This quote shows that the story of immigration to the United States is widely represented through family narratives, literature, media, and academic research, reflecting its importance and varied perspectives in American culture.

This quote highlights how the library, recreation center, and church function as literacy spaces supported by staff who view themselves as educators. Interviews reveal that these spaces encourage literacy through structured activities, reflecting the belief that literacy is a skill children master through active engagement in provided programs.

This quote shows Benny’s independence in learning, supported by his grandmother’s occasional checks. His computer and internet access provide an essential literacy space, enabling both personal exploration and guided learning.

This quote outlines two types of home learning: formal learning focused on school-related skills and informal learning involving popular culture and technology. It emphasizes that both structured and experiential learning at home contribute to children's development.

This shows the effect of finances on a family dynamic because although both Mrs. McAllister and Ms. Williams are good mothers who provide for their kids, the difference shows in their parenting styles. Mrs. McAllister does not possess the time and money that allows Ms. Williams to think Alexander is more than just a child, his opinions need to be cultivated and developed.

It's interesting to note the family dynamic differences between Harold McAllister's family and Alexander Williams'. One important note is the lack of a typical family structure, because Harold's father and mother never married. Therefore, the father figure is not a permanent fixture in Harold's life as his visits, though regular, are not the same as living in the same household.

Children born into wealthy or middle class families are not ever exposed to the harsh reality that children born into poverty are, which is that their families will not be able to afford basic necessities, much less extracurricular activities. This is why children born into wealthy or middle class families often have a sheltered "bubble" in which they even complain about the multiple opportunities offered to them that other children cannot even dream of.

This goes to show that it tends to be a generational issue in terms of negative parent attitudes towards school. If a parent has negative experiences in school, his attitude may reflect on his child as they try to "protect" their child from the same things they had to go through. This can lead to their child not participating in school functions or activities, which can have a negative effect on their social behavior.

I wonder what different strategies can be implemented to combat the increase of US children in low-income situations. If there are less and less low-wage jobs available, but the correlation with low wage jobs and increased childbearing is evident, would providing improved access to birth control be one way to combat this rising issue?

It's important to note that there can be many different types of poverty but situational poverty seems especially relevant considering the recent hurricanes that thrust many residents of Florida into chaos.

I understand this author's approach to her teaching students at a "failing" school with lower-income students. She not only attempts to understand her students living in poverty, she tries to change small things to assist their situations. No matter what, she believes in them as she notes "All students are capable of learning".

I appreciate how the author does recognize that she does fit a lot of the typical stereotypes that a white female would incur, and yet there's more beyond what the eye can see. When she goes into detail about her living experiences, I was shocked by the level of harsh reality she was thrust in. It allows her students to recognize that she is not just their white teacher, she is her own person who has also gone through difficulties in life.

I love this quote because it not only shows the author's willingness to be open to learning from his students, it conveys his gratefulness towards his pupils for giving him a priceless education. He even goes on to say they may not have "walked in with a learning objective that matched the common core standards", but he appreciates the beauty of students teaching the teacher, calling it "organic and spontaneous".

This quote recognizes the importance of a healthy family environment for a student to be able to thrive in a school setting. The author's father feels suspicious and untrusting of authority due to an unstable home life and thus this translates into his raising of his son, as he refuses to show up to school functions unless he has to be.

Poverty is not only related to lack of material resources but also involves social shame. In school, students are taught that being poor is seen as inferior, leading to a feeling of being lesser than those who are not poor. This internalized classism demonstrates how economic status can have a detrimental impact on an individual's sense of self and self-esteem.

The author describes harsh living conditions, emphasizing the lack of basic amenities like reliable heating, air conditioning, and even a telephone. These are things normal families take for granted, illustrating how poverty can shape one’s daily existence through limited access to necessities. The necessities that the author's family did not have access to were proper climate control, safety, and communication.

This mindset that children born into poverty have conveys the internal struggle with class-based exclusion and insecurity. Their self-consciousness stems from repeated verbal and nonverbal cues that allowed for feelings of inadequacy due to poverty during their school years. Now, standing in front of students as a teacher, the narrator returns to the “scene of the crime,” reflecting on how deeply these formative experiences of social exclusion shaped their sense of self-worth.

This is how every low-income student must feel when their possessions can't measure up to their peers because of their family's inability to afford what other children's families could. It conveys the author's disheartened tone through his painful memories that served as a reminder of his family's financial limitations.

I agree with the author, as I do believe children who are born into poverty possess an innate resourcefulness that typical children are not forced to develop. This is due to the lack of resources available to them, which leads to a mentality of making the best out of what you have.