Teaching More Than Commas and Semi-Colons

Grading papers. My student papers sit there. Better yet, composed words lay there in complex and complicated order. Sometimes, in an order that makes me put my head to the desk. They exist either physically or as a bunch of numbers and code somewhere on the complex formations of internet existence in Google Classroom. Either way, it's a daunting task, kind of like a cloud that blocks out the light: there to create a comfy shade to read a book in, but one that also makes the world a little more dreary. It's a task that I tell myself that I will get to... once this... thing I had planned for Monday is formed. I plan Monday, and I plan Tuesday. I stare blankly at a screen. Hit classwork. Oh yeah. Those essays I pretend to forget about. I know the papers exist... but bringing myself to grade them? I'd rather study geometry. FINE, I tell the angel teacher inside of me. I want to see my students showcase their skills. It even ( Nerd) excites me. So why is it like sol...

Sometimes English gets complicated enough for someone who has always spoken the language. I am going to be an English teacher, and sometimes I question if something I have written or said is right. Now, think of someone coming into this world of pronouns and irregular tenses. Enough to frustrate anyone, right? I think this is one of these things as a new educator that has fallen into the... *dreaded* blind spot. My brain is jumping from task to task that I forget that students out there aren’t just struggling with the words to say, they are struggling concept of symbolism, on a deeper level . Deeper than symbolism? They are still grappling with the language on top of these ridiculous things English teachers ask them to do with their novel. Colorin Colorado provides a very informative overview of language acquisition: http://www.colorincolorado.org/article/language-acquisition-overview#h-stages-of-language-acquisition . If you’ve ever taken a linguistics course, s...

Recipe for Teacher’s Confidence Ingredients: 5 tbsp of Content Knowledge - The lesson cannot be taught if one does not know the answers themself. This ingredient is needed to really unite the different tastes of the dish. 2 Cups Passion - This dish will not taste good if you do not love what you are doing - a powerful ingredient, really creates a unique taste based on the chef’s skills and unique preparation techniques. 2 Cups Management Techniques - Perhaps one of the hardest ingredients to get your hands on and effectively use in this recipe. Allot yourself some practice preparing this one. You might have to search all kinds of places to get your hands on the perfect Management Techniques. 2 tbs of Mistakes - because nobody is perfect right? The best understandings come from a bit of slight failure. Some prefer not to include this ingredient, but once they taste the dish with it included, they realize it's necessary. Note: If you do not have any...

Wait a second, it is almost December already? Hold on. You mean Thanksgiving is only in a few days? Can I just take a second to stress that I can't believe this semester went as fast as it did? I still feel like it's August in my head right now. My body would probably tell you it definitely knows it's the end of the semester with all the stress, binge eating, and wine I've put it through though. I've spent the last two weeks sick, coughing up what feels like both of my longs. My poor body.  I definitely did not stick to my fitness goals too well this semester. There's always next semester. (I really need to get in shape, but hey, New Years will be closer than ever in a month... right?) When I reflect back to all of the assignments and projects I've done this week, I realize, man - I have accomplished quite a bit in a short amount of time. I've read almost 10 YAL books, written a reading autobiography, composed a literacy narrative, went to a conferen...

As part of our professional development, students in Core 3 were asked to attend the KATE conference at the Marriott this year. This conference consisted of multiple breakout sessions and keynote addresses from Sarah Smarsh and Michelle Cuevas. I put on my slacks and laced my Sperry's - I was ready to grow as a professional. Erin Downey Howerton initiated the conference following a breakfast filled with fruit and bagels. She discussed many different books flying off of her shelves at the public library from all different genres. I found this presentation very exciting because it was like getting multiple book talks that ignited curiosity in my own reading life - I had some students in mind from my placement for some of the texts too. I found her examples of graphic novels very intriguing; students at my placement LOVE graphic novels. I was excited to learn more about a few titles that I could in turn recommend and read myself. I also attended many breakout sessions. One of...

Here is a poem I composed for a Genre Reflection assignment about a student and his food narrative that he wrote about a Burger King Whopper. Enjoy! The Power of a Whopper Oh, Freshmen 8am Composing food narratives Failing to enjoy any feedback I give Some blank stares Even lesser cares Carnitas, sushi, cannoli’s, and pizza “Wow, nice word choice, Lisa!” There’s side conversation galore I’m really trying to make these students less bored But then one student eagerly raises his hand He has a plan and demands His eyes flickering with excitement As he asks me to read his content Four whole pages describing a Whopper Now, this comes as a shocker, I did not expect to read so much passion poured into a burger And he’s been a hard worker I notice the variation of his capitalization So, I inform him of my realization In which he replies, “Whoppers are Burger King’s signature prize, Of course, they should be capitalized!” He instantly regret...