Anecdotes & Afterthoughts presentations
In this book I integrate literature that I’ve used in my middle grades teaching (over eighteen years) with educational philosophy and real-world anecdotes. The literature serves as a lens through which to reflect our individual and collective understanding of teaching and learning.
The primary works of literature used to facilitate this journey are: The Red Badge of Courage (Stephen Crane, 1895), Les Misérables (Victor Hugo, 1862), and American Idiot (Greenday, 2004); Light in August (William Faulkner, 1932), Seinfeld scripts (1991-98), and Frankenstein (Mary Shelley, 1818); and The Odyssey (Greek and Roman mythology), Night (Elie Wiesel, 1960), and The Souls of Black Folk (W. E. B. DuBois, 1903).
Each group of three students will select one chapter/one book. Reading the novels, although a wonderful idea, is not required for a deep understanding of these chapters. The book aims to offer new pathways through which to better understand our intrinsic identities as educators. Each chapter concludes with “Recommendations for Reflection” that readers are encouraged to consider individually and/or collectively.
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Each group is responsible for 3 components (that can be divided up however group members decide).
Component One: A brief 3-4 slide PowerPoint that summarizes the main points of the chapter; and/or presents the major themes of the chapter. For instance, it can describe specific points presented & explored; explain specific examples of how the literature is used to illuminate teaching and learning and reflection. You as the educator and the curriculum designer are free to decide what you feel is most relevant to share to your peers.
Component Two: Create some kind of chart that lists 1) 3-4 quotations from the chapter that you feel most resonate with your teaching experiences and that you feel are “worth sharing.” 2) Explains (in your own words) your understanding of what the quote is saying and how it connects to your experiences.
Component Three: Surprise us! Maybe show a selected brief related video clip or maybe create some kind of original work (like a collage or a poem) that summarizes the chapter or highlights key themes, etc. These kinds of things can be followed by 1-2 related critical thinking questions.
