Wisconsin has maple trees. And maple syrup. The Amish make maple syrup in the area my parents live. They sell it for a reasonable price and it is AMAZING. I like maple syrup.
In Korea there are no maple trees as far as I know. It is hard to find syrup. There's a very weak, runny sort of thing that passes as syrup. Also, no Mrs. Butterworth's that I have found. And if you are lucky enough to find maple syrup, plan on paying about $18 for 8 ounces.
This is why I was on a mission to bring LOTS of maple syrup back to our home in Seoul. It's been on my list for months.
When our family arrived in Viroqua where my parents lived, I made sure to find some. As a matter of fact, I ended up with 1 quart and 1/2 gallon. Fairly heavy cargo, but a perfect pairing for my 10 lbs. of pancake mix from Cosco ($5.97). Surely I would be set for the whole year for Saturday morning pancakes in Seoul.
I was very careful to pack my syrup in gallon ziplocks. But just to be sure they didn't explode in the cargo area of the plane and mess up a suitcase, I made a calculated decision to put them in my carry-on.
The day arrived! Our lovely family of 4 after 6 weeks of marvelous visits with friends and family all over the Mid-west was going home. We said our final good-byes to my mother-in-law and father-in-law at the airport. We happily proceeded to airport security, took off our shoes and placed them in the gray bins for scanning. My carry-on merrily passed through the scanner.
The next thing I know, the good-looking security guy is holding up my carry-on. "This yours?" "Yes." "Step down here please. Don't touch the bag." The security guy takes out his gloves and swab and opens my bag. "Ah. Here would be the problem," he says pulling out my maple syrup. "This is more than three ounces of liquid, Ma'am. You'll have to dispose of it, sorry."
My mind raced. You have got to be kidding me! Stupid!!! How could I not have realized that? Liquid! Maple syrup is LIQUID.
Dejected, I took my maple syrup from the security guard and proceeded downstairs to figure out what to do. Hmm. . . .
I started with the Delta counter. "Excuse me, ma'am. Have you checked my bags through already?" "Yes. Why?" "I was hoping to put this maple syrup in there. How much would it be to check my carry-on as an extra bag?" "$150." $150? Bummer! What next? I could call my mother-in-law if I had her cellphone number and 50 cents, but I don't have either. Drat. Maybe the gift shop has empty 3 oz. bottles and I could buy all of them up and fill them with syrup. I checked the gift shop. No go. Bad idea anyway. I couldn't give it to anyone - not in an airport where you get arrested for giving something to someone to take on a plane. I looked around for my high school friend who I knew was going to be on our same flight. If he HAPPENED to be checking in I could give it to him. No luck. I couldn't just throw it in the garbage! But what?
I decided to return to the Delta counter. "Excuse me, ma'am. I don't suppose you could help me. See, I have this problem with my maple syrup. I've got 3/4 of a gallon and don't know what to do with it. Got any ideas?" "I see what you mean! When are you coming back?" "Next year. But my mother-in-law lives in town. She might be able to pick it up." The Delta gal looked at me sympathetically. "Well, if you can give me her phone number I can call her." She took the package and set it on her counter. "Really? That would be wonderful! When I get back upstairs I can get the number from my husband." "Sounds good. Here's my extension, just have the attendant at the gate give me a call," she said handing me a slip.
So, after waiting for the entire plane to board, I asked the attendant to call Marie at her extension with my mother-in-law's number. "No problem, I'll see her in 20 minutes," he said taking my slip. I boarded the plane, not yet sure of the fate of my maple syrup.
Forty-eight hours later I was shopping for groceries to restock our fridge. There it was! One tiny glass bottle of maple syrup for 18000 KRW (about $17). No way I'm buying that!
Seventy-two hours later I finally spoke to my mother-in-law. "Did you get a weird call from Delta? Did you happen to pick up our syrup?"
"Yep. No problem. I'll keep it for you for next year," she said.
And so it waits, silently mocking my stupidity from a cool basement in Madison, Wisconsin. Have no fear; next year I'll be smarter. I've learned my lesson: Syrup = liquid.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
"There are no boats in Korea"
Alec commented to my sister, "Why are there so many boats in your neighborhood?"
She responded, because in Minnesota there are a lot of lakes and people go boating.
"There are no boats in Korea," he said.
We're straddling cultures, aren't we?
A year ago when we announced we were moving to Korea, so many people commented how "good living in Korea would be for the kids" and "what a wonderful way to expand their world view." Sure. Of course, I thought.
Now that we are spending our summer break back in the Mid-west of the US, I'm getting it. My kids know and understand life as a Mid-westerner (Walmart, fast food, rolling hills, long car rides, back yard BBQ, a day at the lake, eating with forks and knives, blending in as a member of the majority). But they also know and understand life as an ex-pat in Seoul (apartment living, public transportation, walking and biking paths, listening to and learning Korean, eating with chopsticks and a spoon, and sticking out as a minority).
