seasons

Yesterday, my freshmen were working on adding imagery to their narrative essays. I asked them to use words to show me what the setting looked like, sounded like, felt like, etc... I gave them an example of autumn that included rich descriptions of crunchy leaves, chunky scarves, vibrant reds and oranges, and frosty, biting air.

I thought it was pretty great.

One thing that I've learned in my short career as a teacher is that most of my "pretty great" lessons, jokes, or anecdotes actually suck.

Student: Miss, what time of year were you just describing?
Me: Fall.
Student: That's the same as autumn?
Me: Yes.
Student: What part of the year does that happen?
Me: Well (struggling), it's right now.
Student: It's hot right now. It doesn't look like your imagery at all.

Los Angeles.

Three doe-eyed freshmen stared at me for 3 minutes (the longest they've every paid attention) while I narrated with imagery the four seasons that take place in other parts of the country.

Student: Like in movies, Miss?
Me: Yes. Like in movies.