Last evening I presented and defended my thesis. I knew I was nervous but had no idea how nervous until I finished, was told how good I had done, and then realized I had little to no memory of what I had just said. Still, I'm told by a number of people that I did very well on it. Now I just need to finish and polish up the paper portion and submit it along with a portfolio of my work from the last two years. The end is in sight.
When this is all done and over, I can get over to the school and decorate my classroom and office the way I want them. That means I have also been spending a little time looking for pictures and maps and bookcases and a few books. The school has given me say in some of the books we will use for curriculum and I want to make an addition of Thoreau's
Walden to the reading for my eleventh grade class. One of the sections of teaching deals with rhetoric in the upper grades and I have a crazy idea that a man who cannot formulate an argument in his own head is lost to begin with. I have permission to take my students outside the classroom on short walks while we discuss the reading for the day and I think it can break up the monotony of being in classrooms for extended periods of time.
One thing I've been looking for are plastic soldiers from all different time frames. I can see tossing some Civil War soldiers onto the table while already having the battle posted on the board. We can set up the battle and work it out. What happened, why, who was involved, all in a hands-on sort of way. I've been locating some things and cannot wait to put this all into practice.
Anyway, I am sorry for leaving everyone hanging and equally sorry to have not been here to see what everyone else is doing. I will attempt to do better in the future. Please forgive me.
For now, I am off to incorporate American Indian / Native American / Native People history into the curriculum of schools across America.
~Later
Comments (7)
Understandable as how busy you have been lately!
Sounds like your students are in for a real treat.
Only have seen plastic soldiers from this era at the dollar store.
WOW! I'm impressed that you even read my blog with the knowledge and intelligence you have.
@lupus_lady - Thank you. I certainly hope they can have some fun and learn something at the same time. Life can be pretty boring if they can't.
@TheSunnyC - Don't you ever think that. I love reading your blog. It helps keep me up to date on the real things that are happening and reminds me of how important real living is to people. (Reminder to myself: Write a note to Todd (my nephew) currently serving in Afghanistan.) Part of what I knew going into school was how to look up things when and if the need arose.
Very cool ideas for the classroom... especially the soldier stuff. Nifty!
Wonderful!! And congratulations on your thesis presentation.
Congratulations. What a nice accomplishment. I am glad you have some freedom with teaching techniques. I am sure walking outside talking and discussing the material will be well received by the students.
blessings
frank
I might have a few things to add to your shelves, including my Rhetoric textbook from my class with Dr. M (that I voluntarily took!) - might be good to have a college level text book to reference. I'll look around to see what else I might have to add to your stuff. :o)