My kids know that there are no boats in Seoul.
My kids also know what kimchi is, the view from a 15th floor apartment, what a Buddhist temple looks like and sounds like, that not everyone is Christian in the world, that not everyone lives in houses with lots of stuff, that there are no pickup trucks in Seoul, that you give up your seat for someone older when on the subway, that milk is 4000 Won for a litre, that little Korean children are cuter than the dickens, that Korean saunas are separated by gender and that everyone is naked. Sure, they could have read all of that in a book somewhere, but now they KNOW it. And this fact means that they are now straddling cultures.
We've been blessed tremendously this past year; we've been able to show our children the Ice Festival of Harbin, China, the Terra Cotta Soldiers of Xi'an, China and the Great Wall. They've eaten Beijing Duck in Beijing, and they've seen the Beijing Acrobats. . .in Beijing. They've lounged on the beach in the Philippines and snorkled in the water there. All these things are amazing to say, I know.
But I'll tell you something just as amazing. My kids have seen the rolling hills of Southwestern Wisconsin and Amish buggies, and hummingbirds so close you can hear that they sound like bumblebees. They've eaten the best apple pie I've ever tasted (I may be biased, but everyone I know agrees that my mom's is the best). They've fed rainbow trout in their Grandpa's pond and fished them out. They've eaten at a drive-in restaurant where the waitress arrives on rollerskates. They've experienced every missed holiday in a matter of a week!
My kids know how to swim in a pool or lake, as well as an ocean. They know how to find pretty rocks in the freshwater stream and drink the water. They've seen beautiful horses and cows and have eaten World winning Wisconsin cheeses and Amish maple syrup. They've eaten wild strawberries and "dug for gold". They know what it is to meet great-aunts and uncles, second cousins, and cousins once-removed. They have been surrounded by everyone who loves them from grandparents to great-grandparents, to aunts and uncles, and cousins. Even a birth-family!
So this is what it is to straddle cultures and "expand their world view."
I'd have it no other way.
She responded, because in Minnesota there are a lot of lakes and people go boating.
"There are no boats in Korea," he said.
We're straddling cultures, aren't we?
A year ago when we announced we were moving to Korea, so many people commented how "good living in Korea would be for the kids" and "what a wonderful way to expand their world view." Sure. Of course, I thought.
Now that we are spending our summer break back in the Mid-west of the US, I'm getting it. My kids know and understand life as a Mid-westerner (Walmart, fast food, rolling hills, long car rides, back yard BBQ, a day at the lake, eating with forks and knives, blending in as a member of the majority). But they also know and understand life as an ex-pat in Seoul (apartment living, public transportation, walking and biking paths, listening to and learning Korean, eating with chopsticks and a spoon, and sticking out as a minority).
My kids know that there are no boats in Seoul.
My kids also know what kimchi is, the view from a 15th floor apartment, what a Buddhist temple looks like and sounds like, that not everyone is Christian in the world, that not everyone lives in houses with lots of stuff, that there are no pickup trucks in Seoul, that you give up your seat for someone older when on the subway, that milk is 4000 Won for a litre, that little Korean children are cuter than the dickens, that Korean saunas are separated by gender and that everyone is naked. Sure, they could have read all of that in a book somewhere, but now they KNOW it. And this fact means that they are now straddling cultures.
We've been blessed tremendously this past year; we've been able to show our children the Ice Festival of Harbin, China, the Terra Cotta Soldiers of Xi'an, China and the Great Wall. They've eaten Beijing Duck in Beijing, and they've seen the Beijing Acrobats. . .in Beijing. They've lounged on the beach in the Philippines and snorkled in the water there. All these things are amazing to say, I know.
My kids know how to swim in a pool or lake, as well as an ocean. They know how to find pretty rocks in the freshwater stream and drink the water. They've seen beautiful horses and cows and have eaten World winning Wisconsin cheeses and Amish maple syrup. They've eaten wild strawberries and "dug for gold". They know what it is to meet great-aunts and uncles, second cousins, and cousins once-removed. They have been surrounded by everyone who loves them from grandparents to great-grandparents, to aunts and uncles, and cousins. Even a birth-family!
So this is what it is to straddle cultures and "expand their world view."
I'd have it no other way.
Friday, June 24, 2011
U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!
We're here! We're really here!
Okay. I didn't kiss the ground when we arrived after our 14 hours in the air. But I sure love being home in the US for awhile. After a year living in the Seoul area, eating primarily Korean food, and living on the 15th floor of an apartment, you might say there's a bit of culture shock. So, first impressions back?
