Friday, May 29, 2020

online lessons

I signed up for MasterClass to get their 2-for-1 deal and so that I could sit at the feet of Billy Collins.  He does things in his poems that I love but that are not my usual style, so I thought I'd learn something new and stretchy.  I was right, and I'm only on Lesson 5 of 19.  You can also see what other members of the family have found interesting!




[poem]


My dear friend Mary Lee is celebrating the triumphant yet sorrowing end of her school year with an expansive post inviting us to a Reading Without Walls challenge.  See you there!

11 comments:

  1. Well done, Heidi! We actually signed up for Masterclass after your last comment about it. Elena wants to learn about filmmaking.

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  2. You are definitely channeling Billy Collins in this poem! And you capture teaching Pre-K perfectly!

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  3. Thank you for a wonderful poem! I'm watching that master class as well, and I feel as if I know exactly where you're coming from as you crafted this piece. Like Mary Lee said in an earlier comment, you're channeling Billy Collins in this piece. I can actually hear it in his voice as well as what I imagine to be yours!

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  4. I couldn't help but smile at your line, "even on screen, someone has a hurt finger they need to show, or a birthday to recount, or a lost toy to grieve". I work with grade 1 students and it is the same. Blurry line between poetry and the art of teaching. What a treat to learn from a master such as Billy Collins. :)

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  5. Having the wherewithal to channel Billy Collins and teach pre-K makes me smile real big, Heidi. I taught first grade a long time ago & switched to those older (not necessarily wiser) middle-schoolers. I love this, and Billy Collins, too. You've shown that swift movement of getting to work, no bother that it's only around the block, and the heartfelt feelings for your kids, hurt finger and all. Thanks for a feel-good poem.

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  6. I love that you tried something new and stretchy. You already know that this poem threw me for a loop because it didn't "sound" like you....but it IS you and the art of teaching, an act of literacy. And, I'm loving the ending of Kansas and Oz. I've heard the word, "pivot" a lot lately. I think you've pivoted into Billy Collins too.

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  7. I am now totally intrigued by these Master Classes. What a fabulous, delightful ramble of a poem, Heidi, and how wonderful that you're challenging yourself to do something "new and stretchy."

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  8. I love what you have done with this poem-experiment. We wander as we read through your morning commute/not commute and delight in the sounds of little ones with their finger hurts and birthdays. You have captured yourself as well in this moment, how you value your students and this act of writing. Well done!

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  9. Oh Heidi you temptress. I was really thinking of signing up but then did not want to commit to something I could not really sink my teeth in. I think your poem is fabulous. I have been watching bits of his 5pm Pandemic sessions. You? I wish they were up longer than 5-7 days, but find him intriguing. I honestly do not know how anyone can teach pre-K on zoom (or whatever platform). I can tell you give it your all. I managed only 1 year each of Kdg and 1st. I had a long stretch at 5th, then 3rd. I was better-suited to those grade. SO I admire you. I would love to hear more about your online schedule and teaching etc. I just can't imagine how that works and my granddaughter is entering a pre-k at a private school where her mom teaches "next year".......My hat is off to teacher and poet you. You make me want to try Billy Collins!

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  10. The other class you chose for your 2-for-1 was about pork butt??? I guess I can see how "Smoking Pork Butt with Billy Collins" *would* make an interesting poem... I'm picturing Billy C and a pig in beret and black turtleneck, cigs hanging out of both of their mouths. LOL! Seriously though, you've got an outstanding poem here (without my help, thank goodness). I can tell this class truly is stretching you in new directions and look forward to the next literary act you commit.

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Thanks for joining in the wild rumpus!