Gallagher, Christenbury and Stan

I hated the reading of Chapter 2&3 of Gallagher, I can't lie. Although I think she has several good strategies to use in our teaching, I think we should focus on these aspects of her book when we read and it will help. It's a great sleep-aide though. As I yawn at 4 in the afternoon, sitting at my desk, on a beautiful day!

I liked her "Using Metaphors to deepen comprehension," but doubt she cam up with the concept herself. Face it, as teachers, we will be like a common street criminal. Sneaking into the copy room to make copies, finding discarded books at the public library to use in our class libraries, shopping at garage sales to find book shelves, clothes. I can't believe that teachers at high schools have to come up with their own supplies past $200 dollars. I guess that doesn't allow for much creativity the first few years as we collect the scissors, glue, butcher paper and other necessities to be creative in our class. Enough of that rant, on to Christenbury.

Christenbury brings up many point in chapter 6. Among the key points that I agree with are the ELL students. Being from California, I went through school in a very diverse atmosphere. Students who often mixed up subject-verb agreement and issues like that, were often WAY smarter than me. They just needed to have the 5-7 years to master the language. As a high school student, it made for humor in reading their papers. As a potential teacher, California is a nightmare. Some of you think you have it difficult with the students who are all white, speak English and show up most of the time, you would be no match for the diversity you'd find in a California classroom! In my city, there were Laotians, Vietnamese, Cambodians, East Indians, African-Americans, Guadalajaran's, Mexicans, Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, illiterates, degenerates, Special needs, and me. I can assure you all, no matter what challenges you face here, you don't want to teach there, nor do I. Appreciate Missouri for at least the ease your job should afford you in comparison. I will.

~Stan