Joshua+Jordan


 * Genre Reflection #1**

**No Dummies**

Negativity.

He shows it; they see it.

What does he expect?

It’s right in front of them.

Attentive listeners abandon the room.

Complacency.

He shows it; they see it.

What does he expect?

It’s right in front of them.

No passion on his side, none on theirs.

Enthusiasm.

He shows it; they see it.

What does he expect?

It’s right in front of him.

Hands are raised HIGH in the air.

Expectations.

He knows 'em, they know 'em.

What can he expect?

With a positive attitude,

He can expect a lot!


 * Genre Reflection # 2**


 * Hey Teach**

Cantankerous Curmudgeon,

It‘s me, the intern who sits at your table for lunch a few minutes Monday through Friday. I just wanted to write and ask you a small favor…actually its several big favors. Could you please keep your negative comments to yourself? Could you please refrain from telling me the inappropriate nicknames you have for your least favorite students? Could you please smile? Could you please stop complaining? I’m young and new to teaching. I’m full of promise, passion, ideas and love. Please don’t take that away from me…it’s all I have to give.

Not only have I invested monetarily in this profession, but emotionally as well. I want to be here. I want to make a difference. I want a brighter future for myself and my children, and thus have decided to be an educator. I’m here and I’m all-in for the students…every single one of them.

I’m not asking you to change how or who you are; I don’t know your story or what you’ve been through. I’m simply requesting that you do not subject me to such negativity. I love the idea of my future, and I would like to continue to feel in such a way. Thank you very much.

Sincerely and with best intentions,

The Intern


 * Genre Reflection # 3**

**TLC**

** Characters: ** The Intern The Teacher Bobby (student) 24 other students

** Setting: ** Ms. Robinson’s 7th grade Language Arts Classroom is going over a PowerPoint reviewing material for the simple, compound, and complex sentence quiz the next day. The rain outside is coming in heavy sheets, the lights are off for the PowerPoint, and students are working hard to be interested.

** Ms. Robinson: **Bobby, get your head off the desk please and pay attention. You need to know this for your quiz tomorrow. I want to see you do well. // Bobby, with little care, moves from lying on the side of his head to his folded arms. //

** Ms. Robinson: **Okay who can tell me what they put for answer number four. // Students took a quick quiz embedded into the PowerPoint. //Bobby…What did you put for number four?

** Bobby: **A

** Ms. Robinson: **That’s correct, but can you tell me why?

** Bobby: **No, isn’t it good enough I got the right answer?

** Ms Robinson: **I'm happy you got the right answer Bobby, but it will be better for you all-around if know why.

** Bobby: **// Under his breath… //I just don’t care anymore. // Ms. Robinson looks at me, the Intern, and gives a go ahead nod. I immediately know she wants me to talk with Bobby and help encourage him. //

** The Intern: ** // I go over and squat next to Bobby’s desk, but if I talk, I will be distracting other students from the remainder of the lesson. So I quickly grab a sheet a paper and write a few encouraging words for motivation. Bobby reads the letter and gives me a quick glance with a smile. He then pats me on the shoulder and says, “Thanks Mr. Intern.” I smile back and say, “It’s true (referring to the letter), now how can I help you?” //

// The remainder of the class for Bobby is very productive! //