22 Apr

Teaching Shakespeare is never easy. But teaching Shakespeare to a classroom of mostly English Language Learners? It's not only difficult, but hilarious.

This morning I began reading Romeo & Juliet to my ninth graders. We had already gone over the history of Shakespeare's life, the history of Elizabethan England, and what was considered popular entertainment at the time (think bear baiting, public executions and cockfights--and yes, "cockfights" evoked some serious laughter from the 14-year-old boys in the room.) Now it was time to discuss puns.

08 Dec

It's funny how you just get used to things. Take away modern conveniences like a garbage disposal or a microwave, and all of a sudden you find yourself emptying food waste in the trash or compost, and reheating leftovers on the stove without a second thought.

There are so many of these things I've learned to live without since I've moved abroad, but here are probably the top 10: