English-Gabriel

After teaching for 44 years, I thought it was time to retire. At first it was great fun! I could sleep as late as I wanted and do whatever I wanted all day long. But, much to my amazement, after a few months, it started to get boring.

So I volunteered at the Blanden Art Museum, Almost Home, RSVP and also became trained as a licensed respite/emergency foster care parent. Still, feeling that something was missing, I became a substitute teacher. And I loved it! It was then I realized I had a passion for kids, learning and teaching and that is what had been missing in my life. Sooo...I'm back and I couldn't be happier!

When I first started teaching at St. Edmond, I taught middle school English and 21 Century Skills. Three years ago I moved to the high school English department. I really love working with these young adutls!

Literature is such an important and fun class to teach. There are so many lessons to be learned about life, beyond the literary eras, devices, etc.

I grew up in Minneapolis, MN. I was blessed with a tremendous mom and dad who gave me so much love! One of the most important lessons I learned from them was about being kind to others. My childhood so wonderful and amazing it almost sounds make-believe! (But that's another story!)

My grandparents were a big influence in my life. They had a zest for life and every weekend we would go to the airport, the library, the zoo, swimming, etc. My favorite thing was that on cold or rainy days, we would create recipes, make music, draw, and make up stories. They encouraged my creativity and my love for it.

After high school, I attended from Mankato State College in 1974, and graduated with degrees in English, Education, Journalism and Mass Communications. (Public Relations). I began teaching at South Junior High in Fort Dodge in 1974, where I taught English and the Talented and Gifted Program. I retired from public school in 2010.

I love spending my free time hanging out with my grown children and my two grandkids, whether we be playing games, doing crafts, swimming, walking in the woods, or just laughing and talking together.

If you ever have questions or concerns, please contact me at St. Edmond on school days between 9:45 - 10:15 or 12:30 - 1:00. You can also reach me by my cell phone: 515-574-9263.

Grading and homework: As stated in the St. Edmond Student Handbook, all assignments are due at the beginning of class. After that, an assignment's grade will be docked 50%. Late work will be counted as a zero.

Click UNDERLINED links below for specific class information.

World Mytholgy, Legends

and Folklore Assignments

For assignments, please go to

https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/MzgwMzE4ODExMDc5

Enter the code: 6gohrav

Beyond the Greek and Roman myths is

a world full of stories of adventure! In this

class, we will examine the commonalities

of mythology from around the world.

We will study legends such as Beowulf,

King Arthur, etc. The final unit will be

on urban legends.

American Lit. Assignments

For assignments, please go to

https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/MzgwMzE1NzMxOTY4and enter the code: ew4koxz

The study of literature involves reading, discussing, thinking and writing. Through literature, people learn to see how complex human beings are and are become more understanding of others. Literature also broadens one's horizons and stimulates a more active imagination. Inreading literature, different beliefs, ideas, and societies are explored.

Modern Literature Assignments

Our study will begin with 1900 and continue up to the present day. It will involve not only the reading of books, but also the study of literary devices, analysis and interpretation.

Film Study Assignments

The film study class will involve much more than simply watching movies. The history and development of cinema will be discussed, as will the different genres. Silent films to recent blockbusters will be studied by applying interpretation and analysis skills that will be taught in class.

Multicultural Literature

For assignments, please go to:

https://classroom.google.com/u/0/c/MzgwMzIzOTQ4ODg0

Code: yyfqzum

Expectations: Students are expected to be both physically and mentally present each day in order to actively participate in classroom instruction and engage in meaningful discussion. Behavior is expected to be that befitting and reflecting a young adult entering his/her final years of high school. Students are expected to maintain a high work ethic (completing work on time and to the best of his/her ability) and a positive attitude.