Say "Yes" to Your Future

"You have got to want to succeed as badly as you want to breathe."

Inspirational Video

A New Twist on an Old Tale

movie trailer

Thank You, Veterans

Thank a Veteran

Ode on a Grecian Urn

At the conclusion of our study of Keats and his "Ode on a Grecian Urn," I asked my students to do what legendary Mr. John Keating of Dead Poets Society asked of his students: “We must constantly look at things in  different ways…Strive to find your own voice…Break out before you lose it.” I instructed my students to look at the poem's themes in different perspectives, to see what is "heard" and especially what is "unheard," and to know that "beauty is truth, truth beauty." This assignment came in the form of an activity that I call "The Poet's Eye." I will be sharing my product with my students tomorrow, and I cannot wait to see what they will produce in turn! 
#GOALdiggers #chaneyland #WeAre Frenship #Ilovemyjob 

Moby Dick, for a Whale of an Adventure!

Truly, can a literature teacher be more excited? First Macbeth, then In the Heart of the Sea, and, eventually, Frankenstein? Get me a fan! I'm feeling faint...

In The Heart of the Sea Movie Trailer

A Perfect Analogy

Epitaphs

My students and I are studying Thomas Gray's "An Elegy in a Country Churchyard." Upon first glance, it seems like a morbid poem, yet once you read the masterpiece and dig down to its roots, you will see that the poem gives the reader some great advice: Live the life that you want others to remember you by. In an effort to encourage my students, who think they are invincible, to think about the legacy they will want to leave behind when their times come, I had them write their own epitaphs. At first, they, understandably, thought that I had lost my mind! Once I explained to them that writing your epitaph is an excellent way to plan your future, they got on board. I have seen them create some amazing epitaphs--some were clever, others hilarious, several were tear-jerkers--which I will share in a blog soon. This exercise helps me remember what kind of life I need to live today so that I know I will be able to leave the legacy that I desire tomorrow.

"The Migrant Crisis"

Students, you can access the Upfront article from this blog. We will discuss the article in class. Please comment about the article after reading it, if you would like. I will give you extra credit if you do... #GOALdiggers #WeAreFrenship #chaneyland

article link

Funny Announcements

...because teachers really can be funny!

Jimmy Fallon and Gabrielle Union

"It Can Wait"

Please watch this video and learn from it.

Distracted Driving Can Kill

The Vikings: Myth vs. Fact - Anglophenia Ep 40

"The Last Kingdom" Premiere

I am ecstatic about this new BBS America series. The British literature teacher in me has been looking forward to The Last Kingdom for months and gets to share it with her students! The Anglophile in me can't wait to immerse herself into the early Anglo-Saxon culture where Vikings lurked in the shadows...

     The Last Kingdom premieres Saturday, October 10 at 10/9c. It is a contemporary story of redemption, vengeance and self-discovery set against the birth of England. This historical drama combines real historical figures and events with fiction, re-telling the history of King Alfred the Great and his desire to unite the many separate kingdoms into what would become England.

      Set in the 9th century AD, many of the separate kingdoms of what we now know as England have fallen to the invading Vikings, only the great Kingdom of Wessex stands defiant under its visionary King Alfred the Great. It is the last kingdom.

     Against this turbulent backdrop lives Uhtred. Born the son of a Saxon nobleman, he is orphaned by the Vikings and then kidnapped and raised as one of their own. Forced to choose between the country of his birth and the people of his upbringing, his loyalties are ever-tested. What is he — Saxon or Viking? On a quest to claim his birthright, Uhtred must tread a dangerous path between both sides if he is to play his part in the birth of a new nation and, ultimately, recapture his ancestral lands.

     The Last Kingdom is a show of heroic deeds and epic battles but with a thematic depth that embraces politics, religion, warfare, courage, love, loyalty and our universal search for identity. Combining real historical figures and events with fictional characters, it is the story of how a people combined their strength under one of the most iconic kings of history in order to reclaim their land for themselves and build a place they call home.

Official Trailer

"Cake"

All of the hard work pays off! #GoalDiggers #happyteacher 

The Change

 How will you serve the world? How can your talents help the world? Do something beautiful today. 

The Cracker Jack Metaphor

I love metaphors! I love how one can find metaphors daily because they are all around us. We use them without knowing it most of the time. I want to share this message with you (please note that it is an amazing message delivered by the senior pastor at my church--I am not trying to impose my faith on anyone; just enjoy the metaphor). About twenty minutes into the "Fundamentals of the Game" video from September 13, 2015, you will be treated to a sweet, nostalgic metaphor! Share your thoughts with me, if you'd like.

The Cracker Jack Metaphor 

This talk does not need any explanation from me. Teachers, enjoy!
Rita Pierson: Every Kid Needs a Champion

Your First "Nightly Commission" Assignment of 2015-2016

Students, please click the link below and read the article before our next class meeting. Read all four pages (14-17). There will be an assessment over the material. If you make a comment on the blog regarding this article, you will receive extra credit. #chaneyland #GOALdiggers #WeAreFrenship

Ten Things You Need to Know About China

The First Week of School

As I prepare to wind down the first week of school, I find myself reflecting on the teen-aged souls that have walked through my classroom door all week. Each and every one of them is amazing, unique, talented, beautiful, and, for lack of a better word, fun! I am thrilled about this school year. God is working in me in ways that I never knew were possible (1 Peter 3:1, "Your godly lives will speak to them better than any words."). I hope so! This sixteenth year of my career appears to be a golden one! Happy Fri-Yay--tomorrow!

The First Day of School, 2015

I am quite excited for this school year to begin--giddy, actually! It won't be much longer until I finally get to meet my seniors and my freshmen this morning. Let's see what God has in store for us over the next nine months.

My Scripture today is from 1 Peter 3:12, "The eyes of the Lord are over those who do right, and His ears are open to their prayers."

Father, my prayer for this school year is that I will be the salt and the light in my students' eyes. May everything that I say and do, while in the presence of these children, bring You glory and honor. I pray that I will not lose sight of this mission that you have commissioned me to, for your children are the greatest gift to the world, and I get the privilege of being part of their lives. When difficulty comes my way, please help me to remember that the children who need the most love will ask for it in the most unloving of ways. I ask for Your divine patience, wisdom, and love to help see a child as well as myself through those difficult moments.

Please bless Frenship High School and everyone who is part of it, Father. It is in Jesus's name that I pray, AMEN.

Let's do this!

#WeAreFrenship

The Hiatus Is Over!

I have decided to truly give blogging a try--in my classroom--with my students! Let's see how this goes. Stay tuned...