To Denise! I Love You!

I Saw Only Thirteen Years

My mind swims with thoughts of Neesie
You would be, what, 26, these days?
A full thirteen
years older than when I last saw you.

You died and left me,
my young playmate& friend—
sister.
Not twins, but closer.

I remember you had gained weight
--a good sign—
You stole my tips &
awaited your period & womanhood.

Now I try to imagine
your kids & mine—

but instead I can only see
your freckles below soft blue eyes.
B. Faulkner

1:20 p.m.

12-11-09

Valdese, NC

She died 13 years ago today!

Comments

Making the Standards Explicit: North Carolina Standard Course of Study English II Guided Notes, Graphic Organizers

When students are able to clearly articulate what they are learning and what they are expected to do, they will be more successful. I have been teaching for 22 years, and I have found that it is helpful to begin each new unit of learning by emphasizing a focus standard. We know that the ELA standards are artfully intertwined, but picking a standard or two to really emphasize helps me to be intentional about instruction and for students to know the purpose of their learning. I am currently teaching English II in North Carolina, and I am helping students prepare for the North Carolina Final Exam. I have been developing slideshows, guided notes, and graphic organizers to help students understand the academic vocabulary of the tested standards as well as to help them analyze informational and literary texts in the 9-10 grade band. These resources are available individually or bundled on Teachers Pay Teachers . Add a free copy of RL.9.10.1 Lit...

Unlocking Creative Brilliance with Digital Magnetic Poetry: Teach Syntax, Diction, and Tone

Originally published 1/14/2009. Updated 11/4/2023 The possibilities are infinite--ish when you use online magnets to get creative. No refrigerator necessary. Free online kits here . Poetry, with its mesmerizing ability to encapsulate emotions, stories, and ideas within the boundaries of words, is a true art form. But there's a particular type of poetry that holds a special place in my heart—the kind that challenges our traditional understanding of language and syntax. I'm talking about magnetic poetry, the quirky, wordplay-filled realm where creativity knows no bounds. I love this type of poetry! It really makes me think in a different syntax, playing with a strange juxtaposition of words. Often, I use this format when I am bored or if I have NO IDEA what I want to write about! The beauty of magnetic poetry lies in its simplicity and boundless potential for creativity. It's an art form where words become movable puzzle pieces, waiting to be rearranged into poetic masterpi...

Movement in the English Language Arts Classroom: Engaging Learners through Pedagogical Magic

I don't know how it is for you guys, but it's hard out here being a teacher. We find ourselves in an era where our students are in constant competition with video games, cellphones, and the allure of instant gratification. The traditional lecture-and-test model doesn't always cut it anymore. So, what's the solution? The answer, I believe, lies in a bit of pedagogical magic—tricking students into learning by making education engaging, interactive, and downright fun. To embark on this transformative journey, it's essential to recognize that we teach students, not just a subject. With this mindset, we can explore innovative strategies that create a dynamic and adaptable learning environment. One of the key elements is movement in the classroom. Allowing students to move around, change locations, and interact physically with the learning space can breathe new life into our lessons. Imagine playing movement games in English Language Arts to promote engagement and inter...

Out of Her Mind -- Musings on Education and Life

Search This Blog