Friday, December 15, 2017

26.5 - Completed

Check.

Today, I finished the first semester of my 26th year.  What a semester!

Along with my normal schedule, I also included trips to visit my sister who has now been in the hospital for 13+ weeks.    From start through today, she is a miracle in the making.

I have enjoyed working with my six classes and getting to know them as the year progressed.  Two highlights?  The two who worked for the 100% and nearly accomplished their goals.  In my eyes, they succeeded.  Absolutely!  Good kids.  They will each go far.  Very.  A sophomore and a senior.  A female and a male.  A Hispanic and an African-American.  Contrasts.  Each the same.  Striving for more.  Just as I am.

This year, we were allowed to create our own units...and they are a work in progress.  Next year, they will be even better.  Guaranteed.  :)  Already, as I sit here, my mind begins planning for 2018...for two more new units, both based on classic texts:  To Kill a Mockingbird and The Crucible.  I most look forward to the engagement that each text will encourage.  Neither have I taught in several years, so, yes, the texts are in my bag, and part of the reading over this Christmas Break, will be these two texts.

My greatest struggle in the literacy classroom?  Covering it all!  Literary analysis, language skills, vocabulary, writing, projects...and...I really do try, though! We covered it all and more...each student blogs and are working on a novella...of My Story, a focus each chooses relating why each is who each is. For each of my five English classes, I am writing beside them.  My novella...may just be a novel!  Love it!

Outside the high school classroom, I taught a college class, further guiding future English teachers to more learn who they are, preparing for the ever-changing curriculum to which each seem devoted.  Together, we presented at the Arkansas Reading Association's Literacy Conference.  Ever since one of my grad professors asked me to present with her at a state conference, I, too, have followed in her footsteps, encouraging...okay, forcing!...my undergraduate students to present, also.  What a sweet detail to add to their resumes.  I just have to think...yes...this will place their resumes a step up from the competition.  I hope so!

Now...before I begin re-reading those classics, I do feel compelled to read a Christmas novel...or two...or five!  Currently, I am reading The Afterlife of Holly Chase, a chosen novel for The Young Adult Book Club within Good Reads.  So far, I am enjoying it...:)

Merry Christmas...and happy break...and enjoy reading!


Thursday, December 7, 2017

Rooted in Literacy

This past month (time flies...faster and faster!), I attend the 45th Annual Literacy Conference and had the best of times.  Yes!  Absolutely!

This was my second year to serve on the Conference Committee...what a rewarding experience...that took many hours to accomplish!  BUT...well worth it!

Some highlights:

  • On Thursday, I presented with my two students from my Lyon College methods class.  They/we worked on a project for the semester and presented their projects to a group of about 25.  Fun!  Also, this will look amazing on their resumes.  Yay!   
  • Also, on Thursday, the authors who participated in the ARA Book Club met with some of the participants.  I am just such a nerd, but I totally loved this!  Danny Brassell, Monique Wild, Amanda Mayeaux, Jonathan Friesen...sweet!
  • On Thursday evening during dinner, authors Louis Sachar and Jane Feber sat at our table.  Yes,  I asked about the next book...but made no progress as this is top secret info!  
  • On Friday, I hosted a two-hour institute on blogging, a tool I enjoy and encourage my students to utilize.  Although the attendance was lower (as were all the sessions), those there seemed to enjoy and take home some ideas they might implement with their own students.  Yay!
  • The time spent with like-minded peers was priceless and always needed. 
Already, I am looking forward to next year!  Join us!