Everyone is so white, they all look the same. No, really. My family was cruising around the Madison square at the Farmer's Market with a few other hundred people (felt like the Seoul subway, it was so crowded). Anyhow, I lost track of my family! And I couldn't find them. Everyone was the same height and had blond hair! Now that hasn't happened for a long time.
The Farmer's Market was a kick. It was our first outing and we wanted to try everything and we wanted it NOW! We walked the square with my mother-in-law and father-in-law. Tastes included: fresh garden sugar snap peas, pastries, and cheese curds. We also couldn't pass up the tomatoes, mushrooms, and radishes. Since then we've managed to have Culver's frozen yogurt, Benvenuto's Italian, mom's strawberry shortcake with fresh whipped cream, local lefsa, cheese, and sausage. The list of foods never ends.
The drive? Well, thank you to my parents for supplying us with wheels for our trip! Getting behind the wheel of a car took me a few days because I first needed to replace my lost driver's license. Initially, it was a bit weird sitting in the driver's seat, but now I feel comfortable. Just "like riding a bike". I've even been able to drive their manual with only killing it once! The kids are re-adjusting to booster seats and mandatory seat belts.
The kids are rotting their brains with their old favorite television shows. Thanks to a few rainy days, I think they are caught up on an entire year's worth of TV! But might I say that this craze for reality TV stinks! "16 and Pregnant"? Really? Do we really need to enter these poor people's lives? The local news is fascinating, but I don't think I need 15 minutes of weather anymore.
Out - not up! No need to look up, except to hope to catch some stars in the overcast night sky. Now I'm enjoying endless corn fields with family farms tucked in here and there. There's mile after mile of lush green countryside nestled between wooded hills. Even walking for a few miles without another walker in sight. That's Midwestern America, eh? As you know, the Midwest experienced a harsh winter and a harsh spring with tornadoes and flooding. So, it's no surprise that a few days ago we were under a tornado watch. And, it has been raining for a few days. Where's the hot weather and sunshine?
So, first week: Focus on family and food. What a joy!
Okay. I didn't kiss the ground when we arrived after our 14 hours in the air. But I sure love being home in the US for awhile. After a year living in the Seoul area, eating primarily Korean food, and living on the 15th floor of an apartment, you might say there's a bit of culture shock. So, first impressions back?
Everyone is so white, they all look the same. No, really. My family was cruising around the Madison square at the Farmer's Market with a few other hundred people (felt like the Seoul subway, it was so crowded). Anyhow, I lost track of my family! And I couldn't find them. Everyone was the same height and had blond hair! Now that hasn't happened for a long time.
The Farmer's Market was a kick. It was our first outing and we wanted to try everything and we wanted it NOW! We walked the square with my mother-in-law and father-in-law. Tastes included: fresh garden sugar snap peas, pastries, and cheese curds. We also couldn't pass up the tomatoes, mushrooms, and radishes. Since then we've managed to have Culver's frozen yogurt, Benvenuto's Italian, mom's strawberry shortcake with fresh whipped cream, local lefsa, cheese, and sausage. The list of foods never ends.
The drive? Well, thank you to my parents for supplying us with wheels for our trip! Getting behind the wheel of a car took me a few days because I first needed to replace my lost driver's license. Initially, it was a bit weird sitting in the driver's seat, but now I feel comfortable. Just "like riding a bike". I've even been able to drive their manual with only killing it once! The kids are re-adjusting to booster seats and mandatory seat belts.
The kids are rotting their brains with their old favorite television shows. Thanks to a few rainy days, I think they are caught up on an entire year's worth of TV! But might I say that this craze for reality TV stinks! "16 and Pregnant"? Really? Do we really need to enter these poor people's lives? The local news is fascinating, but I don't think I need 15 minutes of weather anymore.
Out - not up! No need to look up, except to hope to catch some stars in the overcast night sky. Now I'm enjoying endless corn fields with family farms tucked in here and there. There's mile after mile of lush green countryside nestled between wooded hills. Even walking for a few miles without another walker in sight. That's Midwestern America, eh? As you know, the Midwest experienced a harsh winter and a harsh spring with tornadoes and flooding. So, it's no surprise that a few days ago we were under a tornado watch. And, it has been raining for a few days. Where's the hot weather and sunshine?
So, first week: Focus on family and food. What a joy!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
I might seem weird. I'm sorry.
We're heading back to Wisconsin in a few days. We're very excited. It will be our first time back in 11 months. My more experienced friends have been telling me what to expect. It sounds like I might seem weird to you, due to culture shock and all. So here's a list of the "Top 10 Weird Things I Might Do" so don't be surprised.
Top 10:
#10 - I might bow to people, instead of shaking a hand.
#9 - I might use two hands to take or give something to you.
#8 - I don't speak to strangers (not even small talk). This includes cashiers and waiters.
#7 - I might get sensory overload hearing others conversations around me in English. (It's easy to tune out people speaking a language you don't know).
