Day 4

The students are still working on YouTube video clip reflections. Since The Outsiders is set in the 60s-Mrs. E had some Anti-War clips. These were sampled from the TV mini-series The 60s.

It was fun watching the kids making connections with the term flower power to when a protester popped a daisy in the barrel of a gun. They watched a student made documentary of the Kent State Riots of 1970 and it amazed them how soldiers would shoot lethal ammunition into a crowd of students. The kids had to write a reflection on how this event changed history. Some students took notes and others had to watch it again. I noticed how Mrs. E decided to re-work her strategy for Blocks2-4 based on the understanding observed in Block 1. As Block 2 ended she adjusted for Block3 and this continued through out the day.

I forgot to tell you all, I am now reading out loud to the class. "Easing me in" is the thought. Yesterday was the first day of it. Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, I recognize the work since we did Maniac Magee in Developmental Reading in the middle school classroom. Never read the book until now. I have a marker at the spot that the kids are at in their reading and then I have a spot that I am at. I wonder if I am ever going to be able to catch up before the end of the book.

Today I got back up there a little nervous. I am used to reading in front of people. Nothing new there. I think it is the idea that these 12 weeks ahead of me are the make or break. I never let it out to Mrs. E that I have a problem reading. After consulting with others I was going to keep my LDs to myself. I have been told by people in higher power that it is silly that an English major has a hard time reading. I think I may be a masochist, but I love books. Stories taking me out of the moment. It is like with a really good book I forget about what is going on around me and I am lost in the pages. I typically read out loud so I am able to understand what is going on better. Otherwise if I read silently I read the same passage over and over.

Stargirl and The Outsiders are on my nightstand by the bed. I have read The Outsiders oh I think this is time #4. Just trying to be totally aware. I am still on the sidelines just in a desk right now.

My university supervisor is looking at coming to see me next week. I am feeling those jackhammer butterflies again.

Until Tomorrow

LGD