Socratic Seminar Discussion (3/21)

In short, play is absolutely necessary in the progression and development of the human brain. In fact, scientists have proven that BDNF (A chemical released that promotes growth in the brain) is released as a result of play fighting. Furthermore, play is much more important than extracurricular activities because it allows children to expand beyond the typical boundaries. Without rules, there are no limitations, therefore more opportunities for creativity.

After discussing these topics with my peers, I realized that learning takes place in life every day. We don't have to attend a structured classroom to learn how to write an essay or solve for a partial derivative; we can use our environment as the classroom. By simply taking part in games or activities with peers to "let loose" or relax, people can benefit in a variety of ways. For example, I enjoy playing chess with my brother when I have free time. Sure, chess is a game of rules and regulations, but it further expands my logical/deductive reasoning. As a potential engineer in the future, I feel that this activity, or playing time, will allow me to succeed.

By treating everyday activities as a learning experience, people would be able to accomplish difficult feats. For example, it is rumored that Matt performed the Shakespeare soliloquy enthusiastically and flawlessly today during second period. I believe he was able to do this because he enjoys performing and entertaining people is a hobby for him. He simply made the assignment a game, or an opportunity in a sense. By simply expanding his reasons for fulfilling his task, Matt was able to not only ace the assignment, but also sharpen his performing skills.

As stated above, I think that by making everything into a game, with specific payouts or rewards with each accomplishment, people will put more effort into everything they do. Humans naturally want something in return for their work, but payouts don't exist for specific tasks. Thus for these tasks, people should imagine, or create, a way to reward themselves for what they've done.

Infant Sorrow by William Blake - Analyzation

Speaker: First person point of view (Newborn child).
Structure: 2 stanzas with AA BB rhyming scheme.
Grammar/Meaning: Leapt used to depict an entrance to, or a new beginning, not to jump or leap.
Figure of Speech: "Like a fiend hid in a cloud"
Important Words: The words in lines 7 and 8 ("Bound and weary, I thought best to sulk upon my mother's breast." clearly state the speaker and moment of realization of life for the speaker.
Tone: Reflective Optimism
Theme: The confusion and sadness of a newborn soon turns to happiness as the realization of life overcomes their senses.
Literary Techniques: Simile