18 Things I did over spring break this year. I Travel to Quebec with your parents to explore family history. Eat nearly no Canadian cuisine. Pizza. Burgers. More pizza. Some poutine. Challenge yourself to speak French — especially at your last stop at a diner, where they don’t speak English. At least use “Bonjour,” “BonneContinueContinue reading “How to Spend Spring Break as a Teacher”
Tag Archives: teaching
Make Teaching Boring
Ironically, I discovered the idea of boring teaching in a place built to harvest our short attention spans: TikTok. Here’s another video in support of the method. The idea isn’t to make education dull, but to encourage self-engagement and critical thinking. The irony here is that a short-form content platform creator is encouraging the embracingContinueContinue reading “Make Teaching Boring”
When Faith is Lost
I’ve analyzed Anne Frank’s quote, “A person who’s happy will make others happy; a person who has courage and faith will never die in misery.” Now, I’d like to test this, specifically to see what happens when kids lose faith in themselves and when the system as a whole is lost. Student Growth There areContinueContinue reading “When Faith is Lost”
Courage and Faith
“A person who’s happy will make others happy; a person who has courage and faith will never die in misery.” Last week, I mentioned this quote from Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl that struck me. This week, I’d like to assess the second portion, which tells us that courage and faith are theContinueContinue reading “Courage and Faith”
Anne Frank Speaks Still
“A person who’s happy will make others happy; a person who has courage and faith will never die in misery.” Anne Frank Not many 14-year-olds could offer a quote of this caliber today, semi-colon notwithstanding. Yet, as my 8th-grade English classes read Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl, I can’t help but be amazedContinueContinue reading “Anne Frank Speaks Still”
Teaching is Improvised Theater
Act I: Opening Night The students enter, claiming seats at the U-shaped desks. They’ve brought in Tic-Tacs and gum just to spite the “no food” rule. Giggling and whispers fill the air before my performance begins. At the lectern, I study notes to make sure I don’t miss anything. Today, I’ve sworn off a slideshowContinueContinue reading “Teaching is Improvised Theater”
Revision Practice
The author reflects on their ambivalence towards revising written work, likening it to the structural assessment of a house. They explore personal memories tied to the phrase “two weeks,” stemming from a high school musical experience. The English classroom serves as a sanctuary from time, prompting deeper self-reflection.
How to Not Burn Out from Teaching for the Second Time
The author reflects on their transition from teaching, noting previous burnout due to lack of support and student engagement. Now, with improved circumstances, they prioritize self-care by setting boundaries, designating an office day, and remembering the core purpose of teaching. Balancing personal life and passion enhances their teaching sustainability.
Christmas Memories
Written 27 December 2024 Christmas comes and goes, it seems. I’m reminded of my grandparents’ house where the tree stayed up year round. Whether you start humming holiday tunes on November 1st or not until the 24th of December, the sought after holiday seems to last as long as it takes a nine year oldContinueContinue reading “Christmas Memories”
On Feeling Lost: A non-Buddhist’s Take on Buddhist Philosophy
“I feel so lost,” said the student. “In general or somewhere specifically?” I asked. “Both,” the student replied. We chuckled at that. “Well, that never changes really,” I say. On my way to supper, I realized that my wording cast a poor light on life. Indeed, I have yet to feel truly settled, at leastContinueContinue reading “On Feeling Lost: A non-Buddhist’s Take on Buddhist Philosophy”