Author: abendelow
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As the need arose, the tool emerged
For those of us born in the 1960s, the tools of today feel miraculous. They allow me–one person in one time/space context–to teach in more than one time and space, simultaneously, on-goingly! Of course I still work in a school building–my classes meet in real time–but they are largely web-mediated and increasingly “flipped,” so that…
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The Edible Schoolyard at Green School, NOLA
In the summer of 2012 I had the privilege to travel to the Green Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Here are images of the Edible Schoolyard that was planted there. Visitors cannot but be impressed with the organized, systemic structure of the garden. The students decorate the garden with signs expressing their sense of…
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What is a sonnet? And how to analyze one? A "flipped" English 10 lesson
In an effort to outfit myself with the skills teachers will need in the future and to give kids a quick way into the sonnets they will analyze and discuss, I have produced this “Sonnet Overview” video. Originally 9 minutes long, I figured out how to increase the pace of my narration by 50%, resulting…
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Digital Composition Course–advertisement
Two wonderful colleagues and I have successfully proposed a course in digital literacy for the English department at my school. The class, open only to juniors and seniors, promises the “tools of tomorrow” in the hands of students “today,” a global audience for meaningful communication, and guidance in using digital composition tools safely and effectively.…
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Our juniors are 16 and 17 year-olds, wondering about their futures
This video, based on Alan Watts‘ narration, warns young people about making “absolutely stupid” choices for their future. What would make no sense is mindlessly perpetuating what one’s parents have done, with no regard for one’s natural inclinations. “All retch and no vomit” describes a vicious cycle from which I hope my young people…
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A narrative pattern in Tolkien's LOTR: the power of words
When all seems lost in Book 2 of The Return of the King, and Frodo is held a naked captive in the tower of the Orcs, what revives him is the technology of literature, in its capacity to powerfully connect people across time and space, and even–especially–in extremities. Sam’s song in the tower is the…
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Negotiating happiness in East Garfield Park: a review of Simoncic's "Broken Fences"
playwright Steven Simoncic As a young American aspiring to a happy home, how can you live conscientiously and economically in the modern city? This is the central question explored in Steven Simoncic’s “Broken Fences,” playing through October 26 at Berwyn’s 16th Street Theater. The 120-minute production has well-drawn characters, delightful dialog, poetic interludes, and…
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Review: The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, as re-imagined by Baz Luhrmann
Baz Luhrmann’s version of the iconic American novel gets“approved” from this English teacher. http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/8ud6haTTfFY&source=uds If there were a film adaptation rubric, I’d give it a “Highly Proficient,” and 3.5 out of 4 stars, because it will connect with today’s young American. But for its style, some people (probably most of those over 50) are going…
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Karen Lewis, 2013 Prinz Speaker at Elmhurst College
In the midst of an existential crisis for the Chicago Public Schools, one of my current educational heroes, CTU President Karen Lewis, came out to the suburbs tonight and delivered the 2013 Andrew K. Prinz Guestship for Political Awareness lecturer at Elmhurst College. She spoke of the commitment and rewards of teaching, the systemic social…
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A Learning Moment, courtesy of Google
My 11th graders and I have played Googleaday together once or twice in the past. (I call it “Google Whack” but I know that is a misnomer). In response to an engaging question, they get out their smart phones get their search on. They go solo or gather in groups to find faster than the…
The Wikiness 