Blurb Contest Winners

As my Creative Writing and English 9 Honors classes have wrapped up their unit on children's literature, they've posted blurbs on their unique, hand-crafted books. We read these aloud in class, discussing the various features of children's literature. Then students voted on their favorite blurbs. Which books sounded most interesting? Which would appeal to children?

Congratulations to our winners!

Sarah (Pd 1) for Reggie the Squirrel-Coon

Kenna (Pd 5) for My Little Bunny

Please visit all of the student blogs for Pds 1 & 5 to view additional blurbs about a variety of exciting children's books. You won't be disappointed!

Welcome, Washington Teachers!

On Thursday, Pike Central's English Department will welcome fellow English teachers from Washington High School. Technology will be our agenda, as we gather to discuss and share ideas on how to implement today's technology into the classroom. I hope all of my classes will share my excitement in this collaborative opportunity as we open the doors of our school and our minds.

I would also like to take a moment to thank my student volunteers who will present their ideas and opinions on technology to the Washington teachers. Indeed, I look forward to hearing from both students and teachers. Such discourse is the foundation of the future of education.

In lieu of our focus on technology, I further encourage all students to take part in the Technology Survey posted on my blog. Your thoughts are invaluable to us!

Final Exams

Final Exam Schedule for Spring 2010

Seniors will take final exams on May 19, 20, and 21.

May 26 -Senior Trip
May 27 - Awards Program and Graduation Practice
May 28 -Graduation

Final exams for grades 9-11 will be on May 25, 26, and 28.

The following schedule will be used for ALL final exams, grades 9-11 and 12.

Day 1:
Period 1: 8:20 - 9
Period 2: 9:05 -9:40
Period 3: 9:45 - 11 - PERIOD 3 EXAM
Period 4: 11 - 12:30
Period 5: 12:35 - 1:10
Period 6: 1:15 - 1:55
Period 7: 2-3:15 - PERIOD 7 EXAM

Day 2:
Period 1: 8:20 - 9
Period 3: 9:05 - 9:40
Period 2: 9:45 - 11 - PERIOD 2 EXAM
Period 4: 11 - 12:30
Period 5: 12:35 - 1:10
Period 7: 1:15 -1:55
Period 6: 2-3:15 - PERIOD 6 EXAM

Day 3:
Period 3: 8:20 - 9
Period 2: 9:05 - 9:40
Period 1: 9:45 -11 - PERIOD 1 EXAM
Period 4: 11 - 12:30
Period 5: 12:35 - 1:50 - PERIOD 5 EXAM
Period 4: 2-3:15 - PERIOD 4 EXAM

Little Literacy

In my Creative Writing class, we have been studying the refreshing milieu of children's literature. First, we read several sample books in class, discussing pros and cons of each. We then explored the way text, illustration, and characterization can transform a single book into a thrilling world for children to explore.

In preparing to write their own children's books, students have been reflecting upon books that played a prominent role in their own childhood. Or—failing that—at least a children's book they currently find entertaining, effective, or simply fun. Not only did I enjoy children's literature myself as a child, but I've been joyfully wallowing in it again as a parent to two small children. As both an English teacher and a parent, I believe instilling reading values at an early age is vitally important to laying a solid foundation for a child's future. Not only did I share a few of my children's favorite books, but I wanted to post one on my blog as well.

My recommendation? Snuggle Bunnies by Lisa McCue. It highlights a family of bunnies, swamped in love, who spend time together one evening and prepare for bedtime. As anyone with children knows, the bedtime routine is a sacred one, beloved by both kids and parents. From a very young age, my daughter loved reading this each night before bed. Plus, it's fairly short, which is nice for an exhausted parent at the end of a long day!

For further reading recommendations from children's literature, please visit my Period 1 Blogs. Every book listed by these students is truly a wonderful reading gem. Enjoy!

P.S. Have another wonderful children's book to add? Please do so in the comments section below. My class would love to hear your opinion!

Welcome, Spring!

With Spring Break under our belt, it is now time to embrace the rest of our school year with excitement and determination. My classes have many upcoming events to keep in mind. For my sophomores, ECA will soon be here. We are currently working very hard to prepare for this highly critical assessment. In addition, for all students, final exams will be here before you know it! Soon I will post the schedule for these exams. (FYI: This year, seniors will be taking their finals on different days than grades 9-11.)

Although it is important to prepare and monitor student progress throughout the year, this is undoubtedly an important time to reassess and put into place a powerful game plan. Let's end the year with a strong finish!

Good luck to everyone during these last nine weeks of the year!

Blast from the Past

The Cosby Show
Julius Caesar Episode



Okay, this may make me sound old, but I have always been a HUGE fan of The Cosby Show. Imagine my surprise when I was reminded of an episode regarding Julius Caesar (thank you, Mr. Powell!). Recently, my sophomore students rewrote the funeral speeches by Brutus and Antony, given at Caesar's funeral shortly after his assassination. In this Cosby clip, Theo and his friend translate Antony's famous speech into a highly entertaining rap.

Who says Shakespeare isn't relevant or entertaining?!? Take a look!