Out of Her Mind -- Musings on Education and Life

Igniting Learning with Creative Color-by-Number Adventures As educators, we occasionally overlook a simple truth: even our high school students are, at heart, children. And what child doesn't relish the joys of coloring, especially after a day or week filled with hard work and learning? It's a timeless source of delight, and when combined with educational value, it transforms into a potent tool for sparking excitement and promoting deeper understanding. For several years, I've been employing the magic of color-by-number and mystery picture review sheets in my high school English and reading classes, spanning a diverse range of levels—ranging from special education Occupational Course of Study English classes to honors English classes, Advanced Placement Language and Composition courses, and inclusion English classes. The astonishing part? These activities captivate even my most reluctant learners. As students dive into these coloring adventures, they embark on an engaging j

Who was O'Henry?   O. Henry, the pen name of American author William Sydney Porter, was known for his mastery of the short story. He excelled in writing clever and humorous tales often ending with an unexpected twist, making him a renowned figure in American literature. His works, like "The Gift of the Magi" and "The Ransom of Red Chief," continue to captivate readers with their wit, irony, and timeless charm.  Do a little digging of your own, and you will discover Porter's salacious history. Find free resources on "The Gift of the Magi" from  Faulkner English  on TPT.  "The Gift of the Magi"  Before/During/After Reading Activities  (free) Ready to plug and play in your Google classroom or LMS of choice Hexagonal Thinking " The Gift of the Magi " (free) Help students make connections with this fun activity. "The Gift of the Magi"  Knowledge Constructor  (free)  Research, aligned with digital learning skills "The

Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Syllabus 2015-1016 Instructor:   Ms. Faulkner Office Hours:   3:30- 4:00, during 1st lunch, or by appointment   Email: faulknerb@gcs.k12.nc.us   Voicemail: ***-***-**** Course website: Edmodo, Haiku ·        Teacher Information available at http://www.gcs.k12.nc.us//Domain/1748 ·        Remind101 will be used to notify students of important class information. Course Introduction Why study literature? Literature is the written history of the human experience; it is the connecting link between humans across time and from all walks of life. At times, we read for enjoyment; at other times we read for understanding; most often, however, we read for connection. Literature is more than just entertainment; literature can be philosophical, leading us to rich understandings about ourselves and the world around us. Literature can also teach us to look within ourselves and question the world around us. It is my goal that throug