Mr. A's Extravaganza: The Blog

Summer Can Finally Start

2009-06-24T16:17:00.003-04:00

I am finally ready for summer to start. I had to get my comprehensive exam done before I really could settle down. Tomorrow I defend it.

Time to relax by the pool.

Also, on the 18th of June I got engaged!

Seniors go bye, bye.

2009-06-03T07:26:00.004-04:00

Today is the last day for seniors. It's not truly a real school day for them because of our senior assembly, but it is the last day they will be in the building. I know some teachers say every year that the graduating seniors were a great group of kids. I'm definitely not a teacher who commends those who are unworthy of praise. My students know this all too well. However, this year's senior class was the most personable, energetic (in a good way), and pleasant class I have ever encountered. Granted, I only dealt with two classes of senior English a day, but I genuinely liked this group of students as people.

Although some were a bit happy-go-lucky at times, and some were a bit too quiet, the great thing about them was the fact that they never got mean-spirited. They were never too angsty. They were never too nasty with a sense of entitlement just because they were in their fourth year of high school. This was a blessing for our school that should not go overlooked. Classes in the past make teachers dismiss them with little more than a goodbye because of raucous behavior and bravado unbecoming of any group. Not the class of 2009 at Northview High School. I hope this class of good natured students do great things.

Good luck class of 2009. You make those of us eternally attached to education and schooling very proud. Stay positive! In this day and age, the world needs it.

Kayak Adventure II: The Muddy Maumee

2009-05-18T21:09:00.005-04:00

Saturday, May 19, 2009

It was rainy in the morning, but my buddy Andrew and I had every intention of trying the kayaks on the muddy Maumee River. It was a surprisingly perfect trip. We dropped in at Side Cut Metro Park in Maumee. This was a good choice. We were going to take off in Waterville, Ohio but that might have been too much for our first trip on this river. Now that I'm a bit more experienced I am going to add time onto the next trip on this river.

From Side Cut we made our way northeast toward Lake Erie. We paddled under two bridges, and explored an island by cutting through one of channels that split it. Actually having the choice of multiple channels to paddle through was an unexpected and fun part of the trip. We were able to get up close and personal to many turtles, and surprisingly close to the many Blue Herrings that call the islands home. We chased a couple of geese too. Another unexpected little piece of nature were the many birds that dug nests in the side of a sand wall on the eroding side of an island.

We ended at the Toledo Country Club. Andrew is a member so we were able to leave the kayaks in safety to get my car at the beginning of our trip. By this time the weather was bright and sunny, and comfortably cool. We took our time, so all in all the trip took about two and a half hours.

We both agreed that we have lived in the Toledo area far too long to not have experienced this river as closely as on this day. This is why I bought the kayaks, and this is why I know I made a good purchase.

I even gained a couple of souvenier blisters on my hands from the trip. They were proudly earned.

It's here.

2009-05-14T11:35:00.009-04:00

It's finally here. We have an outbreak. The symptoms are all here! The infestation is among us! My own students are infected! Some of my best students have fallen...to the dreaded senioritis. Oh, the horror, the horror...the horror.

Let me describe the problem so you know how to avoid them and their sordid mindsets.

Some of the seniors I spend time with every day are expecting top-notch grades for simply putting forth minimal effort-showing up. These creatures slowly roam the halls, slack-jawed and drooling, with a slow, limping step. They look dishevelled with the wounds of four years of homework festering on their once strong shoulders. The multiple impalements of teacher expectation have slowed them to witless wanderers. They walk the world in a state of perpetual mindless animation searching to feed on..."the easy way out". They are a shell of what they once were. They are the senior-zombies.

Others...are runners. They run from class to class at tireless speed, but with the same lack of thought. Their procrastination forces them to bounce from one project to another with no regard for personal safety. They are numb to learning for the sake of learning. These are the night-dwellers. They stay up to all hours of the night getting angrier and angrier working on projects forced upon them by their teachers. They have the rage. This rage makes them red-eyed (because of their lack of rest) and thirsty for the real world, yet angsty towards doing the work to prepare for it. They will attack at the opportune moment when a teacher least expects it. They foam at the mouth, spewing blameful rhetoric as to why they should not be given work, or, at least, more time to do the painstaking work. These types are a bit more unpredictable and violent because they are blinded by the power of procrastination. They are so haphazard and sporatic in their preparation one doesn't know from whence they will attack. They have no logic-only a need for their version of supposed freedom.

