In this section we begin to get some serious insight into why Esme wants to be called madame (quite logical the way she breaks it down) and even what may have provoked Mr. Turner to making this an 'issue' with her...Any ideas out there on what the catalyst for his challenge to her on this REALLY may have been? :-)
I loved hearing about 3 big things in this section...
The success of the Addy book assembly was a satisfying culmination of some hard work, innovative ideas, and enthusiasm on behalf of Esme. You can quite literally feel how very proud she was for this to have gone as well as it did.
The entire story about Esme's childhood landlady and the library/whorehouse is not only humorous in a rather sad way but tremendously insightful into cultural diversity. That there are children who actually admire the way a 'whore' dresses and looks is something so foreign to me and the lifestyle I knew growing up it is incredibly hard for me to grasp. I think for me this was a huge cultural aha moment the first time I read this book. What about you guys?
The final occurrence that I found myself drawn to was the Christmas program...31 kids dancing a cajun Christmas program...If that's not a brave teacher I'm not sure what qualifies but what I really loved was the way she described her class on page 71
"My class was the most attractive, most festive, most ambitious, most original, and noisiest. They were the most smiling, most intricate, most cooperative. They made me proud. They made themselves proud." WOW! Just Wow!
Come to think of it I could likely use all that to describe my cohort! :-)
Now it's your turn!
Reaction:
What is one part within this section you found yourself reacting to in some emotional way. What was the part and what were the emotions it evoked? Why do you think it brought out these feelings in you?
Connection:
Can you make any connections to anything in particular in this section and any of your junior year EDU courses? Think specifically about logical thought, creative expressions, child development, children's literature, etc.
Extensions:
First of all...How do you feel about Esme asking the students to call her madame and her choice to not back down on this when challenged by Mr. Turner?
Second of all...Given what you've read to this point...How ready are you to have such a 'silly job?'
Lastly...Anyone have any 'ahas' oooh around the bottom of page 69?
For June 22nd You should read from the beginning of Part II up to but not including January 13th.
Can you believe June is almost over? Please tell me you're all doing something incredibly fun with your time...you've each earned it!
Believe it or not...I miss you all terribly!
Love ya!
Mean it!
Dr. VW
(Katie Allen)
ReplyDeleteReaction:
I had the most emotional reaction to the little girl using the peer counseling at home. She explains to Esme that there is a lot of fighting in her home and she has used this kind of mediation to solve some of the arguing. I thought that was so sweet and such a cool moment for Esme. We all want to teach our students life skills as well as academics, and this was definitely one of those moments!
Connection:
When Esme was describing the "whore house" incident I though back to Language and Culture that we had we had with Dr. Muschell. Just in the fact that we have to realize that we all have very different backgrounds, and we bring those experiences to the classroom with us. My childhood, and I hope most childhoods, were nothing like that but we still have to respect them. Luckily the bashing of literature didn't stick with Esme and she learned to appreciate books that much more.
Extensions:
The "Madame" issue seems to be a silly one to me. Esme's reasonings made some sense... but if it's a source of conflict change it! Mr. Turner seems to be a terrible principal anyway, but I might take his side on this one. However, I respect Esme for standing her ground with him, especially with the doll situation. She definitely has guts!
My book is in my cabin and I'm not using my "break" to go find it. So, I don't know whats at the bottom of page 69 but I'm sure it's great! Miss you too and hope you're having a wonderful summer!!
Reaction: My favorite part of the reading this week was at the very end, during the Christmas assembly. When Esme decides that she will "roll with the punches and enjoy all catastrophes" it really made me happy. If we could all have that type of attitude when we teach, or even just in life, our lives would be much less stressful and far more enjoyable. Things are bound to go wrong, but if we choose to enjoy it and use it as a learning experience, it won't be as bad.
ReplyDeleteConnections: When the students traced their bodies and made their own Greek Gods, I was reminded of Creative Expressions. I thought it was a really neat way to get the kids really involved in the topic and really using their whole bodies to creatively get their information across.
Extension: I think that Esme has the right to be called whatever she likes, but the power struggle with Mr. Turner was ridiculous. He shouldn't be so worried about small stuff like that and I tend to side with Esme here. But, I don't think she needs to keep having this discussion, if it were me, I would have just done what he asked.
