Warm-up - Chapters 5-6

1. What kinds of reading and writing did you see students doing in school? Why do you think Rose chose these assignments?

While working with the veterans, Rose both tried to pick texts that the vets might have an idea about, as well as a challenge. Shakespeare caused problems because of the difficult language. It did expand and help them to see potential in themselves. Even if they didn't like it, they appreciated what they learned. They also appreciated that Rose took the time to help expose them, and make them learn things they never had the chance to learn in the past. The poems were also effective. There is a large variety of poems at anyone's disposal, which makes variety a selling point for teaching. Especially the veterans, who have been through a lot could enjoy reading the poems that relate to them. Poems are also open to vast interpretation. No one has to feel "dumb" when explicating a poem because interpretation is up to the reader. This was good for the veterans. The veterans also got to write about themselves which helps in many ways to improve as writers, and express themselves.

3. What did you notice about the language schools used to refer to the students Rose featured in this chapter? How did this language mark students as “insiders” or “outsiders” to school? How do you think these labels might have influenced students’ literacy development later on?

When the little boy referred to being in the "dumb math group," it showed how students accept the labels that get put on them for being in certain classes. The labels that schools put on students causes them to react in different ways: it either foreces students to be "insiders" because they cover up the harse labeling by following along with the stereotypes and making jokes about themselves and the class to be accepted; They become outsiders," angry, and give up on school because no one has showed them any care or hope; It makes students "insiders" when they just go along with the label, and keep going in school thinking it's where they should be, or the best they are capable of.