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Welcome to Educating Linguistically Diverse Students to our first class, August 23!
First Learning Invitations:
Objective: Exploring the importance of stories in our own lives via place: Place ourselves in Stories
Vocabulary: Google Earth, writing marathon, Red Apple Transit
Part I: Search GOOGLE EARTH about significant Place (1-1:30pm)
Computers are set up so that you can Google a place of significance to you and then tell your partner about it. Partner listens and retells your story.
LLSS 315 is about stories. The heart of teaching and learning are stories. Our practicum will involve stories. If everything starts from the center and moves outward, then we start with ourselves and move out toward the students. We have to understand ourselves first and our stories.
Part II is getting out and about in the community & Writing Marathon (Depart 1:44pm)
Riding the Red Apple Transit Bus one hour round trip from UNM
Along the way we will participate in a writing marathon where we will write, read, ride, sharing with your partner.
In Honor of our Writing Marathon on the Red Apple Transit (departing at 1:44pm for approximately one hour), this song was inspired by you and is dedicated to you and your ride:
OUR RIDING/WRITING MARATHON DITTI
We’re going for a ride on the Red Apple, the Red Apple, the Red Apple.
We’re going for a ride on the Red Apple, How about them apples!
We’re going for a ride, ride, ride and we’re going to write and read in style.
We’re going for a ride, ride, ride. Now wave to our classroom a goodbye!
We’re walking down the steps, (oh yes we are) and we’re walking out the door (put your foot to the floor)We’re waiting for the bus, (now beam us up); we’re running for the bus (wait for us)!!!
Adapted from the song: “Momma takin’ us to the Zoo Tomorrow”
Share a writing entry with class members when we return to UNM classroom.
Why did you think we went on a Red Apple Transit Ride today?
Our goal is to ultimately realize that students bring stories of where they live to school. Students are walking stories coming through the classroom door. When they walk through the classroom door, they will know whether we honor them, their language, culture-or stories not by what we say but by what we do in our classroom. The places we traveled along the Red Apple Transit way are places where some of our students live. This is their community and we need to feel a part of it, therefore, we need to know what is in it. Throughout our class, we will have opportunities to visit places in the community that you choose as interesting, little known or worthy of learning more about.
In this class we will learn to appreciate stories on all levels and its valuable role in teaching and learning. We will use stories as the content and context for learning, as you will see in our practicum at Apache Elementary School.
Please post your writing marathon entry or reflection from Red Apple Transit to our course blog before 8/30 we meet next week. See preview for next week, August 30th class.
I look forward to our storied time together! Frances
N.B. Does everyone have a background check substitute teaching license?
Hey guys! What an adventure! I am just going to post what I wrote on the transit ride. No need to read the full thing, of course, but I have been told it is humorous.
ReplyDelete"The first thing I notice upon boarding the bus is how nice and cool it is. The second: how clean and quaint it is on board. It's very nice in here. Little did I know I would soon be wishing for a real seat with seat belts!
First stop is Rocinante. What?
Second - San Juan College. I feel as though we should consolidate so the newcomers will have more room; however, no one moves. The greasy one sits by Jessica.
Third stop is Social Security. More people will get on. This time I speak up and Suzie moves to sit with Kinberly. No one wishes to make the pregnant Gladys uncomfortable. I look to the floor as my mind wanders. Suzie's toenails are beautiful! A passenger tries to get off before a designated stop. SHUT DOWN! You'll have to wait, Mr. Man, and your overlarge earring, too!
Fourth stop Mr. Earring disembarks. Greasy vacates his seat next to Jessica for the newly-empty one. Why can't they open up the back seats? Our class obviously takes up too much space. I do not think the drive is happy. Cheer up emo kid!
Next stop is Smith's. If we ask really, really nicely, will she go to Schlotsky's for us? One guy leaves, scary guy gets on. I am judgemental! He could be very nice. Hey, I used to live near here. McKinley is looking great! I don't mention Schlotsky's. I have the distinct impression the driver is unhappy and possibly suicidal judging by her driving. No chauffuer stops on this trolly!
Next stop Mesa Shopping Center. No one gets on or off. Greasy remains.
My back is starting to hurt. These are not altogether comfortable. I wonder how Gladys is going? I do not wish to interrupt her thoughtful gaze out the window.
Next stop is the Civic Center. Still no change.
Next... Civic Center... again? Greasy leaves!
We are downtown now. I've always liked downtown Farmington. I like it at night - it makes me feel like I'm in a big city with its streetlights/lamps and connected buildings.
State building - old scary guy gets off.
OMG DANA WTF
I just noticed that the roped-off area is roped off with that appears to be a seatbelt. Safety first for that blank space between the poles. Nah, don't worry about us. We'll just play JELLO and call it good.
In the distance - Adult Video Store - Jesus is Watching You!
Southside River Road - everyone is stationary. If we go a bit further I can get home! But my car is at UNM so no-go there.
Chula Vista - nothin'.
I am getting bored and would rather be reading my book. Would Frances yell at me if I did? Hmm...
