Au Revoir, Red Fern!

"Regardless of all the discouraging talk, the love and belief I had in my little red hounds never faltered. I could see them now and then, leaping over old logs, tearing through the underbrush, sniffing and searching for the lost trail. My heart swelled with pride. I whooped, urging them on." Chapter 16, pg. 188

This past week (and continuing into the next, too) in addition to the Library Project, our classes will say goodbye to the novel Where the Red Fern Grows, the final chapter of which contains some very powerful imagery. One surprising by-product of our having shared this work as a class is that so many students (and parents) have in turn shared with me their appreciation of the novel and its themes.

Of all the wonderful themes and elements at work in the novel, one of my favorites is the idea of "the rites of passage." Our friend Billy goes through many triumphs and tragedies on his journey, as we follow him from being a young boy in the Ozarks Mountains with dreams to a more mature lad whose resolve has been tested. As those of you have read the book know, his journey is one of gain and loss--some larger and more significant than others.

I had the great opportunity this past week to visit a number of different activities outside of Language Arts class with which our students have some level of involvement. I was kindly made aware of many more performances and competitions that I unfortunately could not attend due to prior commitments at home. Our students certainly contribute to the overall betterment of our community through their dancing, helping, singing, playing, cheering and supporting.

Much like Billy, the rites of passage our students face are rife with challenge, but the support of their parents and teachers certainly seems to have prepared them for a level of success; a success I hope we in the community-at-large will continue to share in.

Read Up and Write On!