In The Age again talking about why I love teaching and what's keeping me in the profession-here's a hint, the kids, always the kids. "In a classroom with teenagers, there are no coded messages, no doublespeak, no hidden meanings. What you see is what you get. A teenager is in a state of becoming, and in that state, they are completely, and beautifully, authentic. I never have to guess what a student is thinking or feeling; it is there on their face, in their body language, and in their words." Link below or in bio https://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/teachers-are-quitting-in-droves-here-s-why-i-m-not-one-of-them-20240614-p5jlxw.html
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Wow, so rapt that I was profiled by Creative Brimbank as a part of their Studio Artist Profile Video Series featuring my amazing studio at Hunt Club Community Arts Centre. I'm calling this new feature, dumb things that social media told me to try. Today's theme is asking ChatGPT the question:
"Based on our previous interactions what is something you know about me that I might not know about myself?" It told me that: "Something you might not know about yourself, based on our interactions, is how deeply committed you are to fostering community and education through your creative work. Whether it's through your self-publishing ventures, writing workshops, or teaching roles, you consistently blend your personal experiences with a desire to uplift others. This blend of authenticity and educational outreach not only showcases your resilience but also reflects a unique capacity to inspire, engage, and empower diverse audiences. Your storytelling has an important ripple effect on the communities you serve." Well colour me impressed. This is like going to a psychic where they tell you wildly flattering information about yourself and I didn't have to pay for it. Someone talked about how they're using it for therapy. I think we all know where this is going.... Couldn't put it down and speed read in three days. Very multi-layered crime novel that centers on Grace who is on the run, and delves into other characters' lives who revolve around her. Great characterisation and pacing. Could not see the plot twists coming. Really enjoyed it!!!!
My latest article in The Age published today where I lean into the whole "share your weird thing vibe." So my weird thing is I've never been into babies and now that I'm going through menopause I have a new strange sensation of revulsion. Who knew!!!! The joys of hormones and all that. https://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/life-and-relationships/now-that-i-m-done-with-child-rearing-i-find-babies-revolting-20241007-p5kgeg.html
I work as a high school teacher and teach across four subject areas: English, English as an Additional Language, Humanities and Creative Writing. I have been teaching for eleven years and each year is getting easier, mostly because I have now taught across all year levels 7-10 and subject areas and have created resources to support my teaching.
In the first five years of teaching more than 50% of teachers leave the teaching profession. I came dangerously close to becoming a part of this statistic after numerous burn outs throughout my first four years. I want to do something to change this and so every Monday I will be a mentor by sharing my teaching resources and classroom tips. Creating resources is where I get to put to use my creativity and my writing background and I want them to have a larger audience. Feel free to share, use and adapt my resources. The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf by Ambelin Kwaymullina![]()
“There will come a day when a thousand Illegals descend on your detention centres. Boomers will breach the walls. Skychangers will send lightning to strike you all down from above, and Rumblers will open the earth to swallow you up from below. . . . And when that day comes, Justin Connor, think of me.”
Ashala Wolf has been captured by Chief Administrator Neville Rose. A man who is intent on destroying Ashala’s Tribe — the runaway Illegals hiding in the Firstwood. Injured and vulnerable and with her Sleepwalker ability blocked, Ashala is forced to succumb to the machine that will pull secrets from her mind. And right beside her is Justin Connor, her betrayer, watching her every move. Will the Tribe survive the interrogation of Ashala Wolf? Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Dystopia, Science Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Australia Reading activities The Interrogation of Ashala Wolf Text Response Unit
This unit takes students through the process of reading and understanding the novel, scaffolds to help with the writing process and text response graphic organisers to help teach TEEL.
Learning Intentions:
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Text response activities
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TEEL Structure graphic organisers
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AuthorAmra Pajalić is an award-winning author, an editor and teacher who draws on her Bosnian cultural heritage to write own voices stories for young people, who like her, are searching to mediate their identity and take pride in their diverse culture. She writes memoir, young adult and romance under the pen name Mae Archer. newsletterSign up and receive free books.
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