Introductory Letter

Hello! My name is Kailie. I am in my 4th year at Eastern Washington University. I am currently pursuing a degree in Secondary English Education as well as a reading and history minor. This summer was my first quarter off in two years! I was able to go home to Monroe and hang out with my family.  My wonderful parents, vibrant black lab, and beautiful, younger sisters were able to enjoy the cool country rivers, the salty breeze of the ocean and quality family time. As fall quarter approached and the days began to get shorter, I found myself thinking about the deep pink, brand new planner I was going to get from Staples. Then my mind wandered to the fresh, new, midnight black ballpoint pens that I needed to write in my brand new planner. After dreaming about school supplies I started to think about my official “first day outfit” and what to bring for a snack. In my excitement for classes to start again I realized a very important thing. If I can still get this excited for my first day of school at 24 years old, then I was made to be a teacher.

I am not in an observation class yet but I am ready to be! I had the opportunity to observe my favorite 6^th grade teacher, Mrs. Bruton, and my favorite 7^th grade teacher, Mr. Donohue, when I was home over the summer. It was the first time I had been in a classroom watching the teachers every move. I am so excited to be placed into a classroom and start watching and preparing for my own classroom with my own lessons and to create my own classroom climate.  

I love to read books. I love non-fiction, biography, science-fiction, fantasy, thriller and history. I love making connections from books to real life or re-reading books (like the Harry Potter series, every year) and discovering something new. This summer I caught myself “teaching” mini-lessons to my friends and family. I taught my dad about the differences between porpoises and dolphins on our trip to the San Juan Islands and then explained the notable Edgar Allan Poe characteristics found in the popular series The Following to my mom.  Unfortunately, sometimes it takes multiple readings and discussions for me to comprehend some pieces. I feel that sometimes this is a blessing in disguise because I have to use different techniques that are new, uncomfortable or unfamiliar in order to peel away the layers and focus on different aspects of literature.

Throughout this quarter I hope to gain insight on discussion techniques and classroom facilitation for reading activities. I hope to understand some of the issues with teaching reading and reading comprehension in adolescents. I hope that I can use this class to develop my relationships with my peers that will transfer into my future workings with colleagues and students.