On page 69, I was most impressed by the trust her students seem to have in her. It was nice to see that the students were willing to try difficult material for the assembly because they knew she wouldn't let them fail. That's a really great bond for a classroom to have!
Katie...The conflict resolution working for the girl at home is indeed a powerful message. I love that you picked up on that.
ReplyDeleteEmilie...That trust is huge and I'm glad you picked up on that 'hint' from me. I hope you all know that I too will never allow you to fail! :-)
As for the Mr. Turner confrontation...you're both right...she's certainly got some guts to keep this issue on the table...Any guesses as to what may have been the catalyst for him to call her in on it?
(Katie Allen)
ReplyDeleteProbably because she embarrassed him on stage about the doll incident. He needed a way to get back at her and show her who really hold the power. The name issue was the perfect opportunity!
ding...ding...ding...ding...Katie wins on this one! :-)
ReplyDeleteReaction:
ReplyDeleteI found myself mad right along with Esme when Mr. Turner failed to Thank her for the countless extra hours she put in arranging Ms. Porter's visit to the school. I know its A LOT to expect, but having the decency to at least comment on the success of the author visit would have been appreciate. As Esme said, its not as though she was paid for her extra labor.
Connection: Having an author come to the school reminded me of literature class, where we discussed comparing and contrasting the author's work to the the life of the author. Comparing and contrasting is a huge part of balanced literature. Though the book wasn't clear, beyond saying the students were given Addy books to read, I think using the experience as an author study or a historical fiction genre study would be appropriate.
Extension: Earlier, I didn't get Esme's demand that she be called Madame, but after she explained her annoyance over the mrs. ms. confusion, and seeing how madame sparked an interesting conversation with her students about what they wanted to be called or labeled as and why, I grew a little more accepting. However, I don't think being called Madame is worth getting fired over. Mr. Turner obviously chose to be hugely irritated by her refusal to "obey" him. She needs to pick her battles, and really, she needs to pick battles that effect her kids, not just personal preferences.
That's a good point Megan...she has opted to make this an issue when it could very easily go away...what this tells us about her determination, demeanor, and personality is pretty significant. She's a very brazen and colorful individual. My personal take is that this is such a petty thing in regard to her abilities and effectiveness with kids that she feels quite (possibly a little TOO) confident that he needs her too much to fire her over this. I think also she realizes that he's not the sharpest pencil in the box and makes plenty of empty threats in an attempt to strong arm most people on his faculty. My gut tells me she's opted to make this an issue simply for the reason that it shouldn't be an issue and it's a 'safe' way for her to stand her ground to someone she feels is truly a bully.
ReplyDeleteReaction: I thought it was quite a culture shock when Esme discussed thinking the clothes of a whore were beautiful. Growing up, that is something I never heard or even thought about. It really opened my eyes to the fact that a whore's clothes might really be beautiful to someone that doesn't really have a lot.
ReplyDeleteConnection: Esme setting up the author visit reminded me also of our literature class. We have been taught that is important for our students to learn about the author's of the books they read. I think Esme did a great job preparing the students for the author visit. I really liked how she had the book club after school prior to the author coming. The students had the opportunity to dig deeper into the books.
Extension: I do not think it is a problem that Esme wants to be called Madame. I think she should be able to be called that if she chooses. She explained her reasoning and it does make sense. As far as Mr. Turner goes, I do not think he needs to worry about what the students call her as long as it is what she asked. I do not see how it is going to interfere with the children's learning. If it were me, however, and I saw that it was causing a problem with my boss, I would probably listen to him out of respect, even if I didn't agree with him.
Reactions: I'd say i most reacted to the part where Esme expressed her interested and admiration in the appearance of whores. She knew what whores were but still liked what they were wearing. That was a very interesting thought process for me but if you really think about it it makes sense because the cloths they were are flashy and can look like they were expensive. Therefore, drawing children's attention.
ReplyDeleteConnection: We have talked here and there in just about all our classes about controlled chaos and this was mentioned when Mr. Turner came in when they children where coloring their life size drawings. He did not think the students were under control because they were having a good time, when it fact they were under perfect control and that was because the students knew the rules.