#6 - I might look up a lot, expecting at least 6 stories to every building.
#5 - I won't know how to drive a car (sorry Mom and Dad, I'll do my best.)
#4 - I may stand closer to people and may bump into them without saying excuse me.
#3 - I might complain that sweet things taste "too sweet".
#2 - American dollars look like monopoly money to me.
and the number 1 weird thing I might do is. . .
#1 - I might say 'hello', 'goodbye' or 'thank you' in Korean!
Soon. Very soon. . .
Top 10:
#10 - I might bow to people, instead of shaking a hand.
#9 - I might use two hands to take or give something to you.
#8 - I don't speak to strangers (not even small talk). This includes cashiers and waiters.
#7 - I might get sensory overload hearing others conversations around me in English. (It's easy to tune out people speaking a language you don't know).
#6 - I might look up a lot, expecting at least 6 stories to every building.
#5 - I won't know how to drive a car (sorry Mom and Dad, I'll do my best.)
#4 - I may stand closer to people and may bump into them without saying excuse me.
#3 - I might complain that sweet things taste "too sweet".
#2 - American dollars look like monopoly money to me.
and the number 1 weird thing I might do is. . .
#1 - I might say 'hello', 'goodbye' or 'thank you' in Korean!
Soon. Very soon. . .
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Home We've Created
I just finished reading my description of our apartment after we'd first moved in. What fun to read my impressions of our apartment! It mainly consisted of observations on space, color, furniture, and sounds. I don't think I'd even think about some of those things anymore. Yes, every appliance makes a unique sound, but I don't register these sounds much anymore. Yes, an apartment is much smaller than a house, but the size suits us pretty well. Yes the floors are all linoleum or laminate with no carpet, but I don't think much about that anymore.
I guess we've managed to turn a PLACE into a HOME.
First, we've managed to fill the place up. Now, our apartment is so much more than a list of furniture. Now it is home - a place filled with memories of people we know, things we've done and places we've gone.
Our apartment is in Suji-gu, Dongcheon-dong, in Dongmun GoodMorning Hill. We're in o-pek-gu dong. This is what we need to tell taxi drivers who bring us home. We live many stories up on a 25 floor building amongst 14 buildings. There are 5 playgrounds on our complex. There are also two entrances and three guardhouses. Very close by there is a walking and biking path that runs along a stream lined with beautiful flowers this time of year.
Our apartment is a three bedroom, 2 bath, with living room, kitchen, and sunroom with lots of windows. It's quite quiet at night when we sleep - surprisingly so. But at night from around 8:30 - 10:30 children come out to play and we can hear them loud and clear even so many stories up. (We still can't get over how late Korean kids stay up.)
Part of what makes it home is it now reflects US. We've managed to add all sorts of furniture since we first arrived. Some purchased, some hand-me-downs, some found at "free mart". We've got a couch and recliner, 42" television, 2 book/curio shelves, coffee table, drawers, and three plants in our living room. We've also got a sizable rug to cover the floor. On the shelves are souvenirs we've accumulated throughout the year including knick knacks from India, China, the Philippines, Russia, and North and South Korea. On the wall are masks, photos, fans, and a scroll, an decorative scroll with our name on it.
Venture into Anna's room and you'll see the STUFF that she has accumulated throughout the year. Yes, some of it was purchased at the cheap stationery store nearby, some of it was created by her own hands, but most of it was the result of "dumpster diving." She's got a shelving unit we found at the garbage; on it is an eclectic collection of junk ranging from a mug and teacup collection to various types of containers, to traditional vases worth $50. She's also found us a nice umbrella holder! She finds the most random things and rationalizes their "use" or "beauty". Unless we force a clean up, it's usually a mess in there, so beware.
Our bedrooms consists of a bed, two closets, two chests of drawers, a built in desk and an office desk. Our bedspread looks like a fuzzy tiger skin; we bought it from a street vendor for about $30.
The kitchen doesn't look much different than the day we arrived. It is primarily white with silver appliances, small and functional with a small table and four chairs. It's got a dishwasher and a big kitchen sink. There's a still life painting of daisies on the wall near the table; we bought that from a street vendor last fall. There's a red decorative fish hanging in the kitchen that we brought back from China after the Chinese New Year. On the little window sill there's what's called a PeeBoy (also from China), a small teapot for brewing looseleaf tea, a teacup from China, and a little copper plaque that reads Vietnamese Restaurant (one of Anna's original creations).
Alec's room is neatly organized. He's got two narrow shelving units, a bed, a small desk, and a black cushy floor chair. He's managed to accrue some 300+ Pokeman cards, several stuff animals including one called Tigress who sings and wiggles her bottom around. His dresser is just outside his room and contains lots of hand-me-downs inside while on top is a picture of Brett Favre as a Packer. He's still got White Puppy (now a sickly gray), in case you wondered.
