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One of Michelle’s students, Brandon, robs a flower shop and is shot and killed.  Days after Brandon dies, Michelle has her students write about Brandon and how his death makes them feel.

Ms. Jasper, a teaching assistant at the school, takes issue with this.  She tells Michelle, “You telling the students that it be okay what Brandon doing.  A boy got himself shot and you’re writing little poems about it” (29).

Discuss their different perspectives on writing about Brandon and his death.  Whose position do you agree with and why?

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Throughout the chapter, Michelle describes multiple instances in which her students feel engaged with writing—whether it’s through writing poetry or free writes.  Why do these types of writing assignments resonate with her students?  What does writing allow them to do?  And how do you feel about writing about your personal life?  Do you share Michelle’s students’ feelings of engagement?  Please explain.

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What are some key themes we see in Chapter 2 related to US society, education, etc.? What references to historical events, literary figures, or other concepts does Michelle make that are new to you? Do a quick Google or AI search and paraphrase your findings in your own words.

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How do you see the events, ideas, or themes from Chapter 2 in…

your own life,

another text (book, article, video, movie, social media post, etc.), or

society or the world as a whole?

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What is a part or quote from Chapter 2 that was either relatable, compelling, interesting, or shocking? Retell this part by paraphrasing or summarizing (indicate page #).  After, please explain why this part stood out to you.  What is your take-away from your chosen part?

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Do you think it’s difficult for Michelle to visit Patrick at home? What about for Patrick to have his teacher come to his house?  What effect does this visit have on Michelle’s feelings about herself as a teacher?  What do you think the visit means to Patrick?  Have you ever had someone make an effort for you (like Patrick)?

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"What do you know about yourself? What do you want, what have you lost?" (Page 24). In this part, Michelle asks students to write the I am poem to get to know her students more. This phrase stood out to me because It also made me question myself. There are a lot of things that I don't realize that people do notice. This made me reflect on the things I wanted that I took for granted.

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This chapter highlights issues in U.S. society, such as education inequality, poverty, and family influence. It shows the challenges in the Delta region, where poverty affects education quality. Michelle also references historical events like the Civil Rights Movement and Richard Wright’s Black Boy. Richard Wright was an author who grew up experiencing poverty and racism. His writing explores social and racial struggles in America. His words connect to Michelle’s students' experiences, showing them the power of self-expression. These references help readers understand the broader context of education and social struggles.

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In Chapter 2, Michelle and Ms. Jasper have a dispute about having students write an essay regarding Brandon's demise. What this reveals about larger discussions in school regarding trauma and instruction is that students must write about Brandon's death and their emotions in an essay in an attempt to grieve together and make a sad period a healing opportunity, at least to acknowledge it. What concerns Ms. Jasper, however, is that it could promote and enable violent behavior. I partially agree with Michelle in that writing can work through painful feelings, but particularly when shared with classmates with a similar experience. What must not occur, however, is that Brandon's actions must not be portrayed in a positive manner, but healing and comprehension must become a part of it.

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It is difficult for Michelle to visit Patrick's place, which is described in the book as a "ghetto in a ghetto." This shows that his place is very dangerous. Also, she has had many problems trying to find his house. Michelle must come to Patrick's house because he has been absent for several days. The effort Michelle made after this visit has given her the courage to continue her teaching and understand more about Patrick. For Patrick, this can be a string that helps him climb out of his darkness, and this has made a good turn in Patrick's studies, where he becomes a better student. Many people, including my teachers, parents, and friends, have helped me a lot during my research.

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Michelle and Patrick are feeling the pinch in different ways, however, tackling their home visit has become an emotional upheaval. Michelle might feel a pang of sorrow seeing how Patrick lives, thus worrying how am I being a good teacher to him. For Patrick, it might be awkward or embarrassing for the teacher to enter his house; on the other hand, it shows that Michelle cares about him, helping him feel a certain support outside the classroom. The visit allows Michelle to recommit to her students and notice what challenges they face. For Patrick, that probably fills the whole room with hope and connection. That reminds me of the times I'm surrounded by people who stick with me, showing me that someone believes in you even when in hard times.

