;
1. I would tell my child about how I had the most amazing friends and how they would always stick with me through thick and thin and have my back no matter what. I would tell my kid this because I would want them to know how much life is so much better having friends to talk to and hang out with and how you’re friends play such a big role in your life.
2. I would tell my kid not to do drugs. Although many parents tell their kids this I would tell MY kid this because of how much it ruined my 2 uncles lives and how you should think of your priorities in life and not throw your life away on something so stupid.
3. I would tell my kid about my mom and how close we were and how I could talk to her about anything. I would tell my kid this because I would want to have a good relationship with my kid and I would want them to be able to talk to me about anything.
4. I would tell my kid about Deerfield and how I moved from a city, to a very small, quiet town. I would also tell my kid about the Annual Deerfield Fair, and how everyone made fun of Deerfield and about all the farms and very small population we had. I would tell my kid this because I would want them to know where I’ve come from and how I’ve had some of the best memories there. [Why do you think this would be important for her to know? I agree that it would be, buy WHY? - Mr. Fladd]
5. I would tell my kid how horses have played such a big role in my life, and how ever since I was little I have loved them. I would also tell them how my Aunt had a very large horse farm and one of the biggest reasons we moved to Deerfield is so that I could have my own horses. I would tell my kid this because I would want them to find something that they Love; a passion and stick with it throughout their lives.
[I like your choices and your explanations. - Mr. Fladd]
Jesse B
Block A
[Late]
If I was to be taken away right now I would say to my children
1) I would tell them about Deerfield and how much it makes me want to live in a urban city. Because
Deerfield is about 35 to 45 minuets away from any major city. I would tell them that I like to go to stores and out to eat, but would have to drive 40 minuets to get there.
2) I would tell them about all the sport teams I was on and the commitment I had to have. Hockey was every weekend so I missed out on parties and stuff but I learn a lot at hockey like sportsmanship and commitment.
3) I would tell them about the 09’ soccer championship. It was such a big deal because I haven’t one a championship on a school team before or ever had a perfect season 11-0-0
4) I would tell them to be true to you self and to always be who you want to be. That they shouldn’t worry about what other people think. Just worry about how you want to run you life.
5)I would tell them about my awesome friends and how they are always there for me. I would tell them about our amazing fun times together snowboarding and fun times hanging out.
P.S Mr. Fladd sorry about getting this in so late. It wont happen again.
[We'll see, Jesse. - Mr. Fladd]
Cody M.
Block B
02/08/2010
[Late]
If I were to wake up tomorrow and be taken away from my family and friends I would tell my children:
1. I would tell my children that I played hockey since I was three. I would tell them this because hockey has always been in my family and I think hockey is an amazing sport. I would also tell them about my favorite hockey team, the Boston Bruins, I would tell them this because it could teach them to never give up. I think that it would tell them to never give up because the Bruins aren’t the best team in the league but they never stop trying, which makes a good life lesson.
2. I would tell them to try hard and get their work done. I would tell them this because I wouldn’t want my kids to do as poorly as I did in school. I want them to do better than me because school is important, it may be boring but it pays off in the long run.
3. I would teach them to respect a person no matter the color of his skin. I would teach them this because it is important in life to treat another man as an equal. I would also teach them this because someday I want to live in a world where EVERY man is treated equal, not matter their race, their class, or what they do for a living.
4. I would tell them that I tried soccer for the first time when I was thirteen. I would tell them this because I could tell them and at the same time teach them that trying new things is good. I think that trying new things is good because if someone doesn’t try something new, they will always do the same thing over and over again.
5. I would also tell them what the “good” clothes are. I would tell them about this because I think it would be neat for them to see how much the fashion has changed since “my time.”
[You know that I'm not a Sports Guy, but I like how you explained the value of sports in #1. I'm shaking my head (and smiling) at #5 - Boy, oh boy, you have no idea... - Mr. Fladd]
The five things i would want my children to know
1. i would want them to know that i rode horses, i would want them to know that, because, they should know that they should follow their dreams and that if at first they dont suceed they shouldnt give up! they should try again, they should know that dreams are important and following them is even more importent.
2. i would want them to know that my mom and dad were devorced, and that my mom lived in Manchester with my step dad and my dad lived in Deerfield with my step mom, they should know that so that if they ever experience a family problem they should stay positive and not give up, they should be happy and take what comes to them.
3 they should know that i wasnt very popular in grade school and i only had a couple of good friends, this is a very important thing for them to know, mainly because they should know, popularity isnt everything, just a couple of good, best, trustworthy friends is enough. Popularity wasnt that important to me and i shouldnt be to them.
4. they should know that i loved animals, they should knwo this so that if they ever own animals, they know that they always treat animals like part of the family and if they cant do that then they shouldnt own animals at all. I would want my child to treat animals with respect and consideration.
5. And lastley they should know that i moved around a lot, they should know because, if they ever have to move or go somewhere else, they should know that they have to be tough and get used to there surroundings and the people they know. They should also know that i had to leave some really good friends when i moved back to Deerfeild in 4rth grade, they should know that if they have to leave any friends they can always make new ones and stay in touch with the old ones too!
those are the things i would want my kids to know if anything ever should happen to me.
[Those are good things. I like how you thought about what the value of your memories would be to your child. Well done. - Mr. Fladd]
Victoria
Block B
2/6/10
If I was never to see Deerfield again these are 5 things I would tell my “future children” about my life…
1.) Travel the world for in so doing you can learn about many different cultures and ways of life. Then you can find out what place fits best for you.
For the first three years of my life I lived in sunny California. I traveled across the country seeing different states and town until I got to Boston, MA. I lived in Back Bay for two months until I moved to Londonderry, NH. I lived there for a short time and then moved to Chester, NH. From there I moved to Deerfield, NH. Since I have been in Deerfield I have traveled and stayed for a while in many other states like, Virginia, Florida and Pennsylvania.
2. Enjoy every season because even if you don’t like one there is a new one yet to come.
In NH we have four seasons. Beautiful autumn leaves are what NH is known for. Blistery, snowy winters are too harsh for me. The spring is nice but I miss CA beautiful flowers. Summer in NH is humid and there are a lot of mosquitos thank the Lord for the bats in our backyard. The beautiful lakes in NH help me escape from the high humidity.
3. Be kind to animals because they are God’s living creatures and have families too.
I have enjoyed the wildlife that lived in my yard. I lived on 14 acres and my grandparents have around 150 acres next to me. There were so many different creatures that would pay my family a visit for example: deer, moose, turkey, rabbits, skunk, chipmunks, squirrels, beaver, fox, lots of birds and even a coyote. They were all so beautiful and such a joy to watch.
4. Have pets because they bring you so much joy and lengthen your life.
I have had four different dogs , three hamsters, one rabbit and I can’t begin to count how many fish. I didn’t have all the animals at the same time.
5. Document your life so future generations can know the lifestyle of your era and as your memories fade you can look at them and remember.
I like to take still pictures and videos of my family, travels, friends and pets. I like to scrapbook, draw and journal.
No matter what you do in your life always look back on history and learn about the past so you don’t repeat mistakes in the future and keep looking forward.
[I like how you sort-of "reverse engineered" this assignment. You put the lesson first, THEN a memory that is a good example of it. I like the way you think. - Mr. Fladd]