Highlights/lowlights

Highlights ---

“The Lottery” -- we read this in my Advanced Writing class. I typed up a list of “Reader Response Starters” from the book, “The Reading and Writing Connection,” and assigned a category to each student. Then while we read the story, they were to complete it as we went. For example, under the category “Tapping prior knowledge” a student can start their thinking with “This relates to . . .” or for “Forming Interpretations” a student can start with “I think this represents . . .” and so on. I wanted to give them a helping hand to not only have a vested interest in the story but to also start thinking critically.

I was surprised that only a few had read it before. So many were in for the shock of their young lives.

We talked first about what the title might suggest. Then as we read, we started talking about traditions. As a Catholic, I asked if there were any fellow Catholics in class - there were two others. The rest were comprised of Evangelical, Lutherans, and Presbyterians. So the Catholics talked about some traditions related to our Sunday worship services. One Evangelical student, who once attended a Catholic service with a friend, talked about being almost scared when she heard everyone chanting the Rosary before mass. This led us into talking about other traditions. It was a fine discussion.

But the real treat was seeing the looks on the faces of those who weren’t familiar with the story when they found out Mrs. Hutchinson’s fate. Just as we read that, it was time to go.

Can’t wait for tomorrow.

In my Comp class I found out that one of my students’ grandfathers has a samurai sword from World War II that he acquired when he was “island hopping” at the tale end of the war. He is speaking to one of our history classes. I’m already making plans to attend.

"The Scarlet Letter" - I'm reading this for my Advanced Writing class. I've always loved Hawthorne. I gotta say that "Young Goodman Brown" is the greatest American short story ever written. Just as relevent today (and maybe even more so) than when it was originally published. The first two chapters have me hooked and wishing that I didn't have 10 hours to just relax in my reading chair at home and finish it.

Lowlights --

I overheard one student in my Comp class telling about the time her father got pulled over - with her in the vehicle - and got cited for a DUI. Can you imagine? Never mind that this student has already missed three days out of seven. Hmmh. A connection?