Next stop by Big Lots, drivers change, more people get on. Maybe the next driver won't be so grumpy! One guy simply takes down the seat belt and three people fo sit in the back. I would be angry is I was the driver. They didn't even ask! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Dana wrote the new lady who sat in front of me is reading that I'm writing. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS!
Are we there, yet?
The coupld get off.
Ice Cream Truck!
I can tell the fun has been diminishing for us all. I imagine my writing has gotten angrier, less coherent. I can invision a person in my mind slowly going mad. Will this trip ever end?!
We are on 30th. Perhaps we are nearly there?
Frances is packing up. Surely the madness will end soon...
We are pulling in.
It is over!"
Honestly, I feel as though I had TOO MUCH fun at the end there. Reading it now I can tell I was thinking of Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart in the back of my mind. It starts calmly, but as time goes on, sanity wanes! I do not have the guilt, of course, but you get the picture, I'm sure!
I enjoyed the ride on the Red Apple Transit. I had always wanted to ride on it and it was a pleasure to ride it with all of you ladies. I felt like I was in a big city. Having to be the driver all the time it was nice to set back and enjoy the view of Farmington. It was fun to see who got on the Apple and their expressions as we drove around. Some looked tired, others anxious, bored. It is neat being able to be part of someone's life if for but a moment. It was a great experience and one I will soon not forget.
ReplyDeleteLove your post Sarah. You are very funny. I had a hard time reading the original (ha ha) so I'm glad you wrote it again.
ReplyDeleteThe Red Apple Transit! I knew from the first day I saw them in town that I had to go for a ride. It was everything I thought it would be. The very first thing I noticed was the bright Christmas colors. It reminded me of the Polar Express, which is one of my son’s favorite movies. This gave me a warm, cozy feeling from the start. I sat at the very front because I knew it was going to be a bumpy ride and someone once told me that the back and the front of the bus always have the best suspension. Also, I figured since there were no seat belts I would at least have the front rail to hold on to. (I ended up using it a lot!)
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to see that this service is helpful to many people in the community. The bus stopped at many different places in town, as passengers from all different walks of life loaded and unloaded.
Although the over all ride was bumpy, the curves almost sent everyone flying out of their tiny seats, and the driver had a heavy foot, this unexpected ride turned out to be quite fun. We got to experience something different with our classmates that we would probably not normally do in our daily lives. Thanks for the adventure!
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ReplyDeleteI have found out many new facts about a community service—the red apple transit. It only costs fifty cents for a round trip with a student ID, the bus is cool, holds thirty people, and is on a timed schedule. I thought this would not be useful since a person has to pay attention to the stops and times when the bus arrives. After a few stops I learned people do use it. It is not completely uncomfortable if you don’t mind the tossing around and fast driving. Everybody is quiet except our class. We can only hold our sides and laugh at our classmates expressions as the bus takes off. The other passengers don’t even smile. Some prefer their IPods—I don’t blame them. I think only the driver likes the music.
ReplyDeleteThis bus reminds me of riding the school bus. Bumpier in the back and still not fun. The difference being the bus driver drives really fast (I think to make up time for Francis stalling her) and the driver brakes hard. There is a camera posted up front and at least it looks like it works unlike the one on my old school bus. The driver looks and sounds serious. It is like she doesn’t want to smile. She ignores all the passengers unless they try to break a rule. I think the driver is careless since she just turned right in front of two cars.Why does the bus driver get a seat belt and we don’t? It really is unfair to Glady’s. I hope this ride does not send her in labor!
We stop and change drivers. Our new driver is an elderly male who smiles nicely. The change in drivers is remarkable. I guess women are worse drivers. The blinker beeps horribly. Almost back. I see the school at last!! The trip was only an hour long and yet my stomach is rumbling. Ground, how I missed you!! I see my car and picture kissing it and promising it I will never leave it behind again. I might be a crazy driver but at least I have a seat belt that stops me from all that bumping I experienced on the red apple transit.
This experience was a great experience for me because I have never rode on the Red Apple Transit. I never have noticed who is riding on this Transit but now I have some kind of idea. College students can get to and from school and others can get from one end of town to the other with only some pocket change. As we cruised through town, it is different to ride than to be driving. As we drove through town, I looked around at what was going around. I think that the stops around town were convenient for most people that live in Farmington. And most of the stops are a short walking distance from schools and residental areas.
ReplyDeleteThough it was a rough ride around town for most of the ride, it was a good experience. Thanks Francis!
Flora Vista Road: Cottonwood, evergreens, peach, desert willows, broad-leafed, small-leafed, trumpet vines, elm, sunflowers, red plum, homes with gardens, manicured and not.
ReplyDeleteThese are the homes where our students live. Homes that complete and nurture their roots. Ones that provide solace with missing branches. Homes with fragrant reassurances.
Homes that are empty shells inside infested by pesky vermin.
Homes unsafe, inhabitable, psychologically and physically.
Homes where we will visit as teachers.
Homes that will humble us and feed us.
Homes that will mention us by name at the dinner table or curse us at report card time.
Homes, the heart and soul of students we teach.
Our classrooms of school homes - we try to create each new year - to house our learning stories of growth, celebration, vulnerabilities, fears and change.