Extensions: I didn't see any problem with Esme asking her students to call her madam because it is something different. No its not traditional, but where is the problem in that? Our teaching methods differ from those of older teachers, so why does it matter what the kids call you if either way they are showing you respect? Therefore, I don't think i truly understand why Mr. Turner was so upset about it other than, as Emse says, to go on a power trip (which i agree with).
and yes Dr. Wilcox, I did see the bottom of page 69 and I actually highlighted it before i read what you said! :)
Caylin and Krista you make my heart proud! I too reacted profoundly at the beginning to anyone liking the way a whore dresses. However the more I thought about it I realized how incredibly snobbish, insensitive, and pretentious that very thought was from me...just because I grew up not appreciating that flashy style of dress doesn't mean EVERYONE did. It was quite eye opening for me the first time I read this 10 years ago and still was when I re-read it for this class. It's just something I am ashamed to say I never think about.
ReplyDeleteReaction: The part that hit me the most emotionally was when Mr. Turner threatened to redraw a name for the Addy doll winner because the one chosen was a boy. I have to admit that at first I found it kind of out of the ordinary for a boy to want a doll, but when I looked at the situation in a broader view I noticed how hurtful that could have been to the boy if Mr. Turner had redrawn. This boy could have been stripped of way more than just the doll if Esme hadnt stepped in. I am so glad she did and I have to say a sigh of relief came over me as she stood up and presented the doll to the well deserving student.
ReplyDeleteConnection: When Esme was putting the christmas concert together I liked how she was aware of all the needs of her students. She new that one in particular would not be the best at dancing or not confident enuough, so instead she gave the little girl the task of being the presenter. This related a lot to what we have learned in the classroom in a sense that we must know how to meet each students needs without making them feel less important than anyone elses in the class. Esme realized that this paricular little girl was a bit clumsy and was not devleoped enough in her gross motor skills to feel as qualified to perfrom, so Esme gave her a task where she new the student would feel qualified. I love it!
Extension: I am glad that Esme stood up to Mr. Turner and didnt change her name just because he wanted her to. Madame is something that she felt most comfortable with and it didnt offend any of the students so I dont see the problem with it. It also had an underlying message which showed the children that they have the freedom to be whatever they want to be, which is awesome!
This book has definitely gotten me even more excited to start this job. What ive learned is that as a teacher you will definitely have to roll with the punches and be confident in whatever you do. Hearing all the situations she faces does make me a bit nervous though about how to handle some sitations, but if Esme can do it Im sure I can too.
On reaching page 69 I realized that consistancy is of great importance when it comes to being a successful teacher. Esme's students believed her when she threatened more homework because she has been consistant in the past with punishments such as this. Thes students knew that they could either use their time and invest it into something fun like a Christmas play, or they could suffer through long hours of homework instead.
Jessica I love that you chose to focus on the doll incident. It was a huge incident and one that I believe sets the tone for how Mr. Turner treats Esme for the rest of the year. I believe he saw her action not as one to save that little boy or as you said "do what's right" but as a personal attack to him and a way to challenge and embarrass him in front of 'his' school. I don't for one second believe that's why Esme jumped up but you'll note that he didn't begin to try to play the 'name' card forcefully with her until after that occurred. Far more than mere coincidence I believe.
ReplyDeleteReaction: When Mr. Turner went on stage during the Addy doll give-away, I just knew he was about to say that the boy winning the doll wasn't appropriate, and I was very put off. I actually talked to a friend last night about how society socializes and teaches men what is "manly" and what isn't, when in reality there is really no such thing as "manly and unmanly", just what society has preprogrammed in our heads to believe is right. I was so glad when Esme noticed that as well and stopped it.
ReplyDeleteConnection: The controlled chaos is something we talk about in many of our classes. There is a difference between having no control and having a noisy, productive classroom. Esme's students were doing exactly what they were supposed to do and were still able to calm down when she needed their attention. Classroom management at it's finest.
Extension: Esme was right to stand up for what she wanted with her name. Not only does it obviously make her more comfortable, but it allowed her to stand up for herself and show Mr. Turner that she can be assertive when the time comes for it.
I do believe I'm ready for such a "silly job". I know when to let something go if it's not that important to me and I also know when to stand up for myself and for my students. It's all about knowing which battle to fight and which to let go.