I will not give up the fight. My weapons to defeat these young, senior-zombies are simple, but powerful. If I'm cornered by a single creature, I might unleash a barrage of sarcasm. Once they figure out what I'm saying they are tamed a bit. If I'm in real danger, I might find myself surrounded by a zombie-senior horde. This is when I have to release a serious...reminder. I throw into the middle of the group a calculated blend of persuasion mixed with a bit of fear of events to come. This disorients them to the point that their numbers disperse, dissipating their overall power. This also usually tames the beasts for the time-being as well.

Fending off senioritis is a battle that must remain constant. Overall, we succeed in defeating senioritis, but the struggle is getting tougher.

Mr. Joyce Goes Bye Bye

2009-05-07T11:35:00.002-04:00

Today is Mr. Joyce's last day. He did it. He was successful. Most importantly, I truly believe he will be missed by the students he taught. He will even be missed by some students he didn't teach. Though many students might not admit it, he made a difference. I know because I saw his rapport with the students on a daily basis.

One thing I know he will do (because he said it to one of the classes today) is laugh every day he teaches. This is something I feel is very important...even when students don't get my jokes. Mr. Joyce and I laughed all the time during his student teaching here at Northview. I truly believe that taking work seriously is important; however, it's more important to find the humor in daily events because that is what gets one through the work. Humor makes life less tedious.

Anywho, I know Mr. Joyce will be successful wherever he may land, and I wish him all the luck.

Kayak Journey 1: The Beginning

2009-05-05T09:01:00.005-04:00

May 3, 2009

Our first kayak journey of the summer was a trip to Devils Lake in southern Michigan. The lake is beautiful this time of year because it is quiet. That's what I was banking on. I knew it would be calm this time of year; however, the occasional jet ski gang still tooled by us at times. I'll admit I was surprised by that this early in the year because the water was pretty cold. The lake is big so it was easy to stay out of their way.

I would not recommend this lake during the summer season for a quiet kayak-paddling afternoon. There are many weekend warriors, and summer-time visitors who frequent this lake. The lines of cabins and homes on the water's edge are of all shapes and sizes. With this stated, it was a pleasure to wave to all the homeowners setting in their docks and doing a bit of leisurely spring cleaning.

We were lucky to start out with a sunny 70 degrees that turned into an overcast toward the end of our shoreline paddle. Some of the homes on the lakes were beautiful, but I still prefer something a bit more quiet.

The next journey? I believe it will be the muddy Maumee River.

Edu-Twitter

2009-04-27T13:52:00.004-04:00

I like what the academHacK has to say about Twitter and education. If anyone is wondering why in the world an educator should start a Twitter account, this guy has all the answers. He mentions that most teachers will go through the "I just don't get it" stage...I did. He makes the case for Twitter, though. I may even start following him on Twitter!

Twitter-pated

2009-04-21T19:46:00.005-04:00

Yes the title of this blog is cliche, I know. I must say that I have sold Twitter to my students. Some students were a bit apprehensive because they know that getting messages from me regularly will make them even more accountable. Other students invited the idea of getting regular updates from their teacher. It's so easy to do from my end of things too!

As parents will be able to access student grades via the Internet next year, I figure it would work to the students' benefit to receive updates and assignments on the one thing they don't leave home without-a cell phone.

When I get more students signed up in about a week, I think I might offer some extra credit via the Twitter service to see who is paying attention. Of course I will offer some other credit for those who don't have a means to acquire Twitter. However, I doubt that will be many students.

Twitter

2009-04-20T18:04:00.003-04:00

Yes, I'm Twittering now! I was of course a naysayer, but now I want to experiment with this networking site. The ultimate goal is getting my students and parents more connected with the class. It's all about accountability. Will it work?

