by Heather MacCorkle | May 2, 2021 | Education, Essays, Learning, Teaching, Writing
It occurs to me that one way for students to better understand poetry is to write it. I had this epiphany this morning as I scribbled “Irrelevant.” As I was scribbling, I noticed a rhyme scheme and a pattern emerging, and they changed my thought process....
by Heather MacCorkle | Apr 30, 2021 | Poetry, Writing
It needs to become irrelevant that “I’m Still Standing,” Elton John. Perhaps it is true that I’ve been put upon this Earth for more than that, that I’m destined for more than that. Irrelevant. It. Perhaps. I’m still standing....
by Heather MacCorkle | Apr 16, 2021 | Education, Essays, Learning, Teaching, Writing
In my research on writing-to-learn, I found the following explanation from Colorado State University. Generally, writing-to-learn activities are short, impromptu, or otherwise informal, and low-stakes writing tasks that help students think through key concepts or...
by Heather MacCorkle | Mar 6, 2021 | Education, Learning, Teaching, Writing
I teach a creative writing class by the seat of my pants. Why? Because each student who experiences the class is a unique individual. Creative writing is a personal endeavor; pre-established expectations should not hamper creative writers. Therefore, while the...
by Heather MacCorkle | Jan 24, 2021 | Education, Essays, Learning, Life, Teaching, Virtual Learning, Writing
On January 6, 2021, I was working with a student during office hours when my husband came into the dining room to tell me that people had stormed the U.S. Capitol. My mouth dropped open. My student’s mouth dropped open. After my husband apologized for...
by Heather MacCorkle | Oct 17, 2020 | Essays, Teaching, Writing
From nanowrimo.org and created by Tyrell Waiters I participated in this awesome contest for many years before taking a break, but I believe this year, with all the confusion and disorientation many of us are experiencing, it is critical we do what we love. For more...
