The Power of Poetry

I used to drive my students nuts with my push for poetry in the classroom (to the point where, on a teacher "rating" site, a student wrote, 'she needs to leave the poetry alone already').

Sorry, but I haven't changed my views! Poetry is said to be a' quick dip in a deep pool'-- much is conveyed in a short space... Poetry awakens our senses, connects us to ourselves and others, and leads us to think in synthesizing ways (to break down the language of metaphor).

Author and educator Paul Janeczko wrote, "Reading poetry shouldn't be like performing an autopsy, looking at a dead object and figuring out what killed it... Good poems are alive!"

Do you enjoy poetry? Is there one poem that has had a lasting impact on you? If so, what is it about that piece that captured your interest?

Alternatives to book reports

I love "alternative assessments" --any assignment in which a student chooses to create a response to a question or task...

...Which is why the Independent Reading Project in my class veers from the traditional book report: while Part I does ask students to analyze the elements of what was read (examine characters; setting; conflict; sequence), Part II gives a choice in creative elements, such as illustrate the climax; write a book review; dramatize an incident; create an advertisement.

What value do you feel there is to alternate assessments in reading? What other creative projects can you think of to do in relation to reading class?

Notable quotes

It is with love & smiles that I think back on my high school Enlgish/Journalism teacher. Thanks to her, small grammar quirks still drive me nuts (there is no such thing as a 'first annual'!)...

One of her teaching methods was to begin class with an interesting quote to engage her students. I've collected a few of my own through the years, so I'll begin with one about reading (of course):

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." -Mark Twain, American author and humorist

In this class, you will be asked to re-shape your habits in, and attitude toward, reading. How do you feel about reading? Compare the advantages and disadvantages of not reading with those of not being able to read. How might these comparisons affect your views about your own reading?

Entering the modern era

Well, I'm learning!

It's time to get comfortable with 21st century teaching methods.

Here's to my first ever blog (short though it may be)...


What are you doing in your own life, to become more "tech savvy?" Has technology encouraged you to step out of your comfort zone? How?