Web Washed Away

2009-04-17T09:16:00.003-04:00

It has been a while since my last post. The district's Internet filter is fickle with Blogger.com and sometimes does not allow me to post during the school day. Students ask if I have a code to get through our filter, and I answer with a "no". Today is a beautiful sunny day, and our filter is allowing me to blog. Maybe it's the weather.

Why do we need an Internet filter in a school district? The answers to that question are obvious. Administratively, it is a safety issue for students. However, is too much information filtered? I would say, yes. I hope teachers are given the capability to get through the filter eventually. We shall see.

Kindle

2009-02-17T09:40:00.004-05:00

The Kindle is an e-reader that has my interest. I'm intrigued by this little device, but I'm cautious at the same time. I think the technology is still behind as I read and agree with http://ireaderreview.com/ .

This type of device has such potential for education. Can you imagine carrying around the Kindle 2.0 instead of multiple textbooks? I would love to carry around multiple texts at the same time. I'm just a bit apprehensive about the price and the fact that this device, like the iPod, will continue to evolve. A color, touch screen is not too much to ask now-a-days.

Student Teacher Woes

2009-02-12T11:52:00.003-05:00

This blog isn't about having a bad experience with my current student teacher, Mr. Joyce. It is about how I don't envy being a student teacher as I remember what it was like.

Mr. Joyce, with his Boston accent, has adapted well to all Northview has thrown at him. The English 10, sophomore students seem to be responding to him well. What I don't envy is how he has to deal with our very quick schedule of 41 minute classes. Pacing is an issue every teacher has to deal with here, so I feel his pain when it comes to getting this done correctly. On a daily basis we tie on our rollerskates and glide through the day very quickly. I am constantly made aware that our students often struggle with this schedule also.

Remembering back to my student teaching I remember feeling the overwhelming reality that I am just being thrown to the wolves. I felt that with every lesson plan I was writing my performance for the day/week.

I also realized the following things that have made the burdens much easier to carry:

1. Not every day can be a super-lesson that the university mentors and teachers make them out to be.

2. Plan, plan, plan, your lessons your first year and continue to tweek as the years go on. For the first three years of your teaching you will be living teaching. If you aren't having constant dreams about your next day's lessons and horribly wrong they may go, you aren't doing it right.

3. Don't just teach, perform. Be animated...be overwhelmingly animated, and have fun. Don't be afraid to be goofy. Create a personae for yourself, BUT at the same time be yourself. I am still developing mine after nine years. Students really think/believe I'm a sweatervested, over-enunciating, maniacal workaholic who is impossible to read emotionally. I'm not...I only wear sweatervests at work! I love to keep them guessing.

4. Let the students get to know you...but not too much.

5. Keep in touch with parents. It saves a lot of headaches.

6. Get to know the secretary of the school. He or she is really running the place.

7. Save time for yourself. Allow yourself SOME time to breath.

There are many more...Feel free to comment.

Student Bloggers

2009-02-05T08:57:00.002-05:00

So, I'm reading some of what my new student bloggers have written, and I'm impressed. Check them out when you can. One blog of note is The Alternative. I really like the style of the blog. She also mentioned Zombies in one of her blogs, so I was automatically intrigued. You see, I get into kicks where I want to watch Zombie movies every once in a while. Anyway, many of my students this semester have been blogging/writing without even being prompted. The great thing is that they have something to say. I also noticed that ex-students of mine are still maintaining their blogs. The more they write the better writers they become...go figure?

By the way, if you don't have a Zombie escape plan, you really should form one.

Second Semester

2009-02-02T12:27:00.002-05:00

It is now officially the second semester. Life is a whirlwind as a teacher. I have a new crop of creative writers for this semester (all female oddly enough) and I'm going to make sure to correct some of the mistakes I made during my first time creative writing. Dealing with pacing issues for the semester and creating meaningful classroom activities will be the key in making this a successful second semester. I also want to make their blogging experience more meaningful. I think this aspect of the semester will be easier said than done.

Why Blog?

2009-01-06T09:03:00.004-05:00

Here is an interesting site on why people blog: Why Blog? I have many thoughts and theories as to why we blog. In fact, I wrote my masters thesis on writing motivation and blogging. Personally, I was turned on to blogging because of a professor I had during my masters degree. He made us blog.

