Things the AP kids like-- me, too...and a creative day ahead!

I'm up, but not quite functional yet. I'm feeling more myself, but the coughing still happens. Not as much, but still-- this is not how I wanted to go into this week. That said, here we are. 

The kids liked The Manchurian Candidate! Let's see what they think of the next film, A River Runs Through It. I think I've hit on something useful to teach defensible thesis/ evidence by showing them these classic films. I'm not as convinced they can sustain their arguments well; the round of Huck Finn papers were ...not the best. They had decent theses, but then the papers wandered off into generalities with little support. We'll get there, but it may be a play at the plate. It seems so unfair that the AP exams are so early (May 6 and 13). This only highlights how important a sequence of preparatory classes can be; I've had some of these kids now three years in a row, and the ones who took things seriously the last couple of rounds are doing far better. Those who were not as locked in--well, it shows. We'll see how it goes. I hope at least a couple pass. 

I had my formal observation yesterday, too-- went fine, of course. My principal came into Creative Writing about halfway in, the kids discussed what we were reading, then commenced to working on the short fiction they had started. No worries. Still, it's always nice to read a good report. 

And today, my guest is Beth Kanell. I am really looking forward to her two workshops with the kids, and I hope I can try the same things they will be working on. I need a creative boost. Between being sick for weeks and the national/global anxiety, I can't seem to write anything. I'm in mental and emotional survival mode. 

We all are.

I hope you have a good day. Be kind, spread love everywhere, and be safe. 

C




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