Tracks to Clementine

Three Days Past Rabbit, Rabbit

I am turning cartwheels in my mind. They are perfect, occasionally one-handed and often aerial.

Because, you see, I am a true wonder, like a perfect piece of chocolate cake found where none had existed before.

I had nearly one million things due on June 1st. And exactly one million of them were freaking me out. Furthermore, all one million of them involved some element of persuasive and/or artistic writing (not seen here). One of the million included an outline of a workshop I'm teaching this summer for other teachers and was to include drafts of specific exercises to include during the workshop.

I finished the outline/handout/master's thesis (complete to including specific references and explanations of links to arts-based educational standards as approved by our state) and ideas for expanded learning. But no exercises. And this is because part of the whole point of the workshop is to identify unconventional (to classroom teachers) moments for drama to be incorporated into existing classroom structures. And how do you write up an exercise prior to having the discussion and invention of it? You tell me, Almanzo Wilder.

I decided it was a no go, sent in my outline and a weary-plea to the powers that be. And this is what I got back in response:

I think that this is dandy, and agree with you that writing up the actual examples you use in the session afterward makes perfect sense. The point of the session is to get the teachers identifying the common "moments" when drama can be incorporated. Your outline is clear, great delineation of the [arts-based standards] w/ teachers and student actions. Also, I like the questions you include and your playful language throughout the handout.

Okay, so maybe the person who wrote the above email is truly the piece of chocolate cake, but I get to eat it!

...or, y'know, something with a metaphor that is neither mixed nor confusing.

(Insert actual piece of chocolate cake here.)

Posted by Ida at June 4, 2007 04:42 PM