Particles of Literature

The Bright Idea Conference did not fall with-in my schedule or means so in lieu I went to see author Jodi Picoult who was visiting West Michigan in March for the One Book One Community Program.

My first observation of the evening was those in attendance were 98% women. Where are the male readers? Don’t males enjoy reading dramatic books with modern themes? I guess that’s a question for someone other than me to answer. It was a large audience of approximately 600, at the West Shore Performing Arts Center in Holland.

Although the crowd was large and the author was somewhat funny, I wasn’t really that impressed. It was more of a commercial thing to sell her books than anything. I was looking forward to her talking about My Sister’s Keeper but she spent very little time on the feature novel, and more time on her other books, especially her newest release. I had no idea she had written so many other novels - 12 total. She also was not very accurate, in my opinion, when she was discussing Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, which she references for her next novel the 10th circle. She does have podcasts on her website. :o)

Overall I wasn't all that pleased with the driving all the way to Holland simply for a promotional event for the authors numerous novels. I did, however, enjoy reading My Sister’s Keeper. I doubt that I’ll be in line to get the rest of her books though. I have too many other works on my too be read list.

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I also started a new book discussion group at Extended Grace. The first book we chose was Fallen by David Maine.
Fallen is the story of Caine, Abel, Eve, and Adam in that order. The story is told backward leading us back to the place we all know - The Fall.

We were greatly surprised to be contacted by the author who offered to answer any questions we had. Since the author lives in Pakistan now in had to be handled through e-mail, but we're all about technology right? :o) His input really added more depth to our discussion. It can be found on our EG Book Club Blog

I plan on teaching Alternative Education, so when considering how I will run my Literature classroom I also need to consider each student and their needs. Alternative students generally fall through the cracks in traditional classrooms, which leads me to believe they need to be taught with less than traditional methods.

I have a very strong interest in integrating technology in my classrooms. When I have the resources I will join ISTE (International Society of Technology Education) to further my knowledge and gain new ideas. Also think I will employ Webquests in my lessons. I think webquests are interesting and a fun way for student to learn. I have every intention of using message boards and blogs. I believe anonymous (to other students) sharing on message-boards opens door for those who may be afraid to contribute in class. Blogs and pod-casts are fun, and interesting sources of contribution that I think would go over really well with alternative students. These methods may require extra monitoring but I think the worth out weighs the extra time needed.

Extra instruction of the technology will probably be a requirement. I have an above average proficiency with most of the technology, and I now have basic knowledge of pod-casts. I think the added instruction is crucial for the students. The students will absolutely need to know how to use these different methods of technology to advance themselves, just like literature helps the reader gain knowledge of themselves and the world around them.

I've also been thinking about vocabulary words. Rather than loading students down with a list to mine from reading material, I think I'd rather use a word-a-day type method. For example: I write the word and the definition on the board and challenge students to use the word throughout the day for points. Points can be earned for special treats like free book of choice, movie ticket, or lunch on the teacher.

I found out recently I’m going to put these idea into practice earlier than I thought. I recently got a job at the Muskegon YFCA. My boss asked me to also mentor and tutor the teens that hang around there. They are looking for someone who cares. I’m going to try get them interested in reading by approaching them with some of the YA books I’ve learned about throughout this semester. We are setting up a summer book club camp, among some other ideas. It’s bother exciting and frightening for me as my first experience influencing youth –other than my daughter.

Here I am stuck in the middle,
Can’t decide between women’s and children’s.
Wandering beyond my sweet age of ten,
Robbed of my youth by fatherly men.
Being “womanish” just won’t do -
Finding retreat right out of the blue.
Suddenly entering what must be a friend.
The need to decide is put to an end.
Coming from the lonely place of silence,
Finally having served my penance.
A new friend who’ll help me rejoice,
And stumble around and find my new voice.