The Road Less Traveled

WARNING: I’m trying to get myself back into the educational spirit, so this post will be a bit scholarly. I also just finished reading Andy Andrews’ The Traveler’s Gift, so I’m feeling a bit inspired.

It will soon be time for some changes. And I am excited. I have a job interview at South Charleston Middle School tomorrow, which (if I get the job) will put me about ten minutes closer to home and inside one of the county’s most historical school buildings. South Charleston is a growing community that lies somewhere between big city and small town. I’ve heard some of the same complaints about SCMS as I did about Stonewall Jackson Middle: poor discipline, apathetic students, etc. If any of that is true, guess what? It doesn’t hurt my interest in the school; it improves it. I see situations like that as challenges, opportunities to grow as a teacher and, most of all, to help my students grow.

I stopped by WVSU today to pick up my textbooks for my two classes. As proof that I have grown up, I could not contain my enthusiasm and pulled the plastic off of the books while sitting in my car, grinning as I flipped through the pages. I remember just a little less than ten years ago, I hated school. I loved to read, but usually snubbed my nose at college textbooks (unless they were literature anthologies). Now, I am practically drooling at the opportunity to dive into a Geography text, especially one like this that has plenty of online resources and tons of useful information.

Unlike the army of students who brave the almost endless line to sell back their textbooks, I have always thought of the best college texts as those you could keep and use again. The bookshelf next to my teachers’ desk is filled with grammar texts, anthologies, writing manuals, and other variations. And, yes, I use them for my own resources and even in my lesson plans.

Which brings me to the second text I bought: Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Social Issues. The Taking Sides collection is a group of books that present a list of topics and then show works of writing and/or speeches from different people that discuss that topic. The greatest thing about it is that it is written in debate-style and presents two works of writing with each issue: one “for” and one “against”. The benefits of a textbook like this in the hands of a teacher are limitless. I’ve been looking for a great way to liven up persuasive writing. Looking at two different sides of an issue makes students feel a lot like Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof, weighing the pros and cons of both sides. Now that’s critical thinking at its best.

One of my writing/teaching mentors Gretchen Bernabei says in her book Reviving the Essay, “Many students seem to consider the act of changing their minds equivalent to an act of weakness, or concession, or defeat. This way of viewing thinking is not only immature, it’s also dangerous in a democracy where reasonable, informed voters make decisions for the nation” (12). This kind of book in the hands of a teacher could help students make informed decisions (even if it means changing their minds) as opposed to holding fast to conclusions that are based only on personal prejudices.

So, regardless of where I teach this year, it will definitely be a year of change, both with my attitude, my teaching, and my circumstances. The great thing is that all of these are things I can control.

I’ll close out with a few lines from Andy Andrews’ excellent novel about a down-on-his luck businessman who travels through time and meets important historic figures who all give him advice for personal success, The Traveler’s Gift: “Circumstances do not push or pull. They are daily lessons to be studied and gleaned for new knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge and wisdom that is applied will bring about a brighter tomorrow (155).”

Well said, Mr. Andrews.

Until later — “There’s no turning back now that you opened up to your mind.”

Yours truly bragging about Gretchen’s book, Reviving the Essay:

Man, does it feel great to be back at the computer again, putting my thoughts into words. If you’re not a dedicated writer, it’s tough to understand how defeated you feel when writer’s block takes over and you’re stuck.

I’ve been readmitted into WVSU and I am taking two classes this fall towards a Social Studies certification: Geography and a Sociology class called “Social Problems.” I’m really excited about both classes, which is amazing. I remember hating Geography in 7th grade and trying my best not to learn anything at the time. I remember being shocked in high school when I finally realized that Egypt was in Africa.