At the year's end, students will always go to some home and leave our classroom home for good.
Thank you Red Apple Transit for a thoughtful ride as we looked and wrote during our writing and riding marathon!-)............Frances
Hey all I felt like I was back on the Red Apple Transit just getting to this site to post this silly blog!! No seriously the ride was fun, for a while, there were more people than I thought riding those cute red buses. I don't think I could say it any better than Sarah what an awesome story teller you are!! It was an experience.
ReplyDeletehey everyone, I haven't met you yet, but I rode the Red Apple by myself. Strangely enough, we had the same bus driver who told me all about the class. So, here goes:
ReplyDeleteSan Juan library. i've been in Farmington almost 2 weeks now. My dad told me the bus stopped infront of the performing arts complex. Surpise, its infront of the library now. Wait, where's the library. I finally found it, missed the bus, and took the next one. I only had a five dollar bill, but the only other guy on board gave me a dollar.
Social Security;
it's a slow day, no one gets on or off. It's just me and the guy. He's been riding the bus for a month since his car got stolen. He's going to Smith's to get groceries.
Some houses:
The next stop is residential. I guess people in nice houses need the bus too.
Smith's:
The guys gets off, it's only me and the bus driver.
Mesa Shopping center:
an older well dressed man gets on. I say hi, but he doesn't respond and goes to the back of the bus. I move up a seat so I can talk with the driver. She's been a driver for 5 years; likes being out and about; works four 12 hour days each week; the best part of her job is she meets alot of nice people. The bus is busiest during commute times.
Senior Center:
a woman is running down the street to catch the bus. The driver stops early, knowing the woman won't make it to the official stop in time. that's a nice driver! I see the green line up ahead. There's a bicycle in front. Cool!
Farmington Civic Center;
Smoke break for the driver. She gets off, the man gets off. The woman behind me is putting on makeup. I think about sitting in the sun for a minute, since its so cold on the bus. the song in the background is asking, "If you like Pina coladas..." I love the oldies station!
State Office Building:
No one gets on or off. I think that its a shame that service ends so early, otherwise i would take the Red Apple home after having a beer.
Southside River Road:
We go past alot of trailers. they are all surprisingly well kept. Some of the houses need some work though.
Chula Vista park:
A grandpa asks directions for his kids. They need to get to the hospital. The little girl is about 4 and the older guy in his late teens. I swear I smell alcohol. We go past a number of oil businesses. The dynamics of Farmington are fascinating: so much wealth and so much poverty.
Animas park:
No one gets on or off. We see a deer. The driver says its rare, they usually don't cross the street.
Orchard Plaza:
The Family Dollar is next to the loans and Checks Cashed. Evil institution! We change drivers. The new driver has a leather jacket with fantastically long fringe. The other two passengers change buses. We pass some kids taking pictures of the bus. The driver comments ona classic 1970's truck. We start to talk. her son is special needs student. She used to go to San Juan College for Special Education but dropped out to advocate for her son. She asks if I'm a reporter. I tell her I'm doing this for a class, so i guess that makes me an unpaid reporter. She starts to tell me about the class a couple weeks ago who all took the bus together. I smiled. We talk about how not many people know about the Red Apple and the controversy with the new buses. Some say they are too garish, but I think its good advertising. The driver seems to think they aren't very manueverable. She likes her job because she can take care of her son now. When she first started driving for the schools, she made $600 a month. that's some impressive tenacity and ingenuity that allows you to raise a kid on that amount of money. She makes about 4 times as much now. We arrive back at San Juan College. I thank her and leave. It was really interesting. i think I'll take the bus again.
I spent most of the ride talking with passengers and drivers. When I first got on, there was one other guy on board. I only had a five, so he gave me a dollar. His car was stolen a month ago, so now the Red Apple was his only transportation. he was headed to Smith's to get groceries.
ReplyDeleteThe first driver was about 60. She had been a driver for 5 years. She liked to be out and about and meet nice people. She works four 12 hour days, but enjoys it. She stopped for a smoke break and I rocked out to the Pina Colada song. It's too bad the serice ends so early, otherwise I would take it home after having a beer.
The other side of the river was really interesting. I was surprised to see so many trailers. Growing up, I'd always though that Farmington was wealthier than Gallup, but I'm not sure now. All of the yards were kept. next we went past some oil businesses. Farmington is really interesting: so much wealth and so much poverty right next door to each other.
ReplyDeleteWe saw a deer by Animas Park.
We changed drivers at orchard Plaza. the new driver had a sweet motorcycle jacket. We started talking about her son, who is a special needs child. She used to be in the Special Education program at San Juan College, but dropped out to advocate for her son. She's a single mom. When she first went back to work, she made $600 a month driving buses for Farmington Schools. I was impressed that she could raise a child on that. Now she makes 4 times that and is alot happier. She asked if i was a reporter and I told her I was there for a class. She mentioned that there was a UNM class a couple weeks ago that all took the tour together. I laughed to myself.
We finish back at San Juan. I thank her for the ride. It's a great service. I'll take the bus again.