We are studying literature, supposedly world literature, but that is a misnomer. The text they gave me to work with does have a pretty fair distribution of short stories, poems, and dramatic pieces from around the world but the USA is represented too.

Early on they told me that college would give them content. We are supposed to work on giving them the skills they will need in college or whatever path they choose. I'm not entirely happy with that. I am trying to introduce them to as many authors as I can.

It would be great if we could come up with both funny and a literary association. Remember, they are kids. They don't like reading (for whatever reason) and they don't know how to use their brains.

I introduced this school year by pointing out to them that for nine years they've had data shoveled into them. In my classes I want them to participate in the learning process. To that end I explained to them about the standards to which I am supposed to teach. Before almost every new lesson I make a point of telling them which standard or standards we are working on. I think they appreciate it. Now someone is telling them WHY they have to study ABC and what they are supposed to get out of it.

One of the future plans is to work with them on La Belle Dame Sans Merci and The Highwayman and use Lorenna McKennit's recordings to let them hear an alternate way to present the material.