Duly Noted

Inspired by several educators and colleagues emphasizing the value of authentic student interest in regards to increasing reading volume, I decided to let my students select a book from our media center for independent reading with a little follow-up video production assignment (basically, the assignment works like an advanced version of Reading Rainbow where they can share their tastes and critiques with classmates). Our class period in the media center went well until I noticed that two of my 11th grade boys selected a variety of books that solely focused on drugs: "Cocaine," "Legalizing Marijuana," "Meth." Great. I felt a little annoyed and a little stuck. Surely, I am not one for censoring books. But, any teacher in their right mind would feel uncomfortable with their students walking down the school hallway carrying a series of books on drugs. Right?! Like, what if we ran into the the principal?! Or the head of the school board? "Oh, thi...

There's nothing better than whipping up a couple meals for the week ahead (or in the case of this Thanksgiving week, the three days ahead) on Sunday evening. This Sunday I made three recipes: Squash Risotto w/thyme and goat cheese: This is an old standby of mine. Actually, my friend Rose first introduced me to this dish following a chilly winter run together last year. Ingredients: 1 cup risotto 1 onion 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 3 cups vegetable broth 1 roasted squash (Cut squash in half from stem to bottom, scoop out seeds, and spread some olive oil on the inside. Place on baking sheet covered with tin foil. Roast at 425 degrees until you can stick a fork through the skin easily, take out of oven and scoop out squash from skin.) 2 tablespoons thyme Salt and pepper to taste Goat Cheese for topping Procedure: Saute onion in olive oil until soft and transparent, add risotto. Stir on medium heat for a minute. Stir in one cup vegetable broth. Stir occasionally. Once broth is abs...

So in addition to the holiday bootie buster challenge (I know, what a name), I am also partaking in a blogging challenge organized by a couple of fellow teachers whom I spent some time with at NCTE. The challenge is described here if you feel like joining: http://alittleleeway.blogspot.com/2010/11/2010-blogging-challenge.html With that in mind, I received an email from my friendly media specialist, Patty (oh man, do I love her), with the following link: http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/ The site is filled with ideas, directions, definitions, and tutorials for including media in the classroom. I definitely plan on using some of this material in the near future.

This past weekend, I traveled to Disney World (perhaps my least favorite vacation destination...I am admittedly part snob, part anti-consumerist) in order to attend the National Council of Teachers of English mega conference! Although "consumer world" itself (Mike's nickname) was over-priced and bridged on ridiculous, I did manage to have a fabulous time and not spend too much money. Actually, the price was really right for me as MCTE (the Minnesota division of NCTE) paid for my flight, my gorgeous room, and my conference fee in honor of an award I had been given- MCTE's early career teacher leader. Truly, I was so surprised to have been nominated, and I felt very grateful for the nomination, the award, and the opportunity to attend the conference. For me, the highlights of the weekend were many. I was absolutely inspired at the sessions I attended on Friday and Saturday. The teachers and researchers seemed to really stress the value of student engagement and mot...

1. Parent/teacher conference night! This is my second or third high school conference night, and let me just say, its pretty amazing to meet the parents of the teenagers I interact with every day. Most of these parents I never hear from, so meeting them for the first time comes as a surprise. Almost across the board, there is so much love and concern in the parents' eyes. It makes me truly proud to work at this school. 2. Random half marathon: So, um, last night I ran a half marathon, er, or an equivalent of a half marathon without really meaning to. I went for a quick run with my friend and co-worker, Ben, after the school day, and then Wednesday night workouts with the WRC (plus Rachel!). So, yeah, that was a lot. 3. Holiday Fitness Challenge: Lately, I've been getting more involved in the healthy living blogging community. So, I am going to give this challenge a shot as way to stay motivated over the holidays and connect with other bloggers! And, maybe even, win a p...