EDCI 205 Reading Guide

Paley, V.G. (1989).  White Teacher.  Cambridge, MA:  Harvard University Press.

What different explanations can you think of for Alma's quietness?

When Paul told Alma she looked just like chocolate pudding, Vivian was embarrassed and didn't do anything (p.4).  Why?   What would you do?

How could you handle Leo's assertion (p.6) that "Brown people look poor?"

At first Vivian says, “It was clear to me that I couldn’t mention color in the classroom” (p.9). How and why did Vivian decide that “color blindness” wasn’t good for children?

How can you respond when a student says, "I wish I looked like her”?  Was Vivian's response enough?  What else might you do?

What do you think of Vivian's strategies for Steven?  List the things she does with him to encourage better behavior.   At each point, what is the challenge for the teacher?

Describe two elementary level discipline challenges you observed in a field experience or in your own schooling.  Give one “bad” example and one “good” example in terms of how a teacher handled it.

On pages 27-29 Vivian talks about having different expectations of students from lower socio-economic classes, particularly because their language is filled with slang and non-standard usage.  Why might teachers find themselves doing this?  What else besides language creates this impression? How does this harm students?

What are the author’s concerns about tracking, labeling and “at-risk children”?  Do you agree with their perspectives?

Describe Barbara and Carol’s behavior.  What does Vivian do? Why does Vivian's strategy seem to give these children more confidence?  What wouldn't have been effective?

Claire was almost labeled learning disabled.  What was really going on?  How can you watch out for this?  What philosophy does Vivian apply towards working with Claire?  

How have special education or learning disabled students been addressed in your field experiences?

" I was determined to avoid the feeling that I must understand and judge everything Claire did. But when you lack faith in a child's abilities, you show it in subtle ways. You don't introduce them to certain activities, or if you do, you stop at the first sign of trouble. You avoid giving them time and attention in certain kinds of discussions.  Somehow the children who excel are given practice in excelling." (p. 70).  How can this hurt Claire?

What did you think of how Vivian handled Mr. Simpson fear of Sylvia's effect on Felice?   (p. 80-83) How would you handle this?

If you were describing Kenny to his teacher for next year, what would you say?  Use what you have learned from readings about learning style and types of intelligences.

What are Vivian’s greatest strengths as a teacher? Give examples.  Does she have weaknesses?  How would you summarize her approach to diversity in her classroom? What lessons can you learn from her?