So I decided to use a novel about the death of an English teacher....
There are times during this doctoral journey where you just want to scream. Well, let’s face it. If you are a teacher, there are times you want to scream just because (out of frustration, not at kids, of course). I reached that point this week when one professor loved something I created, and one did not. So, what did I do? I avoided the problem. That probably isn’t the best choice, but when you are working towards a goal this big, sometimes you just have to turn your focus on to something different. I did just that. I turned my focus to something that I knew I could do well. I figured that doing something I enjoyed and could do well would give me the much-needed boost to continue. And… it did.
During the last month, I have been working on revamping a novel unit that I used a few years back. The novel unit is for Killing Mr. Griffinby Lois Duncan. I am including the Amazon link below. Just know that if you are a middle or high school teacher, this novel does have some adult themes (I mean there is a psychopath in it. Just FYI) and adult language. As a matter of fact, I feel so uncomfortable reading the novel aloud, that I purchased the audible.com reading, so I didn’t feel so awkward. In any case, the novel is a hit, and no matter what you connect to the novel (as long as it is educational and age appropriate of course), it seems that the students will eat it up. I like to start with it because it hooks my students in to my style of teaching. In any case, I am currently working on pulling my unit together to put on teacherspayteachers (TPT). One of these days after I get caught up, it will be up for the world to see.
In any case, I am a reflective teacher. I continually like to adjust my teaching to meet the needs of my students. What can I add or take away that will benefit my students and pique their interest just a little bit more? In my classroom, I choose to integrate reading and writing together. I can tell you that since I was given the opportunity to teach the way I want to teach, my standardized test scores have been on the rise. This is not to brag, but to show the need for integrated instruction. Speaking of, I am adjusting that assignment the second professor didn’t like to this topic: integration of reading and writing. During this summer, I have had the chance to weave together more reading and writing into this novel unit. I am super excited because I also have been able to add more of my own flavor to my teaching. I think people in charge of our educational system forget that if a teacher is excited, there is a big chance that their students will be excited too. Choosing materials and strategies that are “exciting, interactive, and educational will have students wanting to come to class.
In any case, I guess the purpose of this post is to state a few things. One, sometimes you just have to give your mind a break when something gets too challenging. Try doing something you enjoy to give your brain some rest. Two, be creative because your students will appreciate it. The more creative you are, the more response you will receive from your students. Three, there is something to be said about the strengths of teaching reading and writing together. If you haven’t tried it, you should. If you have questions, send me a message. I’d be more than happy to send you some titles of texts that I have found useful. I continually research this “stuff” anyway, so I am sure I will have something new. I may not have had a chance to read it, but I am more than happy to share. Last, throw some neon around your classroom. This is a bit random, but I had to add it. Neon will give you the 80’s vibe, and honestly, it just looks so darn awesome. I enjoy teaching, I really do. Sometimes, it is the creative aspect that can make you enjoy teaching just a bit more. So, I decided to use a novel about the death of an English teacher… Why not? Right?
Links:
Part of my bulletin board comes from this teacherpayteacher item. Some of the items, I included because I always like to make things my own.
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Bell-Ringers-Interactive-Bulletin-Board-for-Entire-School-Year-2632461
Novel: https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Mr-Griffin-Lois-Duncan/dp/0316099007/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530479235&sr=8-1&keywords=killing+mr+griffin
Audible: https://www.amazon.com/Killing-Mr-Griffin/dp/B00464C2CA/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1530479235&sr=8-1