Most of my thoughts on blogging revolve around academic blogging. I believe blogging gives my high school students a real-world audience. As a teacher of English/Language Arts I could not ask for anything better. I try to give students the idea that the Internet can be more than Myspace, Facebook, and the only resource they use when writing a research paper.

All students have something to say. Giving them the experience and responsibility of their own blog can help give students a bigger voice and a much wider audience. That's the easy answer. Check out the link above and make your own decision.

The Holidays Are Over

2009-01-06T08:22:00.003-05:00

In a way, I'm a bit relieved the holidays are over. It's actually good to be back on a regular schedule (though, my sleep schedule is not included quite yet). Now I can get on with my normal New Year's resolution, that is-getting to the gym regularly. I'm proud to say that I made it yesterday. However, the second and third and fourth days are the hardest. I figured since I'm back on the school schedule I might as well start everything with gusto.

I have to get into shape for all of the outdoor activities I have planned for this spring and summer. I ended up getting my kayaks for Christmas, so being on the water is in my future. I imagine paddling down rivers or around lakes enjoying and exploring the sites and sounds of nature that surround.

I hope to write many more mobile blogs because this new hobby. I'm having fun planning what gear to buy for the kayaks.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

2008-12-18T09:01:00.006-05:00

By writing this blog I just might be ruining our chances of a snow day tomorrow. The predictions are out. I, as many teachers do, enjoy a snow day or two-especially when they occur right before the winter break. I will be so bold to say that teachers look forward to snow days even more than students! There, I wrote it.

I know of one teacher, actually a close friend of mine, who does not appreciate the occasional snow day. One less day to mold the minds of youth I guess. Isn't education all about quality and not quantity? He is a very serious person.

Where An Adult Can Act Like A Kid

2008-12-15T13:19:00.003-05:00

Sometimes, Fists Fly at Chuck E. Cheese's

Many times I find myself fighting a battle with students regarding the use or show of violence to solve problems. I often propose humanity and morality themes within the texts I teach. Why shouldn't I? High school literature lends itself to this type of dialogue. Often, students find nothing wrong with swinging a fist rather than rationalizing the consequence. Scary, right?

Then, articles like this appear. The irony is obvious I hope. I can only hope my students see the absurdity.

How I Spent My Saturday

2008-12-06T10:19:00.000-05:00

Did you ever wonder what an Ohio Education Association meeting looked like? Probably not. This picture shows my thrilling Saturday of rhetoric and politics.

I am learning a lot; however, I am not sure I understand everything that is going on. I have made some rookie mistakes according to my buddy, teacher Mr. Dan Greenberg, but he is showing me the ropes (interpret that any way you must if you know Mr. Greenberg). I will be better prepared next year.

The guy who is talking right now has a mustache (see my previous blog).

This is my first mobile blog.

I think I'm going to 'YAK

2008-12-05T11:03:00.002-05:00

I went kayaking last summer, and I think it has become my new obsession. For those people who know me, I tend to get involve in things as hobbies until I either get bored with them, master them or make money off of them. In my lifetime I have taken up playing the guitar, golf, indoor soccer, magic (as in pulling a rabbit out a hat), fishing, camping, collecting movie costume replicas, blogging (which has stuck), and probably others I'm forgetting at the moment.

I also like the excuse to buy gear. I have a problem. The problem is that once I have identified the hobby/obsession I have to keep upgrading and adding to the collection with accessories.

This summer's main attraction for me will be kayaking...I guarantee it. I have been researching kayaks to buy, and visiting numerous kayaking websites to actually learn more about why I might even want to take it up.

Sitting at lunch yesterday, I was surprised to find out I was the only person in the room to have paddle only once in a kayak. How did I go 32 years without 'yaking? That's how some people in the sport refer to it-'yaking. I saw the term on a few websites anyway.

The nature aspect intrigues me. A kayak allows one to see nature along rivers and lakes up close. Nature that may not normally be seen. At this point I do not think the extreme, white-water kayaking is what I want. I am looking for day trips and camping excursions for now.

