I'm sensing that some of us didn't find the article in WTL that beneficial this week, whereas I, on the other hand, found it to be very reassuring. To be quite honest, I never really thought about anyone teaching in a prison. I'm not saying that it couldn't be done, the thought just never crossed my mind. I especially didn't think that teaching inmates who had life sentences had any purpose. What could they use it for and could they really be taught? Would they even care to be taught? After I completed these arrogant thoughts, it occurred to me... how many older adults say the same thing about the younger generation now? It was a real eye-opening experience for me. I was thinking very inside the box and shallow thoughts. Everyone deserves the right to write and to learn ways to strengthen their abilities. This article also put me at ease as well. If this woman can teach prisoners locked away for doing murder, than I sure as hall can teach a bunch of teenagers.
Another interesting thing that happened for me during this week's readings is that I didn't gag as much while reading Smith and I feel that he actually made some sense to me. The one thing that I agree with and find it very useful is that if I'm going to do an in-class writing assignment that I should be doing it with my students. I should never ask someone to do something if I wouldn't do it myself. In my observations, I notice that sometimes teachers have a habit of not really paying attention to what their students are doing. This just lets the kids no that if the teacher thinks it's pointless than I will too. I think by writing along with my students with will ensure a bond that lets them know I'm not afraid to get down and dirty right along with them.
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