Summertime.

I hope everyone has a great summer. In addition, good luck in all future endeavors.

                                         -Willis

Go To The Ithaca Book Sale

Like Krysi said, we went on a trip to the book sale, and it was an exhausting but amazing experience. There were so many books it was dizzying. I got a lot of short story books and have read a number of the stories already. One is Shakespearian Whodunnits which are short mystery/thrillers involving characters from Shakespeare’s plays being murdered and other characters solving cases. So far, Puck from A Midsummer night’s Dream has solved the death of  Lysander as being a murderous scheme of Hermia’s father, Egeus. There are a ton of stories in this book, and they could easily be paired with the plays themselves in classroom. Definitely recommended!

Another book of short stories is one by Peter Cameron, The Half You Don’t Know. It is sort of Crutcher-like, in that it deals with several different human situations and emotions. I’ve read about five out of nineteen, all of which were awesome. I know it’s a busy time right now, but hopefully some of you are able to take advantage of this amazing opportunity.

-Autumn  

ps. a lot of the books were doubled, so if you go with a friend, you don’t have to fight over them!

Am I Dreaming?

I met with my host teacher today, and it went GREAT! I walked in and we immediately discussed what she teaches during the year.  We decided that I would teach the poetry unit, which I am thrilled about and plan on having the students write their own. 

The most interesting thing occurred when she was telling me about her reading workshops with her students.  She asked me if I have read Nancy Atwell and said she draws upon many of her ideas.  I was in shock.  I enjoy Atwell and am so happy that I get the opportunity to teach with someone who enjoys her as well.

I also enjoy my host teacher’s attitude towards me.  She was extremely welcoming and open to having me in her class and is open to sharing her class with me.

I am seriously on Cloud 9. 

Alexis

Multi-Media Project

Here is the link to the video Jackie, Kaitlyn, and I have been working on! I know that Ms. Triplett was interested in seeing it. We would like to spread our movie to other current and future teachers, so sharing it would be great! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jQIyvaBwa0

Stacia

Ink Pepper News

Stacia and I went to the rehearsal this afternoon to help Amanda and the Peppers set up.  They are extremely excited and the centerpieces are great! You will have to see tomorrow.

Also, we got a chance to hear some readings that will be read tomorrow.  Everything was different and I think you will all enjoy it.

Amanda wanted me to let you know that if you are serving, arrive at 4.  If you are not, come at 4:30.  Also, if you are serving, remember to wear a white top and black bottoms. 

See you tomorrow!

Alexis

iTunes U

I know I have spoken with a couple of you, but does anyone know how to upload the multigenre piece on iTunesU? I can’t figure it out.

Thanks!

Alexis

Ink Pepper Update!

I was only able to meet with the Peppers today for a short while due to other commitments, but here’s the scoop:

Today, they read and discussed a short story by Amy Bloom, called “Silver Water.”  It’s about the narrator’s sister who had schizophrenia. For next week, the peppers are writing their own story about a character with some sort of mental disease. I’m looking forward to hearing these stories!

Other IMPORTANT information:

-If you can, please come to the dinner an hour early, at 4:00, on Thursday to help out.
-If you are reading on Thursday night (Darlene, Alexis, and whomever else), please show up at the Youth Bureau on Wednesday at 3:30 to practice, organize, and prepare.

-Kaitlin

Making English exciting at Henninger

Check out this link!

This teacher discusses ways that she has made English more fun in the classroom – and the students LOVE it!

http://www.wstm.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=125716

Kristin

Care to Share?

     So, funny that Kristin just posted about a new book coming out because today I bought three new ones, and I was curious to see what people had to say about them, if anything.
    The first one I bought was Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. My host teacher from last semester told me about this one, so I finally was able to pick it up.
    The second book I bought was I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max. It seems like a book you could either find appalling or endlessly entertaining.
    And last but not least, I bought Slaughter-House-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. I feel like some of you might have some comments on this book. To be honest, I’ve heard all about his work, yet I don’t really know what I’m getting myself into. So, if you could let me know, that’d be great! I’d love to hear what you all have to say about these books.
                                                              -Willis

Why we write…

I found this article about writing that you might find interesting while you are finishing up your field portfolio. -Aut