That Geography teacher is one of the best I’ve ever known. Her name is Mrs. Downey and she still teaches the same subject at the same school. A month or so into my seventh grade year, my grades were already slipping towards failure in two of my major courses (I was just barely Cs in English and Science). She kept me after class one day and asked one of the most important questions I have ever been asked by a teacher: “What do you love?” I paused, and she continued. “You love to draw, right? You love art?” I nodded. “Tell you what, you bring at least three of your school grades up to Cs or better and I will buy you a hundred dollars worth of art supplies.” It was the first time any teacher had ever made a promise to me other than, “If you don’t sit down, I’m calling your mother.” The greatest thing is that I kept my end of the bargain and she kept hers.

I found a folder in my drawer yesterday that had a collection of report cards from elementary school. One of them was from the second nine weeks of fourth grade. In the teacher’s comments it says, “I would like to schedule a conference as soon as possible to discuss my concerns for Jason.” Other information shows that I had trouble working independently, working neatly, and listening attentively. This was an improvement over the first nine weeks when I also had trouble following directions and completing assigned work on time.

Third nine weeks wasn’t much of an improvement. Teacher comments: “Jason has not shown much growth in his behavior and study skills.” And yet again, I did not work independently or neatly, follow directions, or listen attentively.

It is important to note that my fourth grade teacher, Mr. Copley, was also one of my favorites, especially after looking back, because regardless of my faults (and there were many) he still cared about me, treated me with respect, and always tried to make me smile. My mom has a picture of Mr. Copley and I standing together, him squatting down a little so he can get his arm around my shoulders. Our smiles are big and honest.

As I said, it feels good to be writing again. I haven’t thought about Mr. Copley or Mrs. Downey for a while and here I am writing about them. I have a lot more to write about and will try to get it posted in the next day or so. I still need to write about my rekindled interest in WWII that was spawned by a recent marathon of Medal of Honor games, courtesy of my little brother.

Until later — “There’s no turning back now that you opened up to your mind.”

A nice cup of tea can cure a lot of ills. It’s been a stressful week already, and it’s only Wednesday. Once again, I rushed out of the house this morning and forgot to take the trash to the curb. I usually judge my days based on how many things I forget in the morning. That was number one. By eight a.m., that number had risen to three. So naturally, I didn’t have a very positive outlook for the rest of the day.

Boy was I wrong. I met one of the Harlem Globetrotters today and proved to my students that I can almost make a half court shot. He gave a very inspirational message that reinforced what I have been trying to teach many of them, that it’s not what you do for yourself that matters but what you do for others.

Then, with enthusiasm I hadn’t felt for some time, I talked to my students about our new board work idea in which we use the acronym JAMS to get started right at the beginning of class. This idea was met with a little resistance, worried I was suddenly becoming another strict teacher who would never let them speak (apparently a luxury they don’t often get in their classes). “I promise you,” I said, “that only the first five to ten minutes of class is going to change. Everything else will be as usual. You’ll get to write and share your writing with each other, as always.” They all seemed happy to oblige and I am looking forward to watching them rise to the expectations.

Night school went great, as well. I have encouraged them to start student accounts on edublogs and many of them have taken off on their own and already posted several entries. I am so proud of them that I could burst.

So now, here I sit with my proud cup of white tea (which my wife swears is better than green, more antioxidants or something) relaxed after a great day with my students, and I’m feeling like I am one of the luckiest people in the world.

Until later– “There’s no turning back now that you opened up to your mind.”

I can’t stand not having Internet at home.  So much has happened since my last post and I’ve not been able to update because I’ve been out of school for a week.

I worked at the theater all week, including Thanksgiving.  It’s really not as bad as it sounds because we get paid time-and-a-half for working holidays.  I had thought the Thanksgiving crowd would be unbelievable, but it was the day after that poured in a little over 1100 customers to watch movies.  It is one of the perks of working at a theater next to a Wal-Mart.  I also predict we will be crowded after Christmas, as well, for shoppers who are returning and bargain shopping.

