Using the name of the man who changed literacy in the world forever, WordPress is apparently going to impose a fairly steep learning curve for millions of users by integrating a new editing tool called “Gutenberg.” Based, I assume, on…
Author: Dawn Hogue
Narrative, advertising, and the importance of storytelling in our time
From the earliest days of human history, we have been storytellers. Cultural norms have been created, reinforced, and transmitted to successive generations through stories. Before we began to use science to explain natural phenomenon, we used myths to make sense…
Sharing openly and freely: lessons, tests, and unit plans
I first developed this logo for a hoped-for consulting practice that unfortunately did not materialize beyond the planning stages. However, the idea behind Beyond Bricks and Mortar is as relevant as ever. This logo symbolizes the power the Internet gives…
On to new challenges
After 25 years, my time in front of a classroom is at an end. I am retired from teaching, not retired from life. I will leave this site intact and teachers can search for resources that may be helpful. Please…
Why is it important to read great literature?
Currently my AP students are wrestling with the question: why is it important to read great literature? I asked them to come up with ideas on their own and then do an internet search to find what others are saying.…
Dear President Obama
Dear President Obama, I watched the 2012 Democratic National Convention. I listened as Michelle told of your ritual of reading letters from ordinary (perhaps extraordinary, too) Americans each night. She said that you believed these letters are a key to…
Beyond Another Brick in The Wall
In my first years of teaching, I was still learning the ways of students whose veiled ulterior motives were not always obvious to me. However, as I listened to Pink Floyd’s Another Brick in The Wall yesterday on the radio,…
Books I haven’t read, and won’t
People say “life’s too short” to refer to numerous things they choose not to do. Life’s too short to …. just fill in the blank with whatever you think is a waste of your time. For me, life’s too short…
You Will Live Many Lives
What follows is the text of my farewell speech, written as part of the final AP English Literature project. We all wrote farewell (valedictory speeches) and delivered them formally in the auditorium. It was a unique experience. See the Wordle…
AP English Speeches, A Wordle
I wanted my senior AP English Literature class to have an important experience for their end of the year project, something after the exam that would be personally meaningful. I also recognized that public speaking was not something we focused on…