February 21st-April 1st
Loving me some cha-cha distribution slide...Even found that song and added it to the Esme playlist I created for all of you last week!
The way Esme has established roles and reading circles in her classroom is quite similar to what I used to do. I loved literature circles and the roles really free up the teacher to make some powerful connections with students, sit in on small groups, and even pull individuals for remediation.
The other things in this section that stick out to me...
The success of the conflict resolution as well as choices she gives for assessment are moments that allow me to regain my respect for her.
The whole creepy moving furniture situation and the lady basically admitting she plagiarizes...well...I guess since Dr. King did this it makes it okay huh?
April 15th-May 22nd
WOW! The entire conversation with Mr. Turner this time over why he's not doing his job and the lack of hope, expectations, or even respect he so obviously has for the children in this school is beyond troubling.
This conversation snowballs into the scene with his mom beating him in the hall and Esme trying to comfort him mere minutes before he's to take the standardized test showing what he's learned in 5th grade this year.
This whole section gave me chills and upset me probably more than any other in the book. To know how hard she's worked to establish trust, high expectations, and PRIDE in her classroom this year...regardless of her attitude...she's connected with her students in powerful ways and this whole situation is sickening beyond words.
Now your turn...
Reactions:
From either or both sections...What is something to which you find yourself reacting emotionally? What emotions were evoked and why do you feel this situation brought this out in you?
Connections:
From either or both sections...What is something you can connect back to your EDEC courses from this section? How does it connect for you?
Extensions:
From either or both sections...
You select from the following quotes to respond/react to...
pg 124
"He's mad because I let this happen to him. He's hurting. He's hurting, but he's going to be accountable now."
pg 150
"You don't understand. They're black."
Well...this whole section really
pg 158
"I'm so proud of their successes. I know in the face of the wide world these are small victories, but sometimes a little song is sweet to hear, even if an orchestra is more accomplished."
pg 160 & 161
her whole description of 'teaching school' and what they Don't tell you
pg 165
"I really do feel proud of myself. I feel good, like I did something I wanted to do and it turned out like I imagined, and in life that doesn't happen too often."
For next time we'll respond to May 22nd up to but not including June 28th.
I know you're all spending these last few days of freedom doing wonderful things and storing up all that energy and rest so that you'll be in prime form come August! Let me know if you need anything!
Love ya!
Mean it!
Dr. VW
