Too Many Books

So I was faced with a haunting realization today; the books I read and love will not be the books I teach. Let me elaborate. We took a trip to Lancaster City Library and received a book talk on something I had forgotten all about; Young Adult (YA) books. I've spent the last 4 years becoming all kinds of caught up in Hemingway, Faulkner, Thoreau, Shakespeare, Dante the list goes on and on. I had forgotten that these books are not what kids are taught. Further more they have no interest in them. WHich led me to an even darker, scarier thought. To really succeed as a teacher I need to change or a least diversify my library, and (here's where it gets really scary) I'm going to have to jump on whatever ridiculous literary bandwagon they do, ie. Harry Potter, Twilight etc., just so I can A) relate to them and B) Recommend books they will like. Because as much as it hurts me to say it I'm not going to win any points with them by referencing Hemingway and The Iliad. Don't get me wrong it's not all bad. I recently read The Hunger Games which is not only a huge YA hit right now but also a very good book and I'm going to be teaching it to my kids in the spring. But it just seems a bit daunting thinking about how much more reading I have to do even after graduation. So if anyone can remember a book that really impacted you between 7-12 grade please post it here.

THE GIRL THAT SILENCE THE WORLD FOR 5 MINUTES!

This is the video I reference below

Welcome

Hey all! I'm pretty pumped about the idea of ranting on here for you all to read and comment on. For starters lets talk about life. I'm currently placed in an 8th grade English class at Manhiem Township Middle School. When I first learned this I was not thrilled. I really wanted to be in a high school. But after really only a week in the class I completely changed my mind. There is just such an energy level with middle school that i really underestimated. I love the kids, my co-ops great and I'm really excited to take the reigns. I think what I want this to blog to be, more than just a journal of my day to day encounters, is a chance to converse over things I'm learning and seeing. So check out this video. You yall know my conservative ass doesn't get too caught up in the environment but this video struck me. What really struck me was this girl was initially encouraged by a teacher, and I think this really speaks not only to the environmental issues we face today, but the power each one of us has as adults to influence kids either positively or negatively.



I think that's pretty cool. So I'll get more in depth and specific as we go but I inks that's good for now. Hope you all stay in touch, I'm going to try and update you daily. Be well!




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