How I Teach
"We read to know that we are not alone." C.S. Lewis (in William Nicholson's play, Shadowlands)
10 Ideas that are Fundamental to How I Teach (in no particular order)
It is all about the actual text. (Not the history, not the models of the Globe Theatre, not how others feel about the text).
Great Literature is the basis for what I teach. Though everything doesn't have to be Shakespeare - the majority of the texts are accepted, universally praised Literature.
Great Literature is diverse - from Beowulf to Shakespeare to Toni Morrison to The House on Mango Street - there is a lot of Great Literature out there.
When something was written is not as important as what it is. Students can identify with Hal from Henry IV Part 1 - and may be unable to identify with a character in a contemporary piece.
Homework is integral to learning. The greatest learning occurs when a student is alone with a book or pen and paper.
High Expectations are the most important tool in the classroom.
Students need to be quizzed on every or nearly every reading. If they are not given content (not thinking) quizzes - the majority of them will not read.
Teachers need to read everything that is assigned to their students (each and every time).
I have never "winged" a class - preparation and thought is integral to every lesson and shows respect for the students and their time.
Every student needs to be treated kindly and fairly.
12 Things that are important in my teaching (in no particular order and evolving)
Listen - really listen to your students
Assign texts you believe are important and that the students might never read on their own
If you assign a reading, quiz the students on that reading
Connections, connections, connections - these will draw the student in and improve critical thinking
Respect your students and make sure they are respecting each other
Assign and accept work in a way that is as fair and useful (for the student) as possible
Stick to the actual text as much as possible.
Symbolism, themes, and other jargon are not that useful (in my class anyway)
Students (and the teacher) should always be a little out of their comfort zone
Students (and the teacher) should push themselves further than they think they can go - in a nurturing way.
Use every single second of class.
Read every single thing that you assign your students to read - even if you've read it before.