Poetry- Introduction to a Story: Setting the Story in Time and Place

...the buildings across the street were tall and bold. Filled with energy and vibe, dreams and aspirations, the foundation stands still, rooted in ground. A midst the hustle and bustle, one thing remains; people; ever changing, ever growing, restless, confident, yet, insecure looking for one thing to keep them grounded, to help them remain. 


something I wrote in response to Hemingway's, "Hills Like White Elephants"


bold- not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possibledanger or rebuff; courageous and daring
vibe-a feeling or flavour of the kind specified
aspirations- strong desire, longing, or aim; ambition
rooted- firmly implanted
insecure- not confident or certain; uneasy; anxious


grammar point: symbolic representation of objects as feelings

"The Ugly Duckling"

I recently purchased a book entitled, "Inspirations: Selections from Classic Literature" by Paula Coelho (author of The Alchemist). It is a compilation of selections from classic literature having to do with water, earth, air and fire. The first excerpt is from Hans Christian Anderson's, "The Ugly Duckling." I am sure you have all heard the story of the ugly duckling that through hardship and suffering becomes a swan. 
One quote from the excerpt reads, 
"He actually felt glad about all the suffering and hardships he had endured. Now he could appreciate his happiness and all the loveliness that awaited him." 
We all experience hardships and tough times, but without them we would not appreciate the good. 


Read the lyrics to the song, "Turn, Turn, Turn":
To everything - turn, turn, turn
There is a season - turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven
A time to be born, a time to die
A time to plant, a time to reap
A time to kill, a time to heal
A time to laugh, a time to weep
A time to build up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together
A time of war, a time of peace
A time of love, a time of hate
A time you may embrace
A time to refrain from embracing
A time to gain, a time to lose
A time to rend, a time to sew
A time to love, a time to hate
A time of peace, I swear it's not too late


One thing to always remember is that there is a TIME to feel each human emotion: sadness, happiness, anxiety, nervousness, excitement, curiosity, longing, pain and love. Through bad times, always shines good times. You should not feel guilty for feeling uncomfortable feelings. Feel them. Learn from them and appreciate them for what they are worth and their purpose for making you appreciate the wonderful feelings and experiences; the wonderful little pieces of life in which you literally have to stop and pause and give thanks for being alive to witness them. 


"Disappointments are just fate's way of saying, "I've got something better for you." 
Be patient. Live life. Have faith."


There are MANY things in life in which you cannot control. The only thing you CAN control is how you act and react to what life presents to you."


Inspirations- an inspiring or animating action or influence:
Selections - an act or instance of selecting or the state of being selected;choice.
Classic - of the first or highest quality, class, or rank
Literature- writings in which expression and form, in connection withideas of permanent and universal interest, are characteristicor essential features, as poetry, novels, history, biography,and essays.
Disappointments- the act or fact of disappointing: to fail to fulfill the expectations or wishes of


GRAMMAR POINT: PAST TENSE: 
heard, endured, 

NYSESLAT

As I prepare my students for the upcoming NYSESLAT Exam I can't help but notice the different proficiency levels as we complete the test prep booklet. Some of my students have difficulty identifying all of their letters and their sounds while others are able to describe an image with multiple sentences. What I found works best is to break the students up into a few groups and have them work at their own pace, but together. This gives them a sense of independence as well as confidence as they are completing their work, not comparing themselves to one another.


proficiency-technique
identifying-to recognize or establish as being a particular person or thing
independence-freedom from the control, influence, support, aid, or thelike, of others.
confidence- belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance
pace-a rate of movement, especially in stepping, walking, etc.


grammatical structure: Some of my students have difficulty identifying all of their letters and their sounds while others are able to describe an image with multiple sentences.
Correct usage of the word their.
there: place
their: ownership
they're: they are