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Michelle's writing assignment makes all students quietly focuses on their writing. During this time, many students reflect on their lives. They pause for a moment to reflect on their words, actions, experiences, people who have influenced them, and their inner selves. This is probably the time that students need the most and also the time that they want. Through this time, they will become aware of their inner voices and desires, not the sounds they hear around them. In addition, by writing and sharing with friends, they can feel a sense of belonging and responsibility. Through the writing process, I reflect on myself, plan, and make resolutions. This time fosters the will and strength to speak up and respond proactively in a life often dictated by external stimuli. If I engage in meaningful work with my colleagues, I can gain even greater energy and motivation.

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I felt sentimental while reading Chapter 2 "The Free Write". There were several parts that stood out to me. One was when Michelle tried to help Tamir write his "I Am" poem, she wrote, "I wished there was a way to tell him, I know I don't know you. But I want so much for you, and that is real." (Page 26) Michelle knew about the history of Helena and the impact on the black people of the integration, but she couldn't know the background stories of each single one of her students. Yet she hoped so much for them. She wanted to teach them and maybe provide a different future for them through education. Another part was about writing: "Physically, it changed you... But it carried emotional challenges, as well. You risked a lot when you decided to write. You took off a mask." (Page 39) I can relate to this from my experience of writing my book of delights. It is just like Michelle said, "...books don't front." When we write with honesty, we reflect deeply into our thoughts and reveal them by words. The efforts we make in our writing were not only physical but also emotional.

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Michelle visiting Patrick’s home is difficult because his neighborhood is dangerous, and she struggles to find his house. However, she goes because Patrick has been absent from school. Seeing his living conditions makes her reflect on whether she is a good teacher and helps her understand Patrick better.

For Patrick, having his teacher visit might feel awkward, but it also shows that Michelle cares about him. This visit gives him a sense of support beyond the classroom, which might encourage him to study harder. It could be a turning point for him, helping him find motivation in his education.

This situation reminds me of times when people supported me during hard times, making me feel valued and encouraged, just like Patrick might have felt after Michelle’s visit.

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In my opinion, it was difficult for Michelle to visit Patrick at home. The main reason is that she didn't know how Patrick and his family would react. For Patrick, having his teacher come to his house might have been surprising and uncomfortable. At the same time, he may have felt warmth that someone genuinely cared about him.

After visiting, Michelle might also feel that she made a great decision, and she realized that teachers need to make an effort to understand and care for students' personal lives as well.

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Michelle’s students enjoy writing because it allows them to express their personal thoughts and feelings in a way that regular schoolwork doesn’t. Writing, especially poetry or free writes, gives them a chance to reflect on their lives and experiences. It’s a way for them to discuss things they might not usually discuss. For Michelle, writing is powerful because it helps her students connect with their voices and recognize their worth. As for me, I find writing about personal experiences helpful sometimes, but it can also be difficult. Like Michelle’s students, I think writing helps me understand myself better, even though it can feel vulnerable at times.

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The themes is about discriminate

, poverty, and highlight the challenges in the unfair U.S. education system, especially for students in underfunded schools. Author efforts to connect with her students, like visiting Patrick’s home and using writing exercises to show the importance of empathy and self-expression in overcoming these barriers. Historical references, such as the Great Migration and Richard Wright’s Black Boy, provide context for the struggles faced by Black Americans, linking past and present issues of inequality and resilience. These themes and references help readers understand the broader social and educational challenges in the U.S.

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Michelle encourages her students to write about Brandon’s death as a way to process their feelings. Her approach focuses on empathy, reflection, and understanding the complexity of human actions and their consequences. Ms. Jasper believes that writing about Brandon sends the wrong message to the students. To her, it seems like an implicit acceptance of Brandon’s actions, as if it justifies or minimizes the choices that led to his death. I align more with Michelle’s perspective, as I believe that writing about difficult situations like Brandon’s death allows students to process their emotions in a constructive way. It doesn’t condone his actions but instead acknowledges the human tragedy behind the situation. Writing can be a therapeutic and educational tool that helps students grapple with the realities of their environment while fostering critical thinking.

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Rhetorical appeal is a quality of argument that makes it persuasive.It consists of 3 concepts:Ethos,Logos and Pathos.Ethos