The furniture we began with - a couch and chair - are now in the "sunroom" overlooking the courtyard. It's a nice airy place to do work or watch the world go by and listen to children playing.
We've got a clothes drying room, which replaces a dryer. Clothes manage to dry in a day or two, which is nice. The washing machine has its own little space.
Not all of the cupboards and storage spaces are full yet, so I guess that means we must need to come back for another year. But in the meantime, we'll be saying Anyunghekaysayeo (good bye) to our HOME in about 1 week.
Hope to see many of our US friends and family soon! And thank you in advance for sharing your homes with us!
I guess we've managed to turn a PLACE into a HOME.
First, we've managed to fill the place up. Now, our apartment is so much more than a list of furniture. Now it is home - a place filled with memories of people we know, things we've done and places we've gone.
Our apartment is in Suji-gu, Dongcheon-dong, in Dongmun GoodMorning Hill. We're in o-pek-gu dong. This is what we need to tell taxi drivers who bring us home. We live many stories up on a 25 floor building amongst 14 buildings. There are 5 playgrounds on our complex. There are also two entrances and three guardhouses. Very close by there is a walking and biking path that runs along a stream lined with beautiful flowers this time of year.
Our apartment is a three bedroom, 2 bath, with living room, kitchen, and sunroom with lots of windows. It's quite quiet at night when we sleep - surprisingly so. But at night from around 8:30 - 10:30 children come out to play and we can hear them loud and clear even so many stories up. (We still can't get over how late Korean kids stay up.)
Part of what makes it home is it now reflects US. We've managed to add all sorts of furniture since we first arrived. Some purchased, some hand-me-downs, some found at "free mart". We've got a couch and recliner, 42" television, 2 book/curio shelves, coffee table, drawers, and three plants in our living room. We've also got a sizable rug to cover the floor. On the shelves are souvenirs we've accumulated throughout the year including knick knacks from India, China, the Philippines, Russia, and North and South Korea. On the wall are masks, photos, fans, and a scroll, an decorative scroll with our name on it.
Venture into Anna's room and you'll see the STUFF that she has accumulated throughout the year. Yes, some of it was purchased at the cheap stationery store nearby, some of it was created by her own hands, but most of it was the result of "dumpster diving." She's got a shelving unit we found at the garbage; on it is an eclectic collection of junk ranging from a mug and teacup collection to various types of containers, to traditional vases worth $50. She's also found us a nice umbrella holder! She finds the most random things and rationalizes their "use" or "beauty". Unless we force a clean up, it's usually a mess in there, so beware.
Our bedrooms consists of a bed, two closets, two chests of drawers, a built in desk and an office desk. Our bedspread looks like a fuzzy tiger skin; we bought it from a street vendor for about $30.
The kitchen doesn't look much different than the day we arrived. It is primarily white with silver appliances, small and functional with a small table and four chairs. It's got a dishwasher and a big kitchen sink. There's a still life painting of daisies on the wall near the table; we bought that from a street vendor last fall. There's a red decorative fish hanging in the kitchen that we brought back from China after the Chinese New Year. On the little window sill there's what's called a PeeBoy (also from China), a small teapot for brewing looseleaf tea, a teacup from China, and a little copper plaque that reads Vietnamese Restaurant (one of Anna's original creations).
Alec's room is neatly organized. He's got two narrow shelving units, a bed, a small desk, and a black cushy floor chair. He's managed to accrue some 300+ Pokeman cards, several stuff animals including one called Tigress who sings and wiggles her bottom around. His dresser is just outside his room and contains lots of hand-me-downs inside while on top is a picture of Brett Favre as a Packer. He's still got White Puppy (now a sickly gray), in case you wondered.
The furniture we began with - a couch and chair - are now in the "sunroom" overlooking the courtyard. It's a nice airy place to do work or watch the world go by and listen to children playing.
We've got a clothes drying room, which replaces a dryer. Clothes manage to dry in a day or two, which is nice. The washing machine has its own little space.
Not all of the cupboards and storage spaces are full yet, so I guess that means we must need to come back for another year. But in the meantime, we'll be saying Anyunghekaysayeo (good bye) to our HOME in about 1 week.
Hope to see many of our US friends and family soon! And thank you in advance for sharing your homes with us!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Hooray for Portfolios!
If you aren't an educator, you may not be interested in this post. If you ARE an educator, you might be. If you are a parent, you SHOULD be!
I've just completed reading 29 senior portfolios for semester 2. As always, it was a time-consuming activity but definitely worth it. I always come away feeling fulfilled as an educator when I'm done reading portfolios. Why is that? Because of the reflection process. So rarely in education do we ask students to reflect on themselves and their learning. An educationally sound portfolio stresses reflection, however, and that is one of its greatest contributions to our students' learning.
