Ms. Taylor Says

My students and I have been practicing telling people what we think without telling them "I think."  It's been fun to watch them see how easy it is to sound more professional by simply leaving out the "I" in their papers.  In an effort to "practice" the other day, the bellwork assignment was to write 3-4 sentences answering the following question without using I think, I feel, or I believe.  (Side note--it was pretty funny to hear the kids who had been absent the day before say, "How am I supposed to do that?" and hear the other students reply, "Just say it.")  The question was: Should the voting age be changed from 18 to 16?  Several of them brought up interesting points--like the fact that high schoolers sometimes end up being more informed than their adult counterparts because teachers make them research, or at least discuss, current events.  But what really surprised me was how many of them were willing to admit that 16-year-old

has lasted approximately two weeks. Now we are back to things that work better. We, as Americans, have chosen hope over fear. That is until one party is having a hard time getting some legislation passed. Then we go back to fear--because, let's be honest, it is a more effective technique. (Example: We must pass this bill now or the economy with collapse.) Okay--let me clarify something. I really am not associated with a party, and I really am not looking for our newly elected president to fail. I listened to Pres. Obama's acceptance speech and his inaugural address, and read the press on his first few executive orders. I was impressed; I was hopeful I would be pleasantly surprised with the new administration. I was optimistic that he would be different and truly attempt to make positive changes. Over the last few days I have been disappointed...not so much in his legislation as in the rhetoric he is using to get his legislation passed. He seems to be falling back

I'm currently sitting on my floor, reading a fabulous book, and listening to the joyful giggles as the toddler that lives at the end of my hall runs up and down the hall.  It's one of those perfect Sunday afternoons...sunny and 63, I just got back from a great run, and now I'm in a bit of English-major heaven.