Coding in the Classroom: A Horror Story?

Coding scares me. I think I can freely admit that.

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I believe it upsets me much because it is a skill that I have always coveted and never been able to achieve. Even in the most basic tutorials, I find myself getting confused. I think there is a little section of my brain that has been burnt out that would help me to make sense of it. In this way, I am hesitant to bring coding into the classroom. I know it could make for a really interesting storytelling function and I would be very happy if a student came to me who wanted to use code in the ELA classroom. I’m just not confident in teaching it. I’m going to try not to use my irrational fear as a cop-out to not further explore coding. It’s something I think is useful. It’s a skill I honestly NEED for my own well-being. It might just take me some time. Maybe my future students can help teach me. I think that is in the realm of possibilities.

Poetry and Technology Resources

https://www.piclits.com/compose_dragdrop.aspx

https://magneticpoetry.com/pages/play-online

https://twinery.org/

http://www.languageisavirus.com/ – Many resources here. Here are just a few…

http://www.languageisavirus.com/visual-poetry/index.php#.XeChXeiMrb0

http://www.languageisavirus.com/letterlink-poetry/index.php#.XeCha-iMrb0

http://www.languageisavirus.com/electronicpoetry/index.php#.XeChd-iMrb0

http://www.languageisavirus.com/poetry-stamp/index.php#.XeChgeiMrb0

Tarot Going Forward…

What I’ve learned through this process that mastery of tarot may take a lifetime. A deep understanding is going to take years. I’m going to continue to do readings. I’m going to continue to investigate my cards and develop a deep understanding of them. I think tarot has taught me to be a more receptive person. I’m a deeper listener. I think more about myself (in a good way somehow?). They keep me accountable. I find comfort in their continuity. I don’t fear as much. I think that may have something to do with this program in general. I’m settling in and as a creature of comfort, that is really what I’ve been striving for.

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I’m never going to be that person who is a full believer. I’m not going to give myself daily readings. I’m not going to decide my future based on a deck of cards. I’m going to use them as a tool for introspection. I’m open to the possibility of using them as a “sometimes” guide. We’ll have to see.

A Two-Card Cross

I was recommended to try a two-card reading. It’s supposed to be simple and insightful. It relates to a situation and a challenge. A goal and roadblock. So I tried it out and let me tell you, I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw what I drew.

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For some context, I’m currently hiding away from civilization as I complete this semester with just as much gusto as I can manage (which isn’t a lot I’m afraid). So the hermit blocking me from the sun is a twist I should’ve expected. Don’t you love it when the universe gets right to the point?

So it seems i’ve taken self-reflection to a whole new level, so much so that it’s become a roadblock in my life. And as much as I love solitude, I tend to agree with this reading. On the upside, there’s the sun lurking just behind this blockage. This is my favourite card, one that I never get to draw for myself. It is a card of vitality! It shows enlightenment, success, happiness and positive energy all around. This reading is probably telling me I should break down some of those boundaries right?

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This reading seems a little too pointed. I’m mad at my deck.

Youtube in the Classroom

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I’m excited by the possibility to include Youtube in the classroom as an educational tool. I find that Youtube is one of the most common sources of entertainment for adolescents today. It includes millions of engaging, short and long-formed videos that anyone can access for free. The Youtube Education portal isn’t something I was aware of before this class. I think it could be a great resource for a variety of subjects.

I like the idea of using youtube videos as a primer for future lessons. Instead of assigned readings, a short video could be assigned to students to prep them for an upcoming class. I would assume that the number of students who would complete this homework would increase. This would also hopefully lead to higher levels of engagement within the classroom.

I’m always interested in learning from students and using programs that are already ingrained in their lives. These connections could be able to bridge gaps in content and increase accessibility for many students.

A Relationship Reading

I did a distant reading for a friend in Boston who had some relationship questions. We drew a three of pentacles, the high priestess and the ace of cups in reverse. This reading tells a story of growth and maturity. The three of Pentacles represents her past. It is a card of collaboration. My friend often had problems in making decisions on her own. She saught advice for most everything in her life, particularly in relationships. Her relationships were never between two people, but rather a collaborative effort of her friends and family who weighed in on every aspect. This is something she is moving away from. Though she still commonly seeks advice, she is more sure of her abilities to make decisions. The high priestess is a card of knowledge and mystery. It is a call for intuitive decisions and inner wisdom. This moves logically to the ace of cups, reversed. Though this card may mean new love and relationships if upturned, the reverse speaks to self-love. This card also speaks to intuition and introspection into your emotional mindset. My friend fears being emotionally honest. It can make her feel vulnerable and “stupid” to be honest in what she wants. We believe this card is a development in her ability to be honest with herself about her wants, goals, and emotional state.