Let me do my OWN reflecting here. . . .
For twelve years now I've fully engaged in the portfolio process. For most of those years it was with seniors who were okay students or who struggled in English/Language Arts. All that time I maintained that using portfolio assessment in the classroom would be beneficial to ANY student, no matter what the skill level. This year my gut instincts were validated.
DEFINITION
To me portfolio assessment has meant these four core components: collection, selection, reflection, and projection (goal setting). It has also meant fully engaging in the writing process and reducing (or eliminating) the emphasis on traditional grades. At points it has also meant conferencing with parents and students to arrive at a final grade. This year, specifically, it has included an emphasis on
All (or nearly all) of my students from AP Literature will be attending university next fall. They are going to places like Northwestern, Wellesley, University of Chicago and Princeton. They are students who came in with strong abilities to read critically, think critically, write well-organized essays, and express themselves confidently in class. They had already tackled some pretty difficult literature and certainly knew their way around technology (being at a 1-1 school). Frankly, I was amazed at their initial abilities to discuss our summer reading After Dark, by Haruki Murakami. I didn't think they had far to go to be ready for college (or the AP exam). But even these stellar young people reflected on their learning and growth through their portfolios and the revision process. You may be interested in the results.
The exciting thing here is that through full engagement in the writing process and the portfolio assessment process, these skilled and talented young people grew as readers and writers. Surprisingly, many of them felt they hadn't had much opportunity for revision and polish in previous classes. (Are we still too consumed with pounding them with assignments, slapping on grades and moving on?) Many students reflected on the value of class discussion (or wiki discussion) in helping them see a text through a variety of perspectives. This, in turn, let to greater depth of thought. They valued peer and teacher evaluations and comments, taking them to heart in subsequent revisions. Without revisions, what good would the comments have done? I credit the revision process with helping them to grow to the next step.
That is voice. Many students reflected on how they had gained their VOICE as writers. To me this is a very advanced stage of writing. It only truly comes after mastering the basics (organization, support, strong thesis, critical thinking). It is also the one thing that most of the students LACKED when they entered the class in the fall. Even more surprising, VOICE is not something we discussed very much in class. I don't even remember using the term very often. And yet, it happened. Once students felt confident in their writing skills, they were able to tackle the nuances of writing like voice and style. I would confirm their intuition on this point.
Another aspect I found interesting had to do with creative writing. I'd like to give a shout out to the vast benefits of allowing students to write creatively from time to time, even in an AP Lit class that seems to need to focus on analytic writing. First, the students appreciated being able to USE their knowledge of how poetry works by trying it out themselves - exploring, playing with words and sounds, learning how to find just the right word at just the right time, seeking the right image or emotion, creating tone - all these things were freeing for them. It also helped them to explore and find their VOICE!
Aha! The pieces begin to fit together. In addition to writing a bit of poetry, we ended the year with short story writing. We'd just finished watching and discussing the movie Inception. I modeled for them my own process (I love doing that). I asked their advice for wording, holes in the plot or characterization, and how my story should end. They then worked on their own "Inception-like" short story. A challenge, to be sure. For several of these students this was their first time writing a short story. I couldn't believe that! How could you go all through high school (maybe even middle school and high school) and not write a short story? Again, they experienced their epiphanies. They liked the freedom of the topic and the structure; they liked the challenge to take risks and be creative! They enjoyed tapping into that side of themselves at the conclusion of their senior year. And, guess what? So many of them credited this experience in helping to further develop their VOICEs.
For me, I see more clearly how allowing students to explore a variety of writing (and reading) genres helps to move them from mechanical drones who all sound alike, to interesting writers who enjoy what they are doing, understand their strengths and weaknesses and who ultimately find their VOICEs.
Additionally, I was surprised at how many of the students were worried that college writing or literature classes might stifle their newly found voices. Their perception is that college classes will want to stuff them back into that cookie cutter mold where they sound like everyone else. I assured them this wasn't so - that they would only be encouraged to continue growing and discovering their individual voice and style. (So if you are a college professor, please don't squelch them!) Several of the students would like to start blogs just to continue refining their VOICE.
Finally, let me comment on another mature insight on the part of many of these graduating AP Literature seniors. They must write in a way that connects to their readers. Perhaps because they HAD readers who commented on their work, they became aware how important writing TO an audience truly is. On some level it seems obvious - "of course you are writing for an audience! everyone knows that!" - but in practice, this is often not the case. Novice (even intermediate) writers only think of themselves; they have difficulty stepping away from the piece and wondering if it will maintain the interest of their audience or speak to them in some provocative way. But many of these students got there. They not only understand it, they KNOW it. Amazing!
So. . . Hooray for portfolios! Even in a class that seemingly has its goal as passing a standardized test, portfolios still won the day!
