More time….

            I felt that my presentation went well. I think it was hard because I wanted so badly to take more time and discuss people’s responses. I really could have gone on a lot longer and had to cut myself off. I just feel that getting into that discussion and really sharing ideas would have made my presentation better.  I also wanted to spend some more time looking at the tone change through the characterization of the sniper. I wanted to do that by pulling certain examples of direct and indirect characterization from each page and have students (the class) look at how he (the sniper) evolved or didn’t evolve. I probably would have allotted twenty or more minutes just for that discussion.

            I wish I could have played my CD because I think listening to Bono’s voice and the urgency and tone of “Bloody Sunday” would have helped the class get into the concept of war and what it can do to societies. At times I felt nervous and hoped that people would volunteer answers. I guess the only thing that made me nervous was the potential sound of silence when I asked people for their responses. In my classes this year I have such a wonderful group of kids who often fight with each other to be called on, but I’m glad some people stepped up and shared their answers. I tried my best to treat the class as I do my students. I often circulate and even read what my students are writing to maybe ask some follow-up questions or ask for clarification. I find that I discuss a lot in my English classes. We sit in a circle each period and really discuss difficulties and concepts. I feel that this year I was spoiled with such small classes, so teaching ours was a bit daunting. I’m so used to a laid back group communication that it sort of felt weird teaching to a group of people I didn’t know as well. 

            I really enjoyed my presentation overall. I wasn’t super nervous, but rather wondering if the class would actually discuss because I don’t know the class as well as I know my own students. I have been teaching for seven years so maybe that’s why I didn’t feel as nervous as others did. I also wish I brought the students letter samples with me. They were too cute and really felt empathy for the sniper, even though he killed a woman, a solider and another sniper. I think I just wished there was more time. I guess I feel that my presentation would have been better if I had more time.

4 thoughts on “More time….

  1. josesue

    Leana, I enjoyed your presentation even without the song. The writing exercise was hard because not only have I not been in that knid of situation, we as current, meaning non-combat military personnel-US citizens  are so far removed from this experience. I’d like to think I could never shoot or kill another human, it’s hard to know for a certain mindset could set in similar to mob mentality.  For me, the verbs were all I needed to see/hear the change in tone. Susan

  2. nafiseh

    Leana,
    The writing exercise was indeed challenging, but it was fun.  Most students enjoy this kind of challenge where they are free to use their imagination and write about the laws of nature.  Some students though may need a head start because they won’t be able to connect to the idea at first.  For example when I first looked at the idea, I thought of it more metaphorically and how it relates to everyday life, i.e. competing to keep your job, etc.    But overall great job!  I really enjoyed the lesson.

  3. Edith

    Leana, I too had a hard time with the writing prompt, but I think this is a good thing. The difficut writing prompts are the ones that require us to think. While some students might give a glib answer, I think most would respond in a thoughtful way, as evidenced by the students letters. I also think that younger students might be less anxious than we were about this assignment. We now have all those societal obligations to think about. Students haven’t always reached that restircted zone yet and might be even more honest.

    Great job.

    Edith

  4. laurelchinn

    Leana, I liked The Sniper.  I think it is a great story with lots to talk about that would appeal to high school kids and adults.  Great lesson.  lc

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