Welcome to English III...

Let's face facts, who really ever wants to leave the beautiful summer behind and head back inside? I am sad for the break to end, but I cannot wait to meet my "kids" for this year. I'm fully aware that you guys are not actually kids anymore, but out of habit, that is how I usually refer to you outside of school. I get so many disturbing looks as a result. Looks that say, "You have kids that age?," or "You have kids? I didn't realize," or "Your kids did what??" ... and then I politely inform them that this is just a term of endearment for my darling - two feet taller than I am - students!
I must be honest and up front with you by letting you know that I never planned to nor wanted to become a teacher. My grandmother was the star English teacher at her school for years, and even after hearing her heartfelt tales of the classroom, I thought teaching is just not for me! However, I went off to college bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and clueless about what the heck I wanted to do. After four changes in my major, I figured, okay I'll just major in English. I like it; I'm good at it....now what will I do with it? After ruling out law school, based on some of Dad's moans and groans, I decided to at least give a teaching practicum a try and see how I liked it. Turns out, I LOVE IT. Don't get me wrong, teaching is definitely a love/hate relationship based on a minute by minute waver, especially when you're working with unpredictable sixteen and seventeen-year-olds, but YOU GUYS ARE JUST SO DARN FUNNY that once I was in, there was no turning back. Who else gets front row seats to an improv, comedy routine every day? With that said, I am strict, very strict I've been told, but I do enjoy a good laugh, and you "kids" never seem to let me down!
After three years of teaching English a certain way, I am shaking it up a bit. I have been to mulitple professional development conferences this past year that suggested more choice, more writing, and more more more of your own opinions...We are going to be studying various selections of new and old American literature, analyzing it, and then you all will be writing your own pieces based on your observations of professionals' techniques. You'll be asked to write mulitple pieces about your own life, your struggles, strengths, opinions etc. You will also be asked to write on various social issues that just plain bug you or absolutely delight you...start pondering!
I cannot wait to meet you all. I am hoping for a fun, interactive, intelligent year. I am excited to have this blog, and I hope that you will check it, post on it, and enjoy it. Please let me know if you have any suggestions for the upcoming year.
With much anticipation,
Mrs. Moody