There is no frigate like a book
To take us lands away,
Nor any coursers like a page
Of prancing poetry.
This traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of toll;
How frugal is the chariot
That bears a human soul!
Emily Dickinson
Welcome to Adventures in English
with Ms. Kathy Riddle
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| I first read the above poem when I was in 5th grade, and it really helped me crystalize my feelings toward literature. I was fortunate enough to have a teacher, Mrs. McDonald, who insisted on exposing us to the arts: poetry, mythology, short stories, novels, ballet, and classical music, to name a few. She also insisted we write every day in our journals. Sometimes we wrote about whatever we wished, and sometimes she provided prompts. I still have that writing journal. In it are my responses to Frost, Dickenson, Sandburg, Bach and numerous other interesting topics. Reading and writing were integral parts of my learning process. To do both effectively gives one an invaluable set of tools with which to advance their own learning. I hope to help my students develop these skills. |