I was thinking that maybe we could all post our thoughts about what we are reading under one blog? What do you think L group?
I am reading the Freshman year right now. I am about 10 diary entries into this book. All I can think about is those poor students. I can't imagine going to school and trying to concentrate on learning when you have a war zone right in your backyard. It makes me so thankful to have had the childhood and upbringing that I was fortunate enough to have. I can't wait to read more about their lives and the message of hope that they will bring.
What does the L group think so far?
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I am still waiting for my book to arrive through Summit. I am hoping it comes by tomorrow. I think we should all post under one blog as well. Since you already started, maybe we should just post here.
ReplyDeleteExcellent idea to post on one blog. I am following your lead. I'm really enjoying Freedom Writers. I find the diary entries of Miss G as fascinating as the students. How she faced so much opposition and criticism from some colleagues and then how she realized it was just a handful, not the majority. Goes to show how we grasp onto negative feedback more strongly. I have also been inspired by her ability to bring the greater world into her classroom and students' lives. It had to have taken time and great effort to track down Zlata to come to America to visit her class, not to mention the fund raising and preparations. And she works at a hotel on the side too. Wow, that is a lot of work and passion. Having taught as a single person and later as a married person with kids, I know that family life prohibits full fledged commitment like that. But the point is, I am inspired by her ability to help these kids draw parallels in their life with these important people and times. I find the student diaries equally inspiring. More later...
ReplyDeleteI have been so shocked by the similarity in experiences these students are going through. They all see the race war. As a matter of fact, they are all involved in the race war in some way. I was most surprised by the girl's diary entry about joining the sorority. It was amazing to me that she would go through the things she went through just to fit in. I think many students can relate to wanting to fit in so bad that they would do almost anything.
ReplyDeleteI was also touched by the student that explained how Ms. G is different. He said that Ms. G didn't judge. It was the one class where he could be himself. This is a very important idea that we need to think about when we are teaching. The last thing we want to do is judge our students; they are judged enough by their peers and society.
Finally, I enjoyed the entry by the student with dyslexia. Just recently one of our students in fifth grade was diagnosed with dyslexia. He always thought we was just dump. He was even placed with 1st graders for LRC. Once we knew that he had a learning disability, we were able to serve him much better. He now has an electronic device that helps him read and write. I have seen such a tranformation in his self-confidence. It is still hard for him, but he knows that he is not dumb.
Just got the book at the library-I am turning things in a bit late cuz I was in a car accident, but my goal is to read it this weekend!
ReplyDeleteOOh,hope you are okay. I'm curious what the name of the electronic device for someone with dyslexia is called?
ReplyDeleteI have heard it be called an "Alpha Smart," but I am not totally sure if that is what it is called.
ReplyDeleteFreedom Writers is unlike other books I read. Their voices still echo in my mind and I still think about their experiences with violent deaths and other heart-wrenching experiences. Each time I return reading this book, I feel stirred with such vibrant, youthful voices. They are beautiful kids who happened to be in wrong places with a right teacher.
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