Monday, February 28, 2011
Too Many Books?
I am doing what I said I would not ever do again. Last school year, I had five preps - four different English classes and the debate class. I foolishly thought that I could have each of my English classes read a different novel, and I would be just fine. I can't recall the logic behind that decision except that since I taught 9th, 10th, and two different 12th grade classes, I really didn't have much choice. Well, that only lasted first semester because I was nearly crazy trying to keep up with mockingbirds, stranded boys on an island, burning books, erstwhile hounds, and to be frank, I really can't recall much about Pride and Prejudice. Anyway, I swore to myself that I would not attempt to teach that many novels at one time.
Fast forward to second semester of this school year. My Honors English 9 students are reading A Prayer for Owen Meany, a personal favorite of mine although I have never taught the novel. I am a bit apprehensive about teaching it. My College Prep English 9 students are reading To Kill a Mockingbird. This will be the 4th year that I have taught it, and I am looking for new insight and activities for the students. My College Prep British Literature students are reading Frankenstein. I was introduced to Frankenstein in graduate school. I was supposed to read it, but chose not to since I did not find the premise of the novel appealing. Well, a fellow English teacher convinced me to give it a try; I did; I love it. I am looking forward to introducing my students to the novel, and hope that they fall in love with it as I did. My newest project, my Writer's Workshop class is also reading a novel. They are reading Finding Forrester. I have seen the movie several times, but have not read the novel. I want them to read more so that they will become better writers.
I am sure that I will be worn out before spring break, but I think that in the long run, I will be okay. I have been reading since I was 4 years old, and I seriously enjoy losing myself in a book and imagining myself as the main character in the novel. I want my students to feel the same way about reading, and I love the discussions that we have about the books that we are reading. I am especially interested in their perspective on A Prayer for Owen Meany. I want to hear their thoughts on God's diving plan for each of us.
Let's see how I feel in the next couple of weeks. There are only 47 days left until the London/Paris trip. I have a lot to do between now and then. I also will have a lot to write about between now and then and a whole heck of a lot to write about after seeing the home of Shakespeare. Can't wait.
Fast forward to second semester of this school year. My Honors English 9 students are reading A Prayer for Owen Meany, a personal favorite of mine although I have never taught the novel. I am a bit apprehensive about teaching it. My College Prep English 9 students are reading To Kill a Mockingbird. This will be the 4th year that I have taught it, and I am looking for new insight and activities for the students. My College Prep British Literature students are reading Frankenstein. I was introduced to Frankenstein in graduate school. I was supposed to read it, but chose not to since I did not find the premise of the novel appealing. Well, a fellow English teacher convinced me to give it a try; I did; I love it. I am looking forward to introducing my students to the novel, and hope that they fall in love with it as I did. My newest project, my Writer's Workshop class is also reading a novel. They are reading Finding Forrester. I have seen the movie several times, but have not read the novel. I want them to read more so that they will become better writers.
I am sure that I will be worn out before spring break, but I think that in the long run, I will be okay. I have been reading since I was 4 years old, and I seriously enjoy losing myself in a book and imagining myself as the main character in the novel. I want my students to feel the same way about reading, and I love the discussions that we have about the books that we are reading. I am especially interested in their perspective on A Prayer for Owen Meany. I want to hear their thoughts on God's diving plan for each of us.
Let's see how I feel in the next couple of weeks. There are only 47 days left until the London/Paris trip. I have a lot to do between now and then. I also will have a lot to write about between now and then and a whole heck of a lot to write about after seeing the home of Shakespeare. Can't wait.
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