Teaching More Than Commas and Semi-Colons

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...