Top Fives

2008-12-04T11:23:00.000-05:00

What are your top fives? Today I had an interesting conversation with some students who make top five lists for everything. They had a wide variety of lists. Everything from top five movie trilogies (Star Wars doesn't count anymore), to top five sit-coms, to top five SUV's, etc. I don't think top five lists have to be in any particular order.

Some of my top fives are:

Top five movies:

1. Raiders of the Lost Ark
2. Fight Club
3. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
4. Star Wars
5. Apocalypse Now
(Dead Poets Society comes in a very close 6th)

Of course movies could be broken up into genres.

Top five musical groups:

1. U2
2. Chevelle
3. Pink Floyd
4. AC/DC
5. Outkast

Music could be broken into genres, too.

Remember, these are in no particular order. These are also open to change.

Listing away your life is probably not the best idea, but it passes the time.

What are some of your top fives? Movies? Rappers? Rockers? Plays? Books? Cars?

If Anyone Can Do It, Brad Pitt Can!

2008-12-03T11:39:00.000-05:00

I found these headlines in the news today humorous:

Brad Pitt details holiday hair surprise

Brad Pitt: "My Goal" Is to Bring the Moustache Back in Style

I say, the 'stache may be a bit antiquated, and that is okay. Remember, I fancy myself a sweater vest connoisseur after all. Bring the mustache back. It hearkens back to a more sophisticated day. I think with Brad Pitt's help, it can be done.

How long will it take the trend to take hold around here? Probably not soon enough. I'm giving a few points of extra credit to anyone in my class who can grow and pull off the Kenneth Branagh mustache from Hamlet, since we happen to be reading the tragedy at this point in the year. It's not really taking off for some reason. Trends around these 'stacheless parts usually hit a year or two after they are created or discovered (see skinny ties, and clothes that actually fit), so we shall see.

Also, check out: The Year Of The Mustache (PHOTOS)

Grades! Grades! Grades!

2008-12-02T09:39:00.000-05:00

It's that time of the quarter. Midterms have come out. Some students are in a panic. I have already answered many questions as to why students' grades are lower than they expected. Why is it always a surprise? Most questions on this can be answered if the student truly thinks back to their own preparation, attention, and effort. For those students who are struggling, keep working as hard as you can. You will be rewarded by your efforts.

I am here to help students get the best grades possible. However, learning something along the way is paramount. The grade is a number. What have you learned since the beginning of the school year? Can you make a list? Can you see how each item on that list applies to life? Try to transfer it to your current life, or your future. For those who may not be in school...what have YOU learned in the last five months? Here is another question: Veteran teachers-What have you learned in the last five months?

Students, I'm still in school. I know how and why grades are important. Don't panic...yet.

Mobile Blogging

2008-12-02T08:59:00.000-05:00

I just became a mobile blogger. We shall see where this blog goes. Pun intended?

What Thanksgiving Dish Are YOU?

2008-12-01T12:01:00.000-05:00

I look at this blog SIDEWALK SHOES and wonder: If I were a Thanksgiving dish, what would I be? What would I see? How would I feel?

How about that for a creative writing blog!?

Feel free to comment on what Thanksgiving dish you would be.

Me? I would be the greenbean casserole of course...a timeless classic.

Black Friday Is Crazy!

2008-12-01T11:30:00.000-05:00

Black Friday Shooting

Man Trampled on Black Friday

Take a look at the above stories on some of the horrible happenings of Black Friday. A perfect example of "stuff" being the most important thing. What are the holidays about again? I agree with Clytie Bunyan that, "too many people lose their humanity on Black Friday."

Baaaaaaa! Run sheep, run! You are not your flat screen TV!

The herd mentality of the bargain hunters. Unpleasant to say the least.

Blogging Takes Off.

2008-11-25T11:56:00.001-05:00

Interestingly, I find my creative writing students blogging on their own. I don't have to assign anything. I have seen blogs about music, about sports, about the new movie Twilight, and even about the simple yet elegant drink-the Arnold Palmer.

I am still dealing with some of the same problems/issues that could be avoided by simply taking the time to proofread. Although it might just be a novelty at the moment, at least they are writing. At some point or another, if they keep on blogging, someone from outside our classroom will comment on their writing. I hope they see the significance of it all.

