The Myth and The Myth Maker

 Reflecting back on my experience creating a myth I noticed that there are a lot of factors you must consider when creating a myth, especially a myth worth lasting through the ages. I found that I struggled to build the story to be clear and would have to go back and add information. I also felt that it made me more curious about myths and how they come to be. It seems like they have to have interest in the people in order to last as long as they do. It was like realizing that our favorite traditions were really just events that those before us found the most value in them. A myth is a place for hope, especially the one I created, The Well of Love. It is this idea that maybe somewhere out there two people really are destined for one another. I think although there is a difference in creating and studying a myth the studying of a myth enhances the process of creating a myth. This is because you familiarize yourself with the content and its affect which can frame your creative process. 

As a teacher I think it would be very important to give structure, examples, and an outline for my students to be able to create myths. The freedom we have with a creative project like this can almost make it difficult to construct a myth. I really did like this project and would use this for 10th graders specifically since that is when we cover myths. I learned that it would be beneficial to do this at the end of the unit so my students can connect what they know about myths to the process of creating a myth. 

So I guess us teachers really are still learning!

Are You the Poet or the Reader

There is a wide difference between writing poetry and writing about poetry. Writing poetry is an art form and it requires you to be vulnerable where when you write about poetry you have to think about perspective and the meaning behind someone else’s words. When you write poetry you tell a story and create something to be analyzed. When you write about poetry you analyze a story and walk alongside the characters asking them questions. I think like many art forms of writing you need practice in the craft to turn around and analyze. When you write poetry and put yourself in the shoes of the author it is easier to travel through the writing of someone else. Especially when it comes to poetry which leaves room for so much interpretation you need to be the author to understand the difference between the author's intent and impact. I have learned from the experience of writing poetry and writing about poetry that the author’s impact is different than the author’s intent when it comes to the final product of poetry. Knowing this I have been able to turn to my students and show them that since the impact of their writing is going to be different than their intent they should write for themselves. I have made it a point to teach my students that their words matter and they can impact change. This has given my students the unneeded permission to be free in their writing. This then becomes full circle because it allows them to have a new perspective for writing poetry and writing about poetry. 

The First Glimpse

Hello reader, I am Hailey Pack. Currently I am a senior at CSUN getting my BA in English Literature and my Teaching Credential. As I enter this last year of my college education I am able to stand firm on a few things. If you can not find me in a classroom I am at the beach, I have explored an equal amount of places on earth as in books, and a small act of kindness paired with an inner confidence can not only change someone's life but it is a contagious energy. Some other things to note about me is I love music, art, movies, and sports. In my humble opinion they are all aspects to the backbone of our society. They create community and guide us to people and opportunities that shape us as people.

Having been in a classroom for quite some time now I have come to the ever changing thought that media technology can enhance teaching but must be used with caution. The rather traditional literature that is taught in an English class has become a lost art, and as much as I believe that we should move with time, I think we should also reflect on where we started. I am a firm believer of teaching beyond the textbook, teaching about life through the required material and having a safe space for your students. That being said, many of our students feel safe with the media because it is familiar.

As a student I have found that using the creative aspect of media in the classroom can work wonders for the engagement and understanding in the classroom. For example, having students create an instagram account for a character of the novel they are reading can help connect the world of literature to the lives our students live in today. This assignment allows them to reflect and think like the character furthering the connection and understanding of the literature.