Blog Post #3

    Creating my very own myth website was an experience I never knew I needed/wanted. These past few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions, ideas, feelings, swirling around in my mind until I figured out something I liked. This project gave me the opportunity to use my creative thinking skills to create a fully-developed myth, and while this experience definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone a bit, I am excited to use these new found skills in my own future classes. 
    The experience of working on a website has improved my technical skills, advancing my knowledge in an increasingly digital classroom environment. Research can help deepen one’s understanding of diverse cultures and historical contexts, which is crucial for fostering a global perspective in the classroom. Partaking in a research process, aimed at broadening one’s understanding of  different myths, can help teach students the importance of storytelling, symbolism, and moral lessons found in various traditions. 
    Creating content for a myth website has also refined my communication skills, as I will need to present complex ideas in an engaging and accessible way for my students. Producing content that is interesting and comprehensible is key to student engagement. Overall, this project aided in broadening my resources that will help to engage future students, and maybe even other faculty members.

Blog Post #2

    I find poetry to be a unique form of art that allows people to express their own personal thoughts or feelings in a way they only know how. Words. The intricate design and layout of each individual word being carefully placed has a beautifully deep meaning to it. 
    For my most recent project, I conducted a thorough analysis of Matthew Arnold’s poem “Dover Beach” and how Arnold utilized the act of realism and symbolism to form a personal connection with his readers. I found this to be extremely interesting and useful for my own writing. Identifying and applying these techniques throughout my works has aided in the progression of my poems, as now I like to really take my time to piece together my artwork. 
    However, as enticing and invigorating as it was meticulously researching the ins and outs of poem structure, background, and authenticity, I believe I enjoy writing creatively on my own time the most. Taking the time out of my day to sit down and really allow myself to freely open myself up through pen and paper. This “process” helps unleash my most genuine and cherished memories, ideas or feelings for anyone to see. Or just for myself, that’s okay too. 
    As a teacher, I would love to incorporate this process into my own class schedule. Providing a time and safe space for my students to voluntarily write about anything they wish. Short stories, diary entries, book reports, etc. whatever my kids feel comfortable enough to compose.

Blog Post #1

    Hello to any and all future students. I am Bryana, but I just go by Bry. (Or Ms. Bry/B to you.) I am currently 25 years old and in my junior year at CSUN. I enjoy reading and anything to do with nature like hiking, camping, beach days, etc. 
    I have been lucky enough to be part of a time where technology is so useful and easily accessible. I do believe the generation of kids I would be potentially teaching could gain a lot more experience and feel more comfortable with using technology in a school setting. However, I would love the opportunity and freedom to incorporate a nature based learning environment for my students. Whether I start out small by teaching lessons on picnic blankets under shady trees, or involve more outdoor activities for my students, I believe this approach would benefit future students. 
    A few sample experiments I would love to try would be arranging a time and space outside for students to read or work on homework outside. Maybe starting a small garden and planting various herbs, fruits, and vegetables of the seasons and teaching students how to incorporate such crops into their daily diets. We can actively recycle, compost and spread the word of its importance. I would love to hatch butterflies with my students every year.
    Overall, incorporating small actions to help the environment, and making time for breaks outside of a stuffy classroom and off our phones/laptops are great examples I actively want to embrace in my teaching career.