Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson
During Reading
For this text, you will complete a double-entry journal. You can find a simple explanation of double-entry journals here: http://www.adlit.org/strategies/22091/ This is a common strategy used in schools from early childhood through college. For the purposes of this assignment, I’ve actually created a “triple-entry” journal since I added an additional column for diversity (see the template, which is included in a separate document).
Throughout your reading, you will stop and record your reactions, thoughts, questions, connections, etc. 5-7 times. Consider aspects of culture we have discussed so far in class: surface/deep culture, ethnocentrism, privilege, unearned advantages, equity, social justice, and English Language Learners. In the far left column, include a couple of sentences from the text (enough so that I get the gist of what you are referencing), including page numbers. In the center column, include the aspect of culture you will be discussing. In the far right column, share your reactions, thoughts, questions, connections, etc. A short paragraph is plenty (keep it concise). The right column should be your aesthetic (personal) response to the text, not a summary of what you read. I know you are all reading the texts, so I do not need summaries. I am more interested in how you are connecting to the text. Share your personal responses and “aha” moments.
After Reading
In a short paragraph, share your overall impressions of this text. You may consider reflecting on some of the following types of questions: 1) What did you think of the text as a whole? Was it what you expected or were you surprised? 2) What new information did you learn about culture? 3) How did the text change you as a teacher or how will it impact your teaching? 4) Is this a text you would recommend to a friend or a fellow teacher? 5) What will you remember most about this text? Is there something (or someone) that particularly stands out as something(one) you will remember?
Point Distribution:
I. During Reading: 35 points
II. After Reading: 15 points
5 pts reserved for Professionalism [organization; spelling; grammar, proof reading etc.]
Total pts: 50
This assignment should be 14 point font and a maximum of 3 pages.
