Journal+Five

Meagan Blanchette Zenion March 10th 2012 The discoveries of a writing intern: Classic. Wrt. 104 is always extraordinary. However, this week was special. It was spirit week. With competition on the rise all of the seniors were putting in long hours on everything but their analysis paper. Between the costumed kids and the formal folks there was no time for rest. The students were provided time to talk with members of their group, in the classroom and at the computer lab. The week concluded with a successful peer review and amazing time management by Ms. Zenion. A majority of Coventry graduates vivdly remember one week, spirit week. This week is about hard work and dedication. The seniors always win. This week, I dealt with teaching animals, bees, bananas, and hot sauce packets. Tuesday was costume and computer lab day. I really enjoyed working with the students. In the computer lab all different //creatures// collaborated to get their group papers ready for the dental draft next class. As the students frantically typed, one boy called me over. He said, “Excuse me student teacher, how do you spell biased.” It was adorable. On our off day, I checked the Wiki. My eyes were delighted to see color-coded group work and conversations. When the students utilize the class Wiki, miracles happen. Group work is no longer a hassle. Thursday was formal day. The girls in class came into class with ball gowns and cocktail dresses. Their egos did not subside, but were enhanced. The dolled up exterior made for an invincible interior. The class began with instruction on how to peer review. As a class we went over what to look for, such as passive voice and positive feedback. Once the instruction was over the swapping of papers began. Since this was a group paper there were two groups per circle. The students worked very well. I mingled for a while, and then went to talk to Ms. Zenion. I am scared from the last session of Wrt. 104. A reoccurring game face topic was “movies” and I never watched any. Tension was high so I asked Ms. Zenion if we could play game face. I offered the topic “worst movies.” There was twenty-five minutes left of class. Ms. Zenion approved my idea. I then passed out the familiar blue index cards. They were to write their least favorite movie leaving no evidence it was their card. The students were eliminated one at a time. Just as the last card was read, the bell rang. It was perfect. Ms. Zenion looked at me and said, “Put that in your journal and quote it.” I died laughing. She was super excited. The class went amazingly well. The hardest thing about my internship is working with kids my own age. Many take advantage and yell out to me in class. They forget that I am Ms. Zenion’s intern and not their pal.