Mollie Hetrick, a third-grade teacher in Lauderdale County, Alabama, transforms the excitement of the Iron Bowl into a unique literary work that engages and inspires her students.
The aftermath of the 88th Iron Bowl between the University of Alabama and Auburn University left many fans in a state of recovery. However, for Mollie Hetrick, a dedicated third-grade teacher at Underwood Elementary in Lauderdale County, the chaos on the field served as inspiration for a creative endeavor. Hetrick channeled the energy and excitement of the game into a poem titled “4th and 31,” which she shared with her students. Through this unique approach to teaching, Hetrick not only engaged her students but also imparted valuable language arts lessons.
Fluency, Inferences, and Poetry: A Classroom Transformation
Hetrick’s decision to bring her poem, “4th and 31,” into the classroom was driven by her desire to create an interactive and engaging learning experience for her students. By incorporating different language arts lessons into the reading of the poem, Hetrick found a way to teach fluency, inferences, poetry, and stanzas in a way that captivated her students.
The Power of Poetry in Education
Poetry has long been recognized as a powerful tool for teaching various aspects of language arts. Hetrick’s use of the poem “4th and 31” not only allowed her students to explore the technical elements of poetry, such as stanzas and rhyme schemes, but it also encouraged them to think critically and make inferences. Through the poem, Hetrick provided her students with a creative outlet for self-expression and inspired them to explore their own poetic abilities.
Student Inspiration and Empowerment
Hetrick’s innovative approach to teaching had a profound impact on her students. One student expressed their admiration, stating, “I think it’s really good that she did that ’cause it inspired me to write my own poem one day.” By witnessing Hetrick’s creativity and passion for poetry, her students were motivated to explore their own artistic abilities and develop a love for literature.
Conclusion:
Mollie Hetrick, a third-grade teacher at Underwood Elementary in Lauderdale County, Alabama, has demonstrated the power of creativity and innovation in the classroom. By transforming the chaos of the Iron Bowl into a captivating poem titled “4th and 31,” Hetrick engaged her students in a unique and meaningful way. Through the exploration of different language arts lessons, her students not only learned about poetry but also developed crucial skills such as fluency and inference-making. Hetrick’s dedication to her students’ education and her ability to inspire them through her own creative work serve as a testament to the transformative power of literature in the classroom.
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