Working Title

As one of our assistant principals likes to say, “Telling isn’t teaching and told isn’t taught.”  This is particularly true for our population of students who are learning not only the same content of their peers, but a completely new language!  Imagine trying to master Algebra, Biology and World History when you don’t even understand the language in which it is being taught!  Just because our New American students are sitting in the classroom and have “heard” the lessons certainly doesn’t mean that they’ve “HEARD” the lessons.

I have been asked to participate in a training called STELLAR — Strategic Teaching for English Language Learners Achieving Results.   While it takes me out of the classroom a little more than I am accustomed to, I truly believe that it will benefit my students in the long run.  Yes, the strategies and the context of what we practice and discuss in our training sessions are specifically about English Language Learners, but they are also about good teaching.  And good teaching is making sure that the material is accessible to every student, regardless of background knowledge, language mastery or socioeconomic status.

The number one priority for reaching all students is creating a safe, welcoming environment where students feel free to explore, take risks and practice not only their understanding of the content, but their newly acquired English skills.  This will require a conscientious effort and continually evaluating how the content is being delivered and what the students are being asked to do.  I got into the teaching profession because I want to make a positive impact and share my passion for writing and communicating.  What better way to do just that than to play a pivotal role in helping New Americans find their American voice!

I think that’s a STELLAR idea.

It has been a long six months trying to read The Book Thief (Mark Zusac), but I am glad everytime I pick it up.

Set in Germany at the onset of World War II, the book chronicles the life of Liesel who was given up for adoption at age 11 because her mother was too poor to care for her.  Death narrates this often humorous tale and gives the reader a front row seat as to how Death views Life.  The chapters of Liesel’s life are marked by the books she reads, covets, receives and steals.  Hence the title, The Book Thief.

Liesel is introduced as she and her younger brother are on a train going to their new foster parents’ home in a neighboring city.  Sadly, her younger brother dies en route and is buried in a nameless, shallow grave at a train stop along the way.  It is here that Liesel steals her first book.  Once she arrives at her foster parents’ home, her life becomes somewhat “normal.”  But “normal” is characterized by rations, Hitlet Youth rallies, air raids and parading Jews through the streets.

Because Death is the narrator, the voice is so incredibly important because of the tone it sets.  Originally I was thinking of a Ralf Fiennes or Liam Neeson, both of whom have unique voices with a difficult-to-place-accent.  However, a student mentioned Alan Rickman for the narrator, and I wholeheartedly agree!  As for Liesel, I’m at a bit of a disadvantage because I’m simply not familiar with young actresses who are currently working in the industry.  Whoever played the role, she would have to be skilled at conveying emotion and thought through facial expression and physicality.  So much of Liesel’s character is how she observes, interacts and processes what goes on around her.

Every great movie has a soundtrack, and the song that I continued to think of when I read The Book Thief  is “God Shuffled His Feet” by The Crash Test Dummies.  An excerpt from the lyrics follows:  The people sat waiting Out on their blankets in the garden But God said nothing So someone asked him: “I beg your pardon: I’m not quite clear about what you just spoke Was that a parable, or a very subtle joke?”
God shuffled his feet and glanced around at them; The people cleared their throats and stared right back at him.  I can imagine that at some point during WWII the Jewish people (and everyone else, for that matter) had to have looked at God and wondered what in the world was going on?  Was God asleep at the wheel?  Was He just shuffling his feet and twiddling his thumbs?

Would I recommend this book?  Absolutely.  It certainly requires the reader’s full attention and some deep thinking, but the effort and energy is well worth it.  This book is not just about WWII but about conquering even while being oppressed.  Even when we have no freedom, we still have choices…and our choices affect others in powerful, life-changing ways.