So I apologize.. this week has been BEYOND insane in terms of keeping up with projects and assignments and I do not have any 'new' content to offer. However.. I wanted to repost this journal entry from a few years back - from when I was just a wee education student at NMU! This assignment was in response to a quote from the book Courage to Teach and I think I nailed it!
Journal #17: wherein Breanne transforms in to the baddest ass dragon teacher lady ever.
Journal #17: wherein Breanne transforms in to the baddest ass dragon teacher lady ever.
Palmer Ch. VI
“When I envision myself teaching at my best, I am most like a ______ ”(152).
Answer: Dragon
While this seems like a fantastical and bizarre metaphor to make, I see a lot of myself in it. Ever since I was little I admired and was fascinated by dragons and depictions of them in books and film. They had a grace that I did not find in other more realistic and real creatures. In my mind, dragons are creatures of loyalty, wisdom, grace, and controlled but significant darkness. They can be protectors or destroyers within seconds. They are unique and extraordinary imaginary things that have been found in so many cultures, their versatility and variety dwarfs some real species of animals. I imagine dragons as possessing the knowledge and great artworks of empires and kingdoms far before the present, and passing on this gift to others.
While they are powerful and masterful creatures, they also have weaknesses that are often fully exposed. I can reflect upon this in teaching; if we are vulnerable to our students, we can make meaningful connections and relate to our students. Dragons (hopefully humans as well) also learn from each experience, and become stronger and wiser. Thoughtful and protective, I could spread my wings across the top of my classroom and shield them from harm and discouragement. In a perfect world, I would be able to help students through all of their personal ails and issues, but we as teachers cannot interfere too greatly. Giving space and distance is important.
I envision myself teaching at my best as a watchful and wise protector over my students; providing guidance and knowledge to them while also being given respect and consideration for actions. Teaching high school/middle school students will also demand a thick hide (pun intended). In terms of teaching as an activity, I will want to give students their space to learn and grow independently as well as a group. Students of a certain age yearn for the freedom to create in their own ways and styles without interference, and I can and will respect that. Dragons command a certain behavior and are creatures of old, so possess great wisdom. However, they also are very adaptable and can acquire much new knowledge as time passes.
I suppose I am referring to a dragon like Smaug in the Hobbit by Tolkein. Smaug was a clever, old, wise creature that knew his strengths and weaknesses. The shadow side of the dragon would of course be a temper and impatience. While I recognize these are human qualities, a wise dragon can keep its emotions in check until a solution is reached, as well as be clever and cooperative. I do not consider myself to be an overly sensitive person, in teaching or in general, so a dragon seems to reflect upon those attributes.
So there you have it! Ms. Kanak is a dragon at heart and in the classroom. Now where can I get some food....
Ms. K
“When I envision myself teaching at my best, I am most like a ______ ”(152).
Answer: Dragon
While this seems like a fantastical and bizarre metaphor to make, I see a lot of myself in it. Ever since I was little I admired and was fascinated by dragons and depictions of them in books and film. They had a grace that I did not find in other more realistic and real creatures. In my mind, dragons are creatures of loyalty, wisdom, grace, and controlled but significant darkness. They can be protectors or destroyers within seconds. They are unique and extraordinary imaginary things that have been found in so many cultures, their versatility and variety dwarfs some real species of animals. I imagine dragons as possessing the knowledge and great artworks of empires and kingdoms far before the present, and passing on this gift to others.
While they are powerful and masterful creatures, they also have weaknesses that are often fully exposed. I can reflect upon this in teaching; if we are vulnerable to our students, we can make meaningful connections and relate to our students. Dragons (hopefully humans as well) also learn from each experience, and become stronger and wiser. Thoughtful and protective, I could spread my wings across the top of my classroom and shield them from harm and discouragement. In a perfect world, I would be able to help students through all of their personal ails and issues, but we as teachers cannot interfere too greatly. Giving space and distance is important.
I envision myself teaching at my best as a watchful and wise protector over my students; providing guidance and knowledge to them while also being given respect and consideration for actions. Teaching high school/middle school students will also demand a thick hide (pun intended). In terms of teaching as an activity, I will want to give students their space to learn and grow independently as well as a group. Students of a certain age yearn for the freedom to create in their own ways and styles without interference, and I can and will respect that. Dragons command a certain behavior and are creatures of old, so possess great wisdom. However, they also are very adaptable and can acquire much new knowledge as time passes.
I suppose I am referring to a dragon like Smaug in the Hobbit by Tolkein. Smaug was a clever, old, wise creature that knew his strengths and weaknesses. The shadow side of the dragon would of course be a temper and impatience. While I recognize these are human qualities, a wise dragon can keep its emotions in check until a solution is reached, as well as be clever and cooperative. I do not consider myself to be an overly sensitive person, in teaching or in general, so a dragon seems to reflect upon those attributes.
So there you have it! Ms. Kanak is a dragon at heart and in the classroom. Now where can I get some food....
Ms. K
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