I stayed after work Wednesday to see The Mist.  It was one of the best horror movies I have ever seen, true to Stephen King’s vision for all of his stories.  The most frightening aspect of the story was not the creatures that live in the mist, but the behaviors of the people who are trapped together in the supermarket.  The same thing that disturbed me about Lord of the Flies, the steady breaking down of civilization when placed in a situation that is chaotic and in which rules are nonexistent or questioned.  Director Frank Darabont has always done a good job adapting King’s books to screenplay and this is no exception.  He does create his own ending, however, one that sent shivers down my spine and sent angry moviegoers out the door.

I also spent some time with my grandmother and ate oyster dressing for the first time.  It sounds icky, but it was oh-so-good.

We have much to be thankful for every day of our lives.  I made a promise to myself to thank God every day, as many times as I can.  I also made a promise to say “Thank you,” to others, especially those who least expect it.

I hope all of you had the opportunity to thank someone last week, and most of all the chance to do something for that person to show your gratitude.

Happy late Thanksgiving.

I can’t believe I didn’t post about this before (or at least I don’t think I did).  The CWVWP has generously given me a digital video camera in lieu of a $100 stipend.  It is called a Flip and has a built in USB port that allows me to upload videos to my computer almost instantly.  I have already used the camera to record video writing prompts for my students as well as record my students reading some of their writing.  I’ll figure out a way to upload a few of my video prompts and post them on here for you.

Oh, and I also realized that I haven’t followed through on a few of my promises about pics of Aryanna and Bianca on their day out with daddy.  So enjoy:

Lately, I’ve been playing the observer.  Those who know me understand this is no simple task.  I am usually the one talking, but recently I have been working on my listening skills.  I listen, and later on I pull out my little notebook and write down interesting phrases I remember hearing that day.

Here are a few of my favorites:

“I think you should pick me because my favorite number is five.”

“We both did it, but he’s the only one who got in trouble and that makes me mad.”

“Here’s a question for ya?  Do you see the same sun set every evening or do you see a different sunset every evening?”

“I feel like I’m stuck in a balloon and all the air is being sucked out of it.”

Said about the movie Halloween:  “I loved it.  It was one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen.”

Aren’t those great?  I love the randomness of the first one, the sense of justice in the second, the optimistic outlook of the third, the profundity of the fourth, and the hilarious contradiction of the last.

I think I’ve found a new way to spice up my writing.  Barry Lane says, “Good dialogue reveals character” (Reviser’s Toolbox, pg. 110).  All of these little snippets say something about the person who spoke them, about their personality or their condition.

 I love this sort of in-depth character study.  I’m going to assign this to my students, ask them to listen to conversations and write down statements that really intrigue them or just make them laugh (I loved it.  It was one of the worst movies I’ve ever seen.)

Until later– “There’s no turning back now that you opened up to your mind.”

Not sure if I told you or not…  A few weeks ago, I attended a writing workshop taught by Barry Lane.  I know I wrote about going to the workshop, but I don’t think I’ve written about it since.

Wow!  That about covers it.  Barry is a hilarious, delightful writing teacher who may just be the breath of fresh air all teachers need.  He is funny and even encourages humor with students as an educational tool.  His new video series Hooked on Meaning is a treat for me and my students.  The DVD menu has a catchy tune and every time I play it, my students smile because they know it is “Barry Time.”  “Barry Time” equals “writing time” since his video series is filled with useful writing craft strategies and activities.  The greatest thing about Barry, though, is that he is very humble, an average guy who just loves to write and teach writing.  While watching the video, my students feel as if they know Barry personally, laughing at his jokes, occasionally making fun of his silly ways.  But that’s okay.  They’re watching and listening.  And best of all…  THE STRATEGIES WORK!

I had the pleasure of sharing lunch with Barry at Whitewater Grill in the Marriott Hotel.  In addition to being a great teacher, he knows how to build friendships, as well.  He talked little and listened often to everyone at the table, to the stories of teaching, family, and anything else we wished to share.

