To Teach a Teacher

I learned so much more than I ever thought I would in this class, and most of it was by doing and discussing, (rather than the usual heavy workload of reading and writing papers that many other classes require.) This is exactly how I want to teach -- through engagement. Engaging students is by far the most important concept I learned this semester, and I feel as though other classes or teachers have not stressed how utterly important it is. We cannot just stand in front of a classroom and lecture, or click through a Powerpoint presentation. We need to reach our students, and differentiate instruction to reach each and every one of them. The biggest shift in my view of education is that I now put myself in the students' shoes. If I would rather do a simulation activity modeling the Holocaust when reading Number the Stars than writing an essay, then why would I assign them an essay? I think that some teachers take the easy way out; I've had teachers like this in the past. My curriculum here at Shippensburg has shown me what past teachers could have done better. I am distraught when I think back to my junior high and high school classrooms that lacked the engagement I, and all of my friends, really needed. I could have had a better educational experience, which upsets me. I never want a student to reflect back on my class and have this same thought. If an individual prefers to take the easy road, then teaching is certainly not for him/her.

On the other hand, I have had wonderful teachers as well. And when I think back to their classes, they implemented much of the same engagement strategies that I have come to know. We did activities, we analyzed the book, we became the book, rather than just talking broadly or writing about it. My approach to literature and the way in which I will teach it has changed as well. I am not afraid to have my students just delve into a book like I do. I was worried for a long time that there would be a divide between the way in which I read and the way in which they will. But now I have the confidence to just convince them to jump in head first, even if it is a hard text (like Shakespeare). Because I will be right there if they need my help, and we can work as a class through our difficulties together.

I want to make my classroom a community, as mentioned above. I believe this creates more positive surroundings for everyone, which makes students want to come to class and enjoy their time there. Much of what I learned in Adolescent Lit was not taught through instruction, but through how our class was structured. Dr. Shannon promoted such a relaxed and fun atmosphere, such that I always felt comfortable asking questions and sharing my thoughts. This is vital to a classroom. If students cannot share their ideas, then we have nothing; because their education is about them. I want to keep my classroom management under control, but at the same time create the relaxed atmosphere I felt in this class. Lastly, I think if we are understanding and kind teachers, who are compassionate towards the needs of our students, we can never go wrong. If students make a connection with us as people, even if it is just that they feel as though we are easy to talk to, then maybe they will make a connection with us as teachers as well, and engage in our class.

The Lyrics of My Life

"The House That Built Me" ~ Miranda Lambert
I know they say you can’t go home again
I just had to come back one last time
Ma’am I know you don’t know me from Adam
But these handprints on the front steps are mine

Up those stairs in that little back bedroom
Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar
I bet you didn’t know under that live oak
My favorite dog is buried in the yard

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

Mama cut out pictures of houses for years
From Better Homes and Gardens magazine
Plans were drawn and concrete poured
Nail by nail and board by board
Daddy gave life to mama’s dream

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could just come in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me

You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am

I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself

If I could walk around I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me


"Banana Pancakes" ~ Jack Johnson 
Can't you see that it's just raining?
Ain't no need to go outside...

Baby, you hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
Song is meant to keep you
From doing what you're supposed to.
Waking up too early
Maybe we can sleep in
I'll make you banana pancakes
Pretend like it's the weekend now

And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see that it's just raining?
Ain't no need to go outside

But just maybe, laka ukulele
Mommy made a baby
Really don't mind the breakfast
'cause you're my little lady
Lady, lady, love me
'cause I love to lay here lazy
We could close the curtains
Pretend like there's no world outside

And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see that it's just raining?
Ain't no need to go outside

Ain't no need, ain't no need, mmm, mmm,
Can't you see, can't you see?
Rain all day, rain all night.

The telephone is singing
Ringing
It's too early
Don't pick it up
We don't need to we got everything
We need right here
And everything we need is enough
Just so easy
When the whole world fits inside of your arms
Don't really need to pay attention to the alarm
Wake up slow, yeah, wake up slow

Baby, you hardly even notice
When I try to show you this
Song is meant to keep ya
From doing what your supposed to
Waking up too early
Maybe we can sleep in
I'll make you banana pancakes
Pretend like it's the weekend now

And we could pretend it all the time
Can't you see that it's just raining?
Ain't no need to go outside
Ain't no need, ain't no need
Rain all day and I really really, really don't mind
Can't you see, can't you see?
You gotta wake up slow 


"Life After You" ~ Daughtry
Ten miles from town and I just broke down
Spittin' out smoke on the side of the road
I'm out here alone just tryin' to get home
To tell you I was wrong but you already know

Believe me I won't stop at nothin'
To see you so I've started runnin'

All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughin' with you
I'm thinkin' that all that still matters is love ever after
After the life we've been through
'Cause I know there's no life after you

Last time we talked, the night that I walked
Burns like an iron in the back of my mind
I must've been high to say you and I
Weren't meant to be and just wastin' my time

Oh, why did I ever doubt you?
You know I would die here without you

All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughin' with you
I'm thinkin' that all that still matters is love ever after
[From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/d/daughtry-lyrics/life-after-you-lyrics.html]
After the life we've been through
'Cause I know there's no life after you

You and I, right or wrong, there's no other one
After this time I spent alone
It's hard to believe that a man with sight could be so blind
Thinkin' 'bout the better times, must've been outta my mind
So I'm runnin' back to tell you

All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
Without you God knows what I'd do, yeah

All that I'm after is a life full of laughter
As long as I'm laughin' with you
I'm thinkin' 'bout all that still matters is love ever after
After the life we've been through, yeah
Know there's no life after you

Know there's no life after you
Know there's no life after you
Know there's no life after you
Know there's no life after you
Know there's no life after you
Know there's no life after you
Know there's no life after you, yeah