Here is a blog from an ex-student of mine: http://www.fearlesssifting.com/

Sweater Vest are the Best..A Friday Rant

2008-11-07T07:18:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I wear sweater vests. As a teacher, I have made it part of my uniform. SOME of my students are understanding and accepting...others not so much.

The sweater vest is an article of clothing that keeps the core of the person warm, while offering mobility of the arms. It has transcended the ages. What more can one ask? It “goes” with anything. It can be worn with a tie. It can be worn with jeans. It can be emblazoned with a team logo. It makes a statement of confidence.

Respect the sweater vest. Why? Simply stated, it is the perfect combination of sweater…and vest.

I, who represent sweater vest connoisseurs, would like to acknowledge the many famous and well-respected men who have proudly worn the sweater vest, including Coach Jim Tressel. We who are in the know will continue to sport this utilitarian, yet stylish, piece of clothing.

In fact, many well known manufacturers of men’s fine clothing continue to create modern versions of the sweater vest including: Ralph Lauren, Express for Men, L.L. Bean, Banana Republic, Guess, and J. Crew. As stated above, many famous and well respected men of real-life and fiction have worn the sweater vest making it a cultural icon. These confident gentlemen include: Mr. Brad Pitt, Mr. Tiger Woods, Mr. Sean Connery, Mr. Kanye West, and Mr. Harry Potter (to whom a club here at Northview dedicates itself, nay, worships). Accordingly, one must not forget the many distinguished gentlemen teachers who walk the hallowed halls of my high school, including the principal, and many other schools across the country. These wearers of the vest of sweater are the role models for future generations. There are those students who respect this sacred clothing, yet do not don this metaphorical armor because they fear the ridicule by those who are ignorant of the power—and yes, these students, the believers, ARE out there. Have no more fear!

So, for the well-being of the community, and even the world, I say we gather together to celebrate THE sweater vest. I propose that Thursdays should be Sweater Vest Thursdays. A day SHOULD be dedicated to the sweater vest. I propose that students, parents, teachers, administrators, and everyone who understands band together to join the ranks of the confident, the free (free-armed at least). Join those who choose to remain stylish based on the past, continue to be stylish in the present, and will remain stylish in the future.

For all who read this: please—respect the sweater vest.

2008-11-06T09:47:00.000-05:00

Looking for writing prompts? Check out the blog: The One Minute Writer.

Great concept, and so true. Why not take one minute to write every day?

Simple Battles

2008-11-05T14:07:00.000-05:00

As a teacher, I often wonder why, after the many years of training I know my students have, I fight the same battles regarding their writing. These battles specifically are the capitalization of "I", the difference between "its" and "it's", and the "there", "their", and "they're" debacle. I know these students have been given the training on these simple examples, so who can tell me why? I wrote my Master thesis on motivationg students to write through blogging, I have set rules, so what gives?

Should I just blame texting? Or, Myspace? I think not. I'm trying to give my students an understanding that writing should be a representation of their best abilities. I think many of my students understand that they should jump through the hoops for their teachers, but beyond the classroom walls is often a different story. It must not be cool to write carefully.

I should say that many students do put forth their best efforts regularly. The smaller percentage I'm writing about know better, but just don't put in the time.

Here is an excerpt from Permission to Forget by Lee Jenkins.

I work on.

What is this all about?

2008-10-30T11:47:00.000-04:00

Although blogging has been around now for a while. I was surprised to find out that many of my students are new to online journalling and blogging. Why? Probably because a great extent of their time is taken up by Myspace and Facebook. They have never thought to use these social networking sites for anything but commenting on pictures placed up by other users/peers.

So, here is the idea. I'm a teacher of English/Language arts and I'm starting an academic blog. I want my students to write every day. I want them to realize the worldwide audience. I want them to understand that their writing is a powerful thing. Most importantly, I want my students to understand that writing for a real world audience means their writing should be a perfect expression of who they are-a perfectly written reflection of who they are.

Take a look at the student links provided. They will take the reader into the poetry, musings, and day-to-day thoughts of some really great students.