Though in different ways, this year was as tough as last year. Maybe that’s just what it is. I wrote seven installments of Test Prep, my contribution to The Terror Test, a horror podcast made by two fellow English teachers. I wasn’t able to write as many as I wanted to, but I’m proud of … Continue reading The Year in Writing 2017
I recently interviewed poet Ashley M. Jones. She was great to talk to, all at once kind, thoughtful, and generous with her time. I can’t wait for her new work. I have a few more planned, but the details are shaky for the moment. I have a lot of reading to do for them right now. … Continue reading Seasonal Updates and Otherwise
I started the year with the intention of writing in this space more. I even had outlined topics through February. Obviously that didn’t happen. But here’s some of what did: Baby still can’t walk, but—like her dear old dad—has taken to climbing on couches, chairs, and tables. She likes to awkwardly bounce and shriek like … Continue reading Do I dare disturb the universe?
For part of our summer reading assignments, we are responding to a few of Poe’s short stories. After reading “The Black Cat,” I’ve asked students to respond with a story or a response about their own fears. I wish I could say I had an interesting personal fear. I’m not talking about the fear of … Continue reading One Snake, Two Snake, Red Snake, Blue Snake
Woke up early. Before my regular work time. Went straight to a book. Went to breakfast when one of my favorite diners in town opened. The first customer. Vegetable omelet, biscuits, hash browns, bacon. The whole time reading a book on reading. For school and for me to improve my teaching. Making chicken stock for … Continue reading Thoughts While Dogwalking and Elsewhere
In an effort to unite some of my reading interests and writing subjects, I’ve gone back to the book lists. For most of my life, I have been reading through various “great books.” In elementary school, I found a ditto (before we had “copies”) that presented a list of books “to be read before college.” … Continue reading Great Books and Grecian Glory
While watching and discussing segments of the documentary Merchants of Cool (google it—you can watch it for free!) with sophomores, I found out that the media specialist behind the film, Douglas Rushkoff, has a new book out called Life, Inc. I’m also thinking about my own practices as a teacher and what teaching English means … Continue reading Thinking about Teaching Thinking
With their words, they gave me the world. They turned handles, lifted latches, opened doors, opened eyes and ears. I was possessed. I had to write, but what could I possibly offer that hadn’t already been chewed, digested, even spit out? I needed a place or a thing in the world that I could follow, … Continue reading Another Bradbury Assignment, But Which One?
How many times have I come across a line or statement and had the “A-ha!” moment? It’s beautiful and maddening. Beautiful because I realize that I am not alone and in fact share some inner working of human life with others. Maddening because I wish I could have said it so well. Here’s part of … Continue reading What you learned me I already knowed.
Stephen McClurg 