Blogging is Beneficial!

I feel that using blogs in a K-12 environment would be extremely beneficial. It would allow students to express themselves and at the same time would help them expand their computer knowledge. I believe i would have my students use the blog as a forum where they can feel completely free to speak their minds. I could assign them questions each week and have them respond openly and honestly! I know some students would be hesitant because i was the same exact way, but if the topics are interesting enough i feel that even the kids who are not motivated to write would still find a middle ground.

I believe that by starting the students off early on in the classroom it would bring more success to the college level. My first experience with blogging was 2 semesters ago in a Pop Culture class and i was one of the few students who never blogged before. By utilizing blogging on the K-12 level it would enhance the classroom experience. I feel that this would enable students to get a feel for other types of mediums out there besides paper and pens.

The Truth about Fiction!

I have to say that writing about fiction is much different than writing fiction. What i really loved about creating my own fiction story was that I was in complete control. It was great because i was able to write about different situations that i would probably never experience or isn't who I am. In creating a story you are able to take on a persona of someone that is completely opposite of yourself. I felt that was really a significant difference between the two. What i found to be similar between the two was the thinking process. In both writing fiction and writing about fiction, you have to dig deep within yourself to either create work or experience the work. As a college student it is difficult to splurge and travel as much as i would like to. When writing my fiction story i was able to have my character travel and experience life on her own and i feel that is something of a hidden desire within myself. The fact that at this point in my life i am at the moment unable to just pack up my things and start a new life, gave me confidence that the character would be able to embark on her own journey and get the chance to live carelessly.

What I learned from this experience is that writing fiction can be multifaceted. It does not have to be so cut and dry, and that you can have a layout or blueprint to help you get started on the writing and thinking process. When i thought about how i would approach this in the classroom, i found it would be best to have the students write about what is most comfortable for them. For example, the fiction they write can have an aspect of their life that is true, yet they will be able to add on as much detail to make the story come to life. I like the idea of having my students read their stories aloud, if they are comfortable, and my main purpose with this type of exercise would be to make them feel confident about their writing.

Myth vs. Myth!

When I reflect on how creating my myth differs from the study of a myth, I find it much easier to study a myth. When I was actually creating my myth, it was challenging for me to come up with an original topic that wasn’t already used before. When I study a myth, I am able to take in all the multiple aspects of the myth and see it for what it is. When I create a myth, I worry too much to try and not copy someone else’s myth and that takes away from the experience. What I also saw differing between these two concepts is that the studying of the myth doesn’t really involve too much of your imagination. When you actually create a myth your imagination has to soar to another level and this actually allows you to think of out of this world ideas.

What I actually learned from this experience is that creating the myth is actually really fun if you allow yourself to think freely. I can see myself using this concept in the future as a teacher by asking my students to come up with a myth and draw the best interpretation of their myth. I think the website is a bit more challenging but if I have the students draw or make a collage and this would actually turn into a fun project for them which is something that is really great.

Poetry!

Poetry can be very tricky sometimes. I feel that writing about poetry is much easier than actually writing poetry. I love to communicate one on one with a person and i feel like poetry does not give me that opportunity compared to actually speaking to a person. When you write about poetry you are conveying what you think the poem is trying to say and you really get a chance to see where the author is coming from. I feel I am a bit private with my feelings and i think that poetry has the ability to strip you bare of your emotions and that vulnerable feeling allows you to truly feel one with yourself. I think that is why i don't feel comfortable writing poetry because i feel more comfortable listening to other people than having someone listen to me. That might sound weird but i enjoy listening to people and their problems because it is a great feeling when I can help a person feel better about themselves and the world around them. Writing about poetry is definitely within my comfort zone and although i don't write about poetry often, when i do i truly enjoy it.

I think some similarities between the two have to be the emotions that you have when you are faced with poetry. What is different is the actual emotion you feel for writing your own poetry and about poetry. What that means is that poetry can vary from person to person and the feelings poetry gives every individual is unique and special in itself.

As a future teacher, I find myself praying for the knowledge to help me to touch the lives of as many students as I can. I feel that each student is very special and i believe that a poetry slam like the one we experienced in class will help the students to get anything off their chest that might be bugging them. For some students i know poetry will be a stress reliever, and for others it can be a stress inducer. I think i can hopefully accommodate both types of students so that they will feel like they achieved something. I absolutely love children and i feel that although writing poetry is not my preference, if it will get students to open up then i will definitely utilize it in the classroom.

All About Me!

My name is Tiffany Gomez and I am a friendly girl who loves her blackberry!!..I have 3 brothers that i admire and who have encouraged me to succeed. I am happy to be graduating this May and it has been a very long path to get to where I am at. English is a strong passion of mine but I have to confess that it is not my first love!..My dream is to be a dental hygienist but hopefully I can achieve that goal too! In any career path it is natural to have concerns or hopes for the future. Unlike any other career, teaching is a profession that is not only rewarding on the job but off the job as well. I sometimes find myself talking to my loved ones and wondering if teaching may have its flaws? Now don't get me wrong there are flaws in any job, but the thought of having the lives of 40+ students in your hands can be a bit daunting. I have not only those concerns but many others such as if i will be too strict or maybe not strict enough for the kids. Another fear I have pertains to the students who might be having more problems at home than at school. I like to say that God will help me through these challenges but it is always in the back of mind if my students will reach their fullest potential possible. If so, will i help them to reach their ultimate goals whatever that may be?

Aside from all the fears is the glimmer of hope that teaching will be the most amazing experience of my life and the possibility of transforming a students opinion about English is very exciting and overwhelming. It is easy to discuss all the positive factors about teaching but like with all things, one must consider both sides of the argument. I hope that this insight will provide you with an idea of some of my fears, concerns, and hopes for teaching.