PYTASH - Jago Text: Chapter One

While reading this chapter, I could not help but agree with what Jago was saying. Honors students seem to read all of the classic texts, and actually apply what they read to worthwhile assignments, where as general students (the ones who really need the help) watch the movie or do a project on the novel that tells them nothing. If you work with your students, then you may learn that they can read more challenging texts, like the classics, with a little bit of help. Even if they are stuck in the Zone of Minimal Effort, it is our job as educators to help them get out of it and read the classics. 
Jago states, after reading a part of the newspaper that confused her, "Repeated exposure to familiar words in new contexts will deepen my understanding of specialized vocabulary" (Jago, pg. 11). She is basically saying that if she keeps trying to read things that she struggles with, she will eventually be able to understand her future readings in that area better. By not exposing our students to classic literature, we are making them miss out on an important part of our history. 

FOOT - Little Brother Response

I have been reading "Little Brother" by Cory Doctorow, and so far I am quite interested in the text. Some parts are a little hard to believe, such as the vast security at the high school, as well as the horrible brutality that the Department of Homeland Security uses on the students. I do not have much knowledge on how the DHS works, but I can not imagine them being able to treat minors like that justifiably. I suppose since they thought the students were terrorists, but I still find it hard to believe.
On the other hand, I really like how well Doctorow can create suspense. The ride in the 'nondescript eighteen-wheeler' was very intense, and I was scared for Marcus' well being. The text is very interesting and I am excited to read more, but I am having trouble finding out how I could incorporate it into a lesson. I suppose that so far the book seems like a pleasure-read for students, but perhaps I will think of some ideas as I progress in my reading.