Culturally Diverse Novels for AP English

Yesterday, I presented on one of my many passions at the Advanced Placement Conference in Austin, Texas: Novels

Words, and authors, and talking with people are three things that I love, and it brings me a lot of joy to do all three at the same time.

When I first saw my name in the AP program guide book, I felt a little nervous, but I quickly reminded myself that I belong here, I am prepared, and novels are my love.

So I went to do what I do; I felt good and confident. I hope that I conveyed my love for novels to the audience, and they will go home and share that love with their families, colleagues, and ultimately the children in which they teach, because all of this is really about our students, their lives, and the world that we want to help to create.

The look that you have when you live in Purpose!

My people, find what you are passionate about, and watch your happiness soar.

Off to Houston to meet my sisters of Delta Sigma Theta for our National Convention....

Happy Sunday!

AP Conference 2015: Teaching Diverse Novels

I received an email and in the heading it stated: The 2015 AP Annual Conference Program Is Available.

I instantly opened the email and scrolled through the sessions, and my session was there:

Teaching Diverse Novels

Location: ACC--Lvl.4, Rm. 17A
Session Subject: English Literature and Composition
I will use the novels Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison and Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid to demonstrate how AP English teachers can use these novels to explore characterization, coming of age, the use of symbols, and culture in order to get a deeper meaning from these and other culturally diverse novels. Toni Morrison and Jamaica Kincaid both use culture and symbols in order to develop characters and drive the plot of the novel, and to tell coming of age stories. With both novels, I will show creative ways that a teacher may use these novels to teach about different cultures and how an author uses "place" in order to develop a plot. 
Presenter(s)
 

• Jacqueline Stallworth, Washington-Lee High School, Arlington, VA

When I saw my name and the description that I wrote, I instantly became excited. I have presented at the AP conference before, but I presented with a colleague, but this time, I will be ALL BY MYSELF!!!

It's really happening: I am presenting at the AP Conference.

This is one of many things that I am excited about today!