Reaction: It made me sad when Esme's classroom was broken into. She spent so much time and effort working on her room, making it a beautiful and welcoming place for her students and other, and then students had the nerve to wreck it. Though only the Happy Box was stolen and it could have been much worse, it was still a wrongful act that was unnecessary. It reminded me of a time when my school was broken into when I was in the second grade. Two men broke into the school and stole our class's television. It was so shocking that people could do such a think. They were not just stealing a television, they were hindering the learning process. It just makes me sad when thinks like this happen to good people, or to anyone for that matter.
ReplyDeleteConnections: Esme had her students create themselves as their favorite gods when they were studying Greek Mythology. This reminded me of Creative Expressions. The students were using their knowledge of Greek gods, interpreting that knowledge, and making it come to life according to their views. What a great idea! The students really seemed to get invested in this activity. It is something that I would try to do if I ever covered that subject.
Extensions: In all honesty, I don't really like that she asks her students to call her "Madame Esme." I feel like she thinks awfully highly of herself. I can see why other teachers and Mr. Turner do not like the fact that she requests this of her students. It is almost as if she were trying to make herself seem batter than her colleagues. I'm not saying that this is the case, but I can understand if someone were to feel this way. At the same time, when someone tries to be the tiniest bit different from the norm, others tend to take offense to such behavior. Do I think that she deserves to have the problems she gets for deciding to refer to herself in a different way? No. Do I think she needs to expect it? Yes. I like that she sticks to her guns when arguing about the situation with Mr. Turner. If you are going to make such a choice, you better stick to it and be able to back it up. As for me, I'll stick with Ms. Evans. I don't want another headache when I start my first year of teaching. I have a feeling that I will have enough to worry about.
I think I'm ready to have a "silly job." While I do worry, I'm extremely excited about it as well. After this year, I know that I will be as ready as I ever will be. Bring It On!
As for page 69, I like what she said at the very end of the page: "They know I would never let them fail. That's why they do what I ask, no matter how much they complain." This is the kind of teacher I want to be.
Reaction: I secretly loved it when Esme stood her ground about being called Madame. Part of me wishes that I could actually talk like that to an authority figure without fear of what would happen. God knows I think it, but sometimes my filter gets in the way of what I really think, when it comes to older people. I am glad that she knew which buttons to press to make the the principal back off. It sounds as if she has that school doing whatever she wishes in time.
ReplyDeleteConnection: When the principal came in while the children were making cut-outs of themselves, I thought it was relative how he thought there was no order. We learned in our classes that noise has nothing to do with control. Controlled chaos seems to let the children be free to express themselves in a way that enhances their learning. Having respect for each other allows the class to run smoothly but have control in a fun, engaging, and hectic way.
Extension: I am glad that Esme stood up and grabbed the mic from the principal at the assembly. Poor boy! I can't believe some people can be so judgmental about children at such a young age. I think that between her rants and taking authority at the assembly, Esme has Mr. Turner almost where she wants him. haha I think it is strange that Esme wants to be called Madame, but I am glad she stood up for herself. I think it is important to realize she had the back-up of the ACLC before going into the office. She can't make threats without having the credentials or resources to back her up.
I am ready to be in a "silly" job. Working a t a camp makes you realize that life can't be serious all of the time, and that while important, everything is silly somehow.
Reaction: The thing that really sat well with me was Esme’s reaction to the male student winning the Addy doll drawing. It was obvious that the child didn’t think anything of the fact that it was “odd” for a boy to have a doll. He was too appreciative of the literature and author to think about such things. I was so glad to se Esme reach out and stop the principal from interfering.
ReplyDeleteConnection: Our program preaches the acceptance of all students no matter what they’re background. Esme’s choice of being called Madam helps to enforce this idea with her students. She was also more than accommodating to the little boy who won the doll. However, going back to Esther and her voodoo spells, she maintains order in the classroom and watches out for each student in her class.
Extension: I don’t know how I really feel about Esme preferring to be called “Madam.” One one hand, I understand how it promotes the acceptance of everyone, including those with titles that aren’t normally used. On the other, it bothers me because the term “Madam” seems so holier-than-thou. Don’t get me wrong, I know she is the teacher and deserves respect, but I think I agree with the principal that that is a little overboard.