And the Band Played On August 23, 2008
Posted by msbernier in Mama World, Summer Vacay, babbling.Tags: Herrel's, Northampton, summer, Teaching
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Last Week. Friday. Twilight. Perfect weather. Driving home from a sojourn to Herrell’s, a sojourn that happens far too often, a sojourn for what my grumpa calls medicine, but is more often called ice cream. So we’re heading home- And I have the windows cranked down because the weather is warm, and I find James Brown on the radio, and I crank that up. And I turn around and dance with my 18 month old who is exemplifying funk while he boogies in his car seat. Yah, people are staring while we are stopped at the light. This does not bother my almost grown-up self. It would have bothered my 17 year old self.
After James Brown, I flip the radio from channel to channel trying to orchestrate the perfect soundtrack for the rest of our ten minute drive home. First, it’s a story about Julio down by the school yard, but then Dylan is singing “I was so much older then, I’m younger than that now.” Bob gets it right every time. I listen to him croon while the sun roof is open to just let in the moon on me and my family — And I think of how I’m remiss to start school when there are nights like these to be had– But I’m so much younger now than I was in June, so it’s time to get in line for another go-around.
So, I’ll see you in just about a hundred hours.
Dog Days of Summer July 26, 2008
Posted by msbernier in Summer Vacay, Teaching, ap.Tags: ap, Skeet Shooting, St. Johnsbury Summer Institute, Teaching
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Driving through town the other week other day, I saw this sign that said “help prevent summer learning loss”. Which of course was code for, come spend your money here, at our tutoring service, and we’ll help to make you smarter. Now I have no qualms against this particular tutoring service, it’s just I think there is so much to be learned and acquired in these warm days.
I could rumminate on and on, but instead I’ll just post a video, of your teacher learning something new during summer break. A couple weeks back, at AP camp, I, well I, I learned to shoot a gun. Seriously.
No summer learning loss here.
ps the first thirty seconds will give you the gist.
Revenge of the Nerds July 9, 2008
Posted by msbernier in Teaching.2 comments
If you have ever wanted to be a better writer, a better reader, but most importantly, a better thinker, it’s time to sign up for AP English next year.
Okay- yes I am totally amped right now after just two days of AP camp. I have gathered so much information on teaching, and writing, and reading, and literature. And to be honest, it’s a little overwhelming, but I can’t tell you how excited I am to work through this year with you all.
And if you’re on the fence about it, let me be honest — Yes it’s going to kick your proverbial tuckus — yes, it’s going to be hard — yes, you’re going to be challenged — but I’m hoping in the end that we are all better for it. Better readers – better writers – but most importantly better thinkers.
So yah, come be brave with me.
Oh those lazy days of summer June 30, 2008
Posted by msbernier in Teaching.Tags: Ella Fitzgerald, Jazz, Louis Armstrong, Summer Reading, Summertime, Teaching
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I’ve updated the summer reading pages for 9th and 11th grade English.
I hope this information is helpful and you’re enjoying your summers.
-ms. b
Brand new day. June 11, 2008
Posted by msbernier in Teaching.Tags: summer
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Today is step-up day here at school.
I love step-up day, as it’s brings the possibility of a clean slate. New books to teach, new students to meet, new topics to be explored.
Good stuff all around.
