I've done it.  Decided to bring back the social issues research paper to the Senior English curriculum.  After a 6-year absence, I dug out the dusty binder that holds the important paperwork, bought some new writing guides, and began scouring the newspaper and magazine headlines for current topics.  Last week I introduced the project to the kids.  And without too much agony, we've begun.  This week we'll finalize topic choices and then start the individual lessons on thesis writing, note card format, outlining, and so forth. 

And we'll read Animal Farm too!

I've toyed with this idea for a while now and finally decided now is as good a year as any.  And in my geeky English teacher way, I'm excited about it mostly because I feel like sometimes my upperclassmen students really don't learn any new stuff during the course of my class.  Sure they read some great literature that is "new" to them, but as for skills, they pretty much have them already.  I spend lots of time correcting grammar and writing technique, but I envy the teachers that have brand new material for their students.  For example, my second grader is learning to add double-digit numbers for the first time and is learning the nuances of phonics and reading skills.  How cool that her teacher gets to share that brand new information.  And it makes my heart smile to see her catching on and "teaching" me these new ideas.

We went to the Henry Ford Museum yesterday and my kids are enthralled with the bus Rosa Parks sat in.  They insist we sit in her seat and listen to the story.  My daughter chose books about Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. from the gift shop to learn more about the ideas of slavery and segregation.  Tough topics, but wonderful to see her wanting to learn. 

I guess I want some of that for my students.  Teaching skills such as taking good notes, formatting note cards, writing a sentence outline, and putting together a scholarly paper are things that they may not use but once or twice ever again, but at least they will have the knowledge.  Perhaps its a bit selfish to want, as a teacher, something new to do but it can't be a horrible motivation.  And watching their brains wrap around a social issue, formulate an opinion, and find facts to support their argument rather than simply spewing generalizations is fascinating also. 

So we've begun.  Topic choices will be made this week and then the lectures and lessons begin.  Should be an interesting ride.

Artists in Action

It's that time again - paper mache masks!  We're spending a couple of weeks writing essays and diving into creative projects before we start our next novel.  The masks were molded last week and now kids are in the process of decorating them.  The slideshow of the initial stages is here.  Enjoy!

Tribes and Trials

Whew.  We're just about done with Okonkwo and his tribe.  I must say, its a bit of a dry book but this year I tried to connect it more to our world and I think it worked a little.  Through class discussions about themes - hospitality, kingship, courage, and achievements - we were able to see how the Ibo people value these elements as do Americans.  We analyzed Okonkwo's faults - and they found several - and then I challenged the kids to turn those faults to virtues.  Good stuff came out of that discussion too.  So I don't know that they are loving this book, but I hope it is decent anyway.  And little do my students know that all of this is priming them for the next round of work:  masks, building villages, culture research, and analytical paper to name a few!  Stay tuned for those assignments and photos.

Click here for a link to novel resources.

GRAD Room

It's official.  The seniors already want out.  We worked in our newly established GRAD room today to update educational plans and resumes.  The classroom is home to banners, viewbooks, pennants, posters, and paraphrenalia from virtually all Michigan colleges and universities as well as the armed services, and ACT information.  We'll host college admission representatives here and today, seniors were exposed to the room and its decor as they updated their information. 

As the year goes on, it is our goal to get every senior applied and/or accepted to at least one college, university, trade school, military branch, or technical institute.  Some are already ahead of the game and others need some coaxing but we'll get there.  Thanks, counselors, for your diligence and assistance.

Check out photos of the kids in action today.

Quiet Inspiration

When I picked up the book from the "adult reading" table at my daughter's school book sale last year, I had no intention of finding the time to read it between work, home, school, and all that comes with it. But one quiet evening I read the first few pages and was immediately drawn to the simplicity and sincerity of the author's memoir. Suddenly, I couldn't put it down. And over the next few days I found myself smiling, wondering, crying, dreaming, and simply enjoying this woman's journey and her amazing family. As a mother, woman, teacher, daughter, and wife there are so many things I took away from this book and quickly found it's predecessor. Here, I share with you "The Gift of an Ordinary Day" by Katrina Kenison. I'm due for another dose and just might read it again

The gift of an ordinary day