Etymology and You

Money

The word "money" comes to us originally from the Roman goddess Juno. "Moneta" is one of her monikers, and in ancient days, coins were minted by her temple.

Kite Runner - Chapter 5

Like Amir and Hassan, I once bore the brunt of a bully. My persecutor, Paul Monakey, terrified me back in the seventh grade. Two years older than I, he got his kicks escorting me from the bus stop to my house, applying a vice-like headlock the whole entire way. Desperation and anger guided my fist to smash into his face the next time he came for me. Of course he walloped me back, and I truely saw stars and did some bleeding. He never touched me again.

I appreciate how this chapter juxtaposes Assef, a psychotic bully famed for biting or ripping off another child's ear, to the plastic surgeon, hired by Baba to erase Hassan's hare-lip, a beautiful birthday present indeed. Here we see a flesh destroyer and a flesh healer.

Kite Runner Chapter 4

Chapter 4
As a teacher, this chapter particularly resonated with me. Fired up both by his obsessive passion for books and reading aloud to Hassan, his most ardent fan, Amir discovers that he has a knack for impromptu story-telling and creative writing. This epiphany is fanned by Rahim Kahn after Hassan once again smarts from the rejection of his he-man-sports-loving-bear-wrestling father. Rahim, after reading his first story about the pearl-crying man, tells the young writer “Bravo,” and gives him a kind note encouraging him to follow his talent, asserting that people who waste their God-given talents are “donkeys.”

Hassan’s inadvertent inspiration is life-changing for Amir, while Rahim Kahn’s encouragement is deliberate. Enabling children to realize their innate talents, and then encouraging them to become “their own best teachers” seems more precious than pearls or rubies.

Senior Project 2010!

Well, it's Thanksgiving break and you made it to my blog! Remember, by Monday's class time, you need to have a two tasks completed: a cool blog made to impress and a SOLID senior project topic. Your SP topic needs to meet the following criteria: the topic will give you access to a sponsor (topics that require security clearances are a no-no, your mentor should be able to help you get that sponsor, and you need be able to transport yourself to your sponsor at least once per week.

Make sure that your first blog entry features at least 100 words, and no more than 300, and the theme should be related to your project's topic. We'll want to see a picture uploaded as well. Regarding this blog stuff, YOU NEED TO BE YOUR OWN BEST TEACHER!" If I taught myself how to do it, then you can.

EAT TURKEY, READ BOOKS, RELAX!

A New Skill Learned I Learned at the Teacher Convention

Look what I learned to do at the teacher convention! How can I use Glogster to help my students think outside of the proverbial box? The possibilities are endless!

R.I.P. Ruth McBride

The Color of Water has been one of the staples for my ENG 12 class for a few years. The enchanting biography, written by the multi-talented James McBride, is one of my favorites. I admire the musicality of his prose, but most of all, I enjoy reading about his mother's resolution, bravery, and class.

I learned from today's New York Time that Ruth McBride recently passed away, leaving behind twelve successful children.

For as long as I've been teaching the book, I've often wondered about Ruth McBride's whereabouts. She is now with her Maker. A born Jew turned Christian, she inspires thousands upon thousands of readers to see the Lord's complexion as "the color of water.

Gorky!!

I just saw an exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art that centers on the life and work of Arshile Gorky. He wasn't received well by the power players, collectors, and art brokers when he was alive, but now, about 60 years after his death, people are beginning to give him a second look.

Though I can't honestly say that his prolific paintings and drawings resonate with me, I am nevertheless inspired by the man's work ethic, his creative fire, and the careful, original way that he approached his craft. As a young refugee from the Armenian genocide perpetrated by Turks, he set out to educate himself about art, particularly absorbed inspiration from Cezanne, Picasso, and Miro. He went to museums. By copying the styles and techniques of the masters, he eventually found his own style.

Perhaps this is one of the true silver bullets for getting students to write well and enjoy the process. Have them find an accomplished writer whom they appreciate, and have them imitate the writing style.

My daughter, who is an extraordinary writer, never received formal writing lessons. Oh sure, I've given her a couple tips along the way, and she's benefited from fine teachers who helped her hone her talent, but I've watched her find her writing voice from thoroughly reading hundreds and hundreds of books.