First to Teach, First to Learn: Reflections on my Lesson Plan

     Presenting my first lesson plan was nerve-wracking. I volunteered to go first to help alleviate my nerves. One area I recognize I need to improve is pacing; I need to learn to slow down and engage with the students instead of rushing through my lesson.

     One advantage of being the first presenter was the opportunity to observe my classmates and absorb their strategies. They did an amazing job and taught me effective approaches to writing prompts. For instance, they provided examples for each argument, regardless of whether the students chose to support or oppose the topic and included logical reasoning. They also discussed drawbacks and how to counter opposing arguments. Additionally, they suggested asking a question before starting the topic to make the discussion more casual and engaging. 

       These are valuable lessons I’ve learned from my peers, which prompted me to reflect not only on their teaching methods but also on my own and how I can incorporate their techniques into my next lesson plan. Another important takeaway is the power of collaboration. We are all inspiring teachers, supporting one another as we develop into the educators we aspire to be.

Sure and Loud: Understanding Family Through Poetic Perspectives

  Arlene Tribbia's poem "Sure" is a captivating short piece that I would share in a high school classroom because it beautifully explores the complexities of love and memory. The speaker is aware of his brother's troubled life but also cherishes the lovable childhood memories they shared. The poem highlights the juxtaposition of love and pain with a subtle tone, demonstrating that people should not be judged solely by their worst actions. Regardless of what his brother has done, the speaker emphasizes that they still love him.

Another poem I would use as inspiration for writing is "Loud Music" by Stephen Dobyns. This poem delves into the contrasting desires between the speaker and his stepdaughter, using music as a metaphor for identity and perception. The stepdaughter feels silenced by the music, which makes her feel voiceless. She seeks to find her identity in the space, yet the music seems to push her away. The speaker, however, suggests that music can erase the ego and serve as a form of escape, offering a sense of freedom.

Both poems reflect family dynamics through specific memories and emotions. Students can use these works to reflect on and write about their experiences with family members, showing two different perspectives on a topic. I would want my students to capture both the challenges and joys of that relationship.

Students can write a poem about a moment in their life that they felt their identity was either amplified or diminished, using sound or sensory details to convey their experiences. 

Where I'm From

 My goal in writing this piece and what I hope the readers take away from it is self-perseverance and self-reliance. The first stanza is my identity and prepping for the day, a mental note to myself that I have to be affirm to the external world, put myself out there. The second stanza is being healthy and getting the nutrition that I need to survive throughout the day. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day as I was told. Both stanzas discusses where I am, in the present moment. However, The last stanza is a social commentary of expectations and it is the closest to describe where I came from. Doing manual labor in order to provide for myself, as most teens do while also going to school. 

Life is about survival, whether if it is financially, mentally, and emotionally. It has been about staying afloat. This reflection helped comfort me that I made it this far when I couldn't have imagined it back then. It is about being grateful that it did not go another route. 

I hope the readers understand that if they are dealing with any hardships right now, it is okay. It is okay to take a deep breath and let go. Moments where you just want the day to be over, but you have to build that discipline for growth and do what needs to get done for yourself. Be proud of the things you have accomplished, even if it is just rising out of bed and going to school or work.