Expressive Writing on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, March/April 2019 Issue

By Lex Talamo

I moved to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation as a naïve 22-year-old teacher in 2009, with high hopes and big plans to instill my love of writing in my 80 incoming middle school students.

My principal informed me there was no formal writing curriculum—I would have to create one from scratch.

I quickly ditched the idea of throwing together anything from the materials in the two creaky roller carts in my classroom: a class set of dog-eared red Merriam Webster dictionaries and an 80-year-old set of Houghton Mifflin grammar books, so scarred with gang signs and ink as to be illegible.

I paid out-of-pocket for class sets of novels, drafted long term plans, pirated resources from the lethargic internet connection. Then, I eagerly awaited my first batch of students, who I quickly learned had their own ideas about what would happen in my classroom.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking exclusive content.
Subscribe now for full access.
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Lex Talamo graduated with a Master’s Degree in investigative journalism from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. She has also taught middle and high school writing.

Education News

Emirates “Travel Rehearsal” Programs for Children With Autism

As part of Autism Awareness Month, several milestones have been achieved on Emirates’ journey to make travel more accessible for all.

Is Cybersecurity in Schools a Priority?

In response to mounting cyber threats facing school districts across the country, CoSN has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign.

STEAM and Civility: COSI Launches a New Learning Lunchbox

COSI's new John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox is a hands-on science kit that helps students explore STEAM concepts while also learning the value of civility and civic engagement.

5 Reasons Why Green Schoolyards Earn an A+

Green schoolyards benefit the children who use them by improving mental health, physical health, and learning outcomes.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Lex Talamo
Lex Talamo
Lex Talamo graduated with a Master’s Degree in investigative journalism from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism. She has also taught middle and high school writing.

Advertisement

Read More

Learning English Is Tough—Now Imagine Doing It with Dyslexia

How can we create truly inclusive environments that support students with dyslexia in our multilingual classrooms?

Emirates “Travel Rehearsal” Programs for Children With Autism

As part of Autism Awareness Month, several milestones have been achieved on Emirates’ journey to make travel more accessible for all.

From Stress to Success: How EdTool Made Teaching Simpler for Ms. Taylor

Ms. Taylor is a busy teacher who has avoided digital tools whenever possible. It’s not that she’s against technology—she's just short time. Until she discovered an AI tool designed specifically for education.

Calmer Classrooms, One Breath at a Time: How Meditation Can Transform Behavioural Health

As we work to build classrooms that nurture both academic and emotional success, meditation serves as a simple yet powerful tool.

Is Cybersecurity in Schools a Priority?

In response to mounting cyber threats facing school districts across the country, CoSN has launched a nationwide advocacy campaign.

STEAM and Civility: COSI Launches a New Learning Lunchbox

COSI's new John Glenn Inspiration Learning Lunchbox is a hands-on science kit that helps students explore STEAM concepts while also learning the value of civility and civic engagement.