I've just completed reading 29 senior portfolios for semester 2. As always, it was a time-consuming activity but definitely worth it. I always come away feeling fulfilled as an educator when I'm done reading portfolios. Why is that? Because of the reflection process. So rarely in education do we ask students to reflect on themselves and their learning. An educationally sound portfolio stresses reflection, however, and that is one of its greatest contributions to our students' learning.
Let me do my OWN reflecting here. . . .
For twelve years now I've fully engaged in the portfolio process. For most of those years it was with seniors who were okay students or who struggled in English/Language Arts. All that time I maintained that using portfolio assessment in the classroom would be beneficial to ANY student, no matter what the skill level. This year my gut instincts were validated.
DEFINITION
To me portfolio assessment has meant these four core components: collection, selection, reflection, and projection (goal setting). It has also meant fully engaging in the writing process and reducing (or eliminating) the emphasis on traditional grades. At points it has also meant conferencing with parents and students to arrive at a final grade. This year, specifically, it has included an emphasis on
- the writing process, including careful planning and brainstorming, writing, and peer and teacher review and revision opportunities
- heavy discussions of texts prior to writing
- written reflection on oneself as a reader and as a writer at the end of the term
- goal setting before the term and evaluation of previous goals after the term.
All (or nearly all) of my students from AP Literature will be attending university next fall. They are going to places like Northwestern, Wellesley, University of Chicago and Princeton. They are students who came in with strong abilities to read critically, think critically, write well-organized essays, and express themselves confidently in class. They had already tackled some pretty difficult literature and certainly knew their way around technology (being at a 1-1 school). Frankly, I was amazed at their initial abilities to discuss our summer reading After Dark, by Haruki Murakami. I didn't think they had far to go to be ready for college (or the AP exam). But even these stellar young people reflected on their learning and growth through their portfolios and the revision process. You may be interested in the results.
The exciting thing here is that through full engagement in the writing process and the portfolio assessment process, these skilled and talented young people grew as readers and writers. Surprisingly, many of them felt they hadn't had much opportunity for revision and polish in previous classes. (Are we still too consumed with pounding them with assignments, slapping on grades and moving on?) Many students reflected on the value of class discussion (or wiki discussion) in helping them see a text through a variety of perspectives. This, in turn, let to greater depth of thought. They valued peer and teacher evaluations and comments, taking them to heart in subsequent revisions. Without revisions, what good would the comments have done? I credit the revision process with helping them to grow to the next step.
That is voice. Many students reflected on how they had gained their VOICE as writers. To me this is a very advanced stage of writing. It only truly comes after mastering the basics (organization, support, strong thesis, critical thinking). It is also the one thing that most of the students LACKED when they entered the class in the fall. Even more surprising, VOICE is not something we discussed very much in class. I don't even remember using the term very often. And yet, it happened. Once students felt confident in their writing skills, they were able to tackle the nuances of writing like voice and style. I would confirm their intuition on this point.
Another aspect I found interesting had to do with creative writing. I'd like to give a shout out to the vast benefits of allowing students to write creatively from time to time, even in an AP Lit class that seems to need to focus on analytic writing. First, the students appreciated being able to USE their knowledge of how poetry works by trying it out themselves - exploring, playing with words and sounds, learning how to find just the right word at just the right time, seeking the right image or emotion, creating tone - all these things were freeing for them. It also helped them to explore and find their VOICE!
Aha! The pieces begin to fit together. In addition to writing a bit of poetry, we ended the year with short story writing. We'd just finished watching and discussing the movie Inception. I modeled for them my own process (I love doing that). I asked their advice for wording, holes in the plot or characterization, and how my story should end. They then worked on their own "Inception-like" short story. A challenge, to be sure. For several of these students this was their first time writing a short story. I couldn't believe that! How could you go all through high school (maybe even middle school and high school) and not write a short story? Again, they experienced their epiphanies. They liked the freedom of the topic and the structure; they liked the challenge to take risks and be creative! They enjoyed tapping into that side of themselves at the conclusion of their senior year. And, guess what? So many of them credited this experience in helping to further develop their VOICEs.
For me, I see more clearly how allowing students to explore a variety of writing (and reading) genres helps to move them from mechanical drones who all sound alike, to interesting writers who enjoy what they are doing, understand their strengths and weaknesses and who ultimately find their VOICEs.
Additionally, I was surprised at how many of the students were worried that college writing or literature classes might stifle their newly found voices. Their perception is that college classes will want to stuff them back into that cookie cutter mold where they sound like everyone else. I assured them this wasn't so - that they would only be encouraged to continue growing and discovering their individual voice and style. (So if you are a college professor, please don't squelch them!) Several of the students would like to start blogs just to continue refining their VOICE.
