Writing every day....seriously?

I find it rather difficult to write every day, albeit I did try to write a poem a day for 2013.  Some weeks, I would get behind and write several poems in a day.  Those were usually not my best efforts. 

I was pleased Dr. Kohnen could come to English 405 and give students a very explicit document that maps out what needs to be accomplished in the practicum and the student teaching. I feel like students have a better idea of what needs to be done than last semester. To all of my 405 students in the fall--"I'm sorry."  You got the rookie and I know I would do things differently now (and I am!)  That's the thing about being a first year teacher--everything is new! There are so many protocols and procedures that each school does a bit differently and you have to navigate your way and catch on very quickly! And that is not even the classroom!  So, I keep thinking about how I can alleviate that sort of stress for all of these future teachers.  

Hallelujah! We actually got to the Deep Map assignment last Wednesday.  I want the deep maps to help my studnets think about their "teacher selves" and how they can develop a teacher persona.  The Deep Map legends can actually be shaped into a teaching philosophy.  It is always helpful to create images as that artistic act helps us think and write--it gives us time to conceptualize and form language for the ideas we conceive.  

I wish I had had more time to see everyone's Deep Map today, but I was satisfied to see a few and I will eventually see them all on the website.  I have just now finished reading English 725 deep map legends and I was blown away by them.  I never cease to be amazed at how this activity elicits such powerful writing. 

I don't know how I feel about handing out the case study guidelines without having time to talk about it in class, but hopefully, we will have a chance to talk about it within the next few weeks because they are not due unitl April 28.  It was just impotant that students receive the document now before they begin their practicum experience. Speaking of that, Ms. Jordan came to class today to explain the process of evaluation when she goes to observe students. I think it is important to introduce her so each studnet knows her when she arrives.  And she does a good job of explaining