To Firsts

The countdown begins to the freedom of summer days, finally writing my first book. Numbers are not only reserved for the eliminating process as an increasing number of people have been revealed this endeavor. Nine. I'm cornered, but it's a breathable space. It's better I have people know to keep me motivated. I'm on the prowl for more writing classes, and just finishing up a grammar class. The professor has challenged me thoroughly. It's not so much the topic as it is the expectancy. I have allowed the professor to expect excellence, and I apply my innovation, ideas and language hypotheses intending to align the ambition accordingly. The passion for education flatlined last term, and has joyously come alive in this course. I am eager to begin a heavily required writing load Spring term. I expect (hope) it will give me the gunpowder for this summer of literary explosions!

Double Voice : My spin on teaching grammar—My reaction as a student

Here are the lessons of a lifetime, crammed

Into a ten week course.

Let’s start with the nontraditional:

Fluency. Form. Correctness.      

                                                          Oh, wow! I like that!

                                                           I have never known the rules        

                                                           To be so uniquely inviting.

                                                           I can feel some excitement stirring.           

Dig deeper.

What contrasts and comparisons are

There in the behavioral and cognitive

Approaches to grammar exercises?

Set up your foundations.

Keep a sturdy ground. Trust me.

                                                            I can see where this is going.

                                                            I am quickly gaining respect for

                                                            The material I’ve been provided.

                                                            I’m usually so cynical, so quick

                                                            To have the chance to debate.

                                                            I am finding ease in this.

Now try this:

Use the tools you are learning.

Unearth ancient knowledge of

Grade school grammar.

Start your own creation.                        

                                                            Oh my! I get to write poetry!?

                                                            Joy! Okay. Instructions.

                                                            Need some subject, need some

                                                            Predicate. Practice writing in

                                                            Reflection. My words,

                                                            Reflection of me. Yipes.

                                                                                   

Know the power of dialect.

Teach a foreign language.

Speak as others do.

Read what others think.

What are the functions?

Why are they important?

Create a hypothesis.

Draw your own conclusions.

Listen to your own whisper.                  

                                                          I have never been given such

                                                                         Potent material as I have in

                                                                         These essays.

                                                                         Finally! A challenge! I accept!

                                                                         After I get rid of this migraine…

Don’t forget the basics.

Remember your foundation?

Work from there to direct

The written language.

Account for comprehension.

Remember your last sentence?

Explain to me why you wrote it.

Don’t remember?

Grammar B will take it from here.          

  It seems to come full circle.

                                                                         No longer a half moon,

                                                                         The dark side shading an

                                                                         Orthographic variation.

                                                                         Anna Akhmatova! Henri Michaux!

                                                                         You got a lot of explaining to do…

                                                                         Oh, wait. You have.