1. I attempted "stations" with my 38-student 9th grade English classes. (See above)
Shockingly, it worked! Last week we were finishing up a unit on allegory and symbolism. One station had an excerpt from "Alice in Wonderland" which the students had to read (as the characters). Another station had an article about the characters on "SpongeBob SquarePants" representing the seven deadly sins. The final station was a video, "Star-Bellied Sneetches", a Dr. Seuss story, playing on my laptop. After reading or watching at their station the students discussed the tone, symbolism, and allegory in each text and filled in a worksheet. I thought the groups would be too large or that hearing would be an issue, but the students loved the freedom of choosing their groups and self-teaching so they worked to make it a smooth activity.
2. Cecalie and I attempted twin day again... and failed again.
For some reason my color-identification skills are terrible. I told her I was wearing a green dress, black sweater, and black leggings. And this is how we looked. Not quite what we were hoping for, probably because my dress was a teal or aqua-of-sorts. Oh well! You can't win 'em all!
3. My 12th grade student's are LOVING Frankenstein!
I really do not think I can take credit for this, as Shelley's writing is complex and intriguing. Events are constantly changing the reader's opinions of the characters and the question of "how we treat others and why" is constantly on our tongues. But they especially enjoy drawing pictures (like below) to explain events! This student was doodling the scene when the creature sees a girl drowning in a river, saves her, and is then shot by the caretaker of the girl. I think it is very clear and miles better than any of my sketches!
4. I'm ahead of the other 9th grade teachers so I'm doing a week of poetry!
This is an English teacher's (at least it is my) dream! To have a few extra days to teach my favorite part of English, self-expression, is a blessing. I announced this week of poetry and heard 1/2 groans/moans and 1/2 yays/hoorays. Luckily, I had anticipated that my students would be all over the board with interest levels, so I brought in a video of spoken word that I hoped would excite them. I am attempting to post it right here (but I've never done this, so the link is below). To be frank: the video worked. The students, even the moaners and groaners, were hooked, engaged, and nodded along at the end out of respect. They left my room that day a little less afraid of poetry... or so I hope!
Link to this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltun92DfnPY
5. Cecalie and I are the BIGGEST flag football fans!
Sadly, we missed the two biggest games of the season (the playoffs) last Monday and Tuesday because we had UNLV classes. We told our students we were sorry, but school had to come first (a good lesson). BUT WE WERE THRILLED when we received a text from the coach (a fellow English teacher) that the girls had dominated both games to win the county title! These are the "selfies" (pictures) that we sent in reply to the text. The girls got a kick out of them!
Sending love but not quite smiling because my wisdom teeth recently ran away,
Danielle "Master Landau"
P.S. Some of my students call me Master Landau because I told them that I am getting a masters degree from UNLV. They think my title will be Master when I graduate, and why correct them when it sounds so cool?!
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