"It's Something Unpredictable"

Whew! It’s all over, I think. Well, for this semester in any case. It’s funny, though. I’ve never quite enjoyed school as much as I am now. I’m learning some truly remarkable things. It makes me look forward to my future. Awesome.

Anyway, I understand the blogging has been sparse; however, I assure you that I’m back. There are a lot of things that I’ve failed to blog about that are important to me because of my hectic semester. As it turns out, taking four classes, doing an assistantship, and helping teach was tolerable. I guess it’s just because I’m enjoying it all. It looks like my GPA will be fruitful, also.

So here are some of the things that I want to make my priority this summer. First off, I want to make sure I read a lot. There are a lot of…well… YA books that I feel that I’m obliged to read as a future high-school English teacher. And to be honest, they all seem like they’re going to be pretty Rad, anyway.

Also, given my interests in technology and the teaching of English, I’ll be talking a little about Second Life (See picture above). I’ve been doing extensive research on it, and I’d love to tell you folks (DAVE, you skeptic) about what the REAL deal is. So, I’ll take you on a journey or two in the next couple of days. I’m not a big video-gamer or anything, but I see potential in this. Also, I went to a couple lectures and see that a lot of higher-Ed. people are buzzing about it. And… who knew! Steve’s in SL, also. I’m being vague intentionally. I don’t want to spoil future posts.

One of my really good friends, Eddie, is moving to Florida in a couple of days. I’m happy for him because it seems that he is genuinely excited about the up-coming experience; although, he is scared of crocodiles, and I’m not sure if Florida is the best place to go to avoid them. I guess it really doesn’t matter… if things go according to plan, he’ll only be there for a year or two, and then we’ll be moving to California to form our own little version of Entourage. That’ll be sweet.

So if you get the chance, you might want to go out of your way to meet Eddie before he moves away. This way, when he’s famous, you’ll be able to say you once knew “the man.” Oh, yeah, also, if you think “E” is pretty cool too, then you should find me; that’s right, that’s going to be me. Inquire within for the positions of Johnny Drama and Turtle. I’m the manager so applications go through me, kids.

Paul Shirley’s book came out yesterday, and I really need to get it. What a great writer...

Cheers

Graphic Novels? Yay or Nay?

Now that I got basketball out of my system for a little while, it’s time that I wrote on something a little more important (ah… who’s to say what is important anyway?). As I stated here, I went home this weekend to celebrate my birthday with my family—even though it isn’t until Friday.

[Side Note: I’m not one of those people who are constantly reminding others of when his/her birthday is; however, I also didn’t want people to think that they forgot it because that’s annoying. It’s kind of a “lose-lose situation” for me.]

Anyway… When I was home, I noticed, while watching television, that there is actually a big buzz about graphic novels. Now, in one of my classes specifically, I’ve been experiencing this genre, and I must admit that I’m quite impressed. Some argue that the pointlessness of such an immature read is overwhelming. I, on the other had, believe that these types of books could prove to be quite efficient when used as a gateway into bigger and better reads.

As a future educator, I find it appalling that some parents would rather their children be lectured about a book that I have introduced to them, then have them actually learn something through a more progressive philosophy.

While children are in high school, it’s easy to guess that they have “other” things on their minds. Paying attention to my monotone voice in class is close to impossible. But, if I can create an active learning environment and actually gain some interest—well, then, we’re on to something.

What about the kid who will overtake his father’s business and will never need formal education to succeed? It will be, without any doubt, more difficult to gain the attention of such a student. This is where graphic novels come into play. If we are able to allow them a peek into what the world of literature holds for them, then I’m more than confident that they will be hooked. This holds true for all students that are having a hard time reading.

Reading not only helps critical interpersonal learning skills, but this practice will also help critical analyzation skills; this being an asset that would help anyone in everyday life. Not to mention the stories can be used as life lessons. The benefits are priceless; I’m sure I don’t need to explain further.

I’ve read two graphic novels within the past couple weeks. American Born Chinese has obvious characteristics that would deem it easily teachable and the same goes for Persepolis. I recommend both of this books to anyone and everyone.

I’ve always had a passion for literature, which is why I, myself, was skeptical at first when it came to graphic novels; however, I now understand the promise that they carry along. Not to mention I’ve read about five or six now, and they all are incredible. The mesh of the art of two different mediums has such a profound effect.

What do you folks think about graphic novels? Cheers.