I don't think I have anything more on my schedule today. I think I'll just take it easy....
I don't think I have anything more on my schedule today. I think I'll just take it easy....
Start slow, then taper off
Breakfast done, Jello made, dishes done, kitchen floor swept, what's next?
Some lawn mowing to happen shortly today.
The last time I tried to play and sing I was surprised at what my illness has done to my voice. I had lost the lower register, and could not hit low notes I used to hit with ease. Hopefully, that'll prove to be temporary....
I wonder if you guys are as sick of hearing me prattle on as I am of not being able to sleep....
Then it'll be time for my morning pills. This morning, if I'm not mistaken, that'll mean 17 pills....
LOTF Chp. 9 is done. Poor Simon.
I asked the kids what stock character Simon represented and they couldn't give a definitive answer so I started going back and reading passages involving young Simon. They think it's magic and that I'm some super brain that is able to read between the lines. They think that of all their lit teachers actually. I told them I'd reveal my secret. Show them how the trick was done. And we read slowly. I pointed out word choice. Connotation. Denotation. Imagery. etc.
There is a point in the story where Simon is standing next to the base of the mountain "where a tree stood straight and another tree lay across it horizontally, held up by the mountain."
Girl that had complained that everyone "sees" things except her: "OMG. THAT'S A CROSS! SIMON IS STANDING IN FRONT OF A CROSS!! I DID IT. I DID IT. I GOT THE IMAGERY"
I have great kids again this year. They all cheered for her. When they settled down we talked about the importance of reading slowly to understand versus fast to just blow through homework. I give them 30-40 minutes of class time to read and discuss things they don't understand, clarify possible interpretations, and just work with each other as I walk around keeping them focused and on task.
With my health and energy back, I feel good about teaching again. I sucked the last few years and I'm a bit ashamed about that. By the time James gets here I should have my reputation restored. I haven't felt this good about my teaching in a long time. The biggest think I think the students get is that I care for them. Not just their grades, but them. And that's huge in getting them involved.
Don, what do you do while you get juiced?
Read, sleep, knit, whatever. An infusion of 1000ml of IV fluids takes an hour and a half....