First Week

I have one class today and the first week is wrapped up. What an energizing week! Both 1102 classes were engaging, discussing and debating ideas about Kate Chopin's "Story of an Hour." When I asked students to write their initial responses to Monica Ware's "Mislaid Plans" and Linda Pastan's "Jump Cabling" they were mixed--some got it. Some didn't. Nearly all responded, though, and went beyond plot summary. Many even talked about ironies or imagery. This reaffirms my decision to move from focusing on analysis and terms and to focus on the experience of lit and student's experiences as it relates to their readings instead.

I'm very excited that several students in the land-based class have read The Kite Runner. They are excited to read it again. A possible movie trip is in the works.

So this week: I met with 2 different ENGL1102 classes twice, met with 1101 twice, and have been communicating via email and discussion boards with the online ENGL 1102 students, who are really diving in to the introductions and making connections.

Some of my blogs have hits from outside of class! Yay!

On the home front: Tonight there is a family skate at Horace Mann. We'll try to bring McKenna to get more practice with her new skates.

First Day!

The first day of class is over! I had two classes today: both are ENGL 1102s, but one is at the Higher Ed Center and one is on campus. Both classes seemed filled with eager students; I'm looking forward to reading their first journal entries to see what they thought of Monica Ware's "Mislaid Plans" and Linda Pastan's "Jump Cabling."

There were many very positive reactions to The Kite Runner as an alternative to Tess of the d'Urbervilles. I worry that the reading is too light, but the discussions may be more productive as a result.

My online students are already busy--some have taken the first two quizzes (one on the syllabus, one for practice) and posted their introduction. When they mail me their diagnostic essay, they will have pretty much completed Unit 1!

Tomorrow I get to meet my ENGL1101 class, but I have to wait until January 31st to meet the other ENGL 1101 class (blended/accelerated class).