Finally, let me comment on another mature insight on the part of many of these graduating AP Literature seniors. They must write in a way that connects to their readers. Perhaps because they HAD readers who commented on their work, they became aware how important writing TO an audience truly is. On some level it seems obvious - "of course you are writing for an audience! everyone knows that!" - but in practice, this is often not the case. Novice (even intermediate) writers only think of themselves; they have difficulty stepping away from the piece and wondering if it will maintain the interest of their audience or speak to them in some provocative way. But many of these students got there. They not only understand it, they KNOW it. Amazing!
So. . . Hooray for portfolios! Even in a class that seemingly has its goal as passing a standardized test, portfolios still won the day!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Anna
On Saturday evening I was prepared to write about our monumental mountain hike that lasted 4 hours. By Sunday at 7 PM I had changed my mind and wanted to write about our amazing day at Everland (a Disneyworld wanna be). But by Sunday night at 8 PM I knew I had to write about Anna.
Our daughter is in third grade. She's a whiz at language acquisition. We've known this since she was three and switched languages from Russian to English in just three months. At that time we marveled at her ability to pick up a new language so easily. Later it was the beginnings of Spanish (and even a little German) in kindergarden through second grade.
Now we are in Korea. We've seen it all year long. She more than anyone in the family has embraced the new language, permanently replacing Mom with Almeony and What time is it? with Myatsheayo? She gives ME vocabulary quizzes over breakfast and tells me how pathetic I am that I can't remember the vocabulary from one day to the next. (Which is true, more or less.) I'll try to communicate with a vendor and have them look at me with a blank stare. She'll say the same thing (only apparently with better pronunciation) and they'll go "Oh, sure!" All this may seem impressive . . .
But after the 35-minute ride home in a cab the other day, my husband and I will never see her the same again.
She'd been a bit carsick on the way to Everland, sitting in the back. So on the way home we decided to put her in the front seat. As always, the cabdriver was smitten with her open nature and blond-hair. He knew a few bits and pieces of English but not much. By five minutes into the drive home, they were talking full-out in Korean. He'd ask a question and she'd reply. She'd ask a question and he'd reply. He'd ask a question she didn't know, would point and gesture or give his own response or try a little English and she's say, "Oh, now I understand" and off they'd be on a new strand of conversation. They discussed everyone's ages, family relationships, where we lived, all the things they liked and didn't like. I'd have to say every bit of vocabulary she's learned from her 2x/week Korean teacher was put to use.
We sat in the back amazed. She was polite, laughing, asking questions, answering questions like a . . . grown up conversationalist!
We began to wonder if she'll have a future using a second (or third language) rather than in art. How does she do it?
Meanwhile, I sat in the back desperately trying to keep up, using my Essential Korean Phrases book. I DID learn that the months of the year are quite straight forward (essentially something like 1-month = January, 2-month = Feb. and so on).
So there you have it. Anna wins the blog story this week.
Our daughter is in third grade. She's a whiz at language acquisition. We've known this since she was three and switched languages from Russian to English in just three months. At that time we marveled at her ability to pick up a new language so easily. Later it was the beginnings of Spanish (and even a little German) in kindergarden through second grade.
Now we are in Korea. We've seen it all year long. She more than anyone in the family has embraced the new language, permanently replacing Mom with Almeony and What time is it? with Myatsheayo? She gives ME vocabulary quizzes over breakfast and tells me how pathetic I am that I can't remember the vocabulary from one day to the next. (Which is true, more or less.) I'll try to communicate with a vendor and have them look at me with a blank stare. She'll say the same thing (only apparently with better pronunciation) and they'll go "Oh, sure!" All this may seem impressive . . .
But after the 35-minute ride home in a cab the other day, my husband and I will never see her the same again.
She'd been a bit carsick on the way to Everland, sitting in the back. So on the way home we decided to put her in the front seat. As always, the cabdriver was smitten with her open nature and blond-hair. He knew a few bits and pieces of English but not much. By five minutes into the drive home, they were talking full-out in Korean. He'd ask a question and she'd reply. She'd ask a question and he'd reply. He'd ask a question she didn't know, would point and gesture or give his own response or try a little English and she's say, "Oh, now I understand" and off they'd be on a new strand of conversation. They discussed everyone's ages, family relationships, where we lived, all the things they liked and didn't like. I'd have to say every bit of vocabulary she's learned from her 2x/week Korean teacher was put to use.
We sat in the back amazed. She was polite, laughing, asking questions, answering questions like a . . . grown up conversationalist!
We began to wonder if she'll have a future using a second (or third language) rather than in art. How does she do it?
Meanwhile, I sat in the back desperately trying to keep up, using my Essential Korean Phrases book. I DID learn that the months of the year are quite straight forward (essentially something like 1-month = January, 2-month = Feb. and so on).
So there you have it. Anna wins the blog story this week.
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