Watch the documentary at the following link: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/poor-kids/ (Links to an external site.)
1. Jonny and Jasmine made a very powerful statement about how they feel about living in the shelter that affects their self-esteem, the way they are viewed by others, and how they feel about their lives. What statements were the most significant to you and why?
2. With such a high number of children in the US living in poverty, every teacher will have children in their classroom that suffer from the effects of poverty. What do you think your role is as a future educator to understand the effects poverty has on students? Why is it or isn’t it important? What are the implications of this on your future students?
3. Go through the “What, So What, Now What” process, analyzing pertinent information from the assigned reading, lessons and discussions in class, and your experience during your service. Refer back to the Critical Reflection guidelines provided in class. (You will be graded separately in each of the 3 areas)
What – The children in the documentary experienced stress from hunger, fear of homelessness, feelings of loss of items and pets, worry about the well-being of their family and friends, and other concerns affluent children do not consider. Discuss the implications that these stressors have on these children that can affect them in school.
So what – Why is your “what” analysis important or significant to you and to the community? (Why is this issue important to the field of education?)
Sample Solution