At the end of the workshop, he interviewed me and asked me to share one of my recent lessons with dead verbs.  He held the camera close to my face and again said very little as I rattled on about burying dead verbs in a hole outside my classroom window.  The video should be coming up on YouTube soon.  When I find it, I’ll post it here.  Barry also gave me a copy of The Essay Manifesto, an excellent book about reclaiming the student essay and avoiding formula, and Why We Must Run With Scissors, a great book on persuasive writing that he wrote with Gretchen Bernabei.

I also just checked my e-mail, and Gretchen Bernabei (one of my all-time heroes) just sent me a reply.  Seeing it made me cry.  I can’t express in words how lucky I have been lately to meet and read books from teachers who have revolutionized the way I teach writing.  Teaching is a joy again and it is mostly because of the CWVWP and all of the opportunities I have been given because of it.

Thank you again to Barbara, Carol, Sharon, and most of all to Paul for striking my match so many times and finally got it lit.

Until later… “There’s no turning back now that you opened up to your mind.”

What have I gotten myself into? Yesterday, I travelled with Paul to Nicholas County to assistant coordinate a writing workshop on the 6+1 Traits. I am proud to be a part of this, but man it is hard starting my day at 6:30 a.m. and not walking through my front door until 10:00 p.m.

However, the first day is always the best, I think.  It reminds me of how my students feel on the first day, nervous but curious.  I could tell that every one of the teachers at the workshop were curious.  Paul and I were the nervous ones since we arrived at 5:30 and realized some of them had been waiting since 4:45.

For my presentation, I read a story of Hokusai, the famous Japanese artist (reminder: post on blog later).  At the end, I asked the teachers to write what they thought the moral to the story was, and then write a story from their life that also illustrated that moral.  Some of the teachers were reluctant to share, but the ones who did had excellent stories about parenthood, teaching, etc.

Other than dreading another late night, I am looking forward to our next class.  Paul is an amazing teacher and I’m not sure he knows it.  I have been wanting to work with him for a few years now, and I finally have the opportunity.

 Until later– “There’s no turning back now that you opened up to your mind.”

Download Video: Posted by creatively at TeacherTube.com.

Today was probably one of the best classes I have had so far.

As a warm-up activity, I asked my students to write their own personal mission statements.  I shared mine with them:

1.  I will be the best educator I can be.

2.  I will know no limits.

3.  I will learn something new every day.

4.  I will write habitually and passionately every day.

5.  I will foster creativity and curiosity in everyone I meet.

6.  I will believe that everyone, including myself, has the ability to succeed.

I wrote this more than a month ago, at the CWVWP Summer Institute.  As I read it today, however, one of those unavoidable but unexpected light bulbs went on in my brain.  These students have the challenge of helping me accomplish missions 3, 4, and 5.

The best teachers are those who knew their students have just as much (if not more) to teach as they do.  Also, since I write with my students and have promised to respond to all of their blog posts, I am compelled to write every day and with enthusiasm.  And, of course, a big part of my job is getting them curious about the world and encouraging them to create.

I love my career.  I really do.  Harry Wong says in his book The First Days of School that there are two kinds of people:  workers and leaders.  “The two things that matter most to a worker are time and money.”  However, “The two major concerns of a leader are enhancement and cooperation.”

For a while, I wondered if my career was pushing me in the direction of becoming a worker.  But now that I have stripped myself of the negativity, now that I have had an experience that shows how much my students can change me and how much I can change them, I am certain that I control which person I will be.

I’ll let you guess.

Until later… “There’s no turning back now that you opened up to your mind.”

I logged on this morning and checked to see if any of my students had posted to our class blog.  I was surprised to see that four students have already posted.  I am hoping this will be something that takes off with a bang.

 Yesterday, I watched a cool video on Teacher Tube.  It is a video introducing a project that a teacher tried with his students called the “Nickname Yourself Project”. I am currently working on this activity with my students.  They share their nicknames tomorrow.  This is a great activity to encourage kids to find new and interesting words as well as use a thesaurus and a dictionary.  Most importantly, though, it is their first opportunity to get to know each other better and present their ideas to the class.

Download Video: Posted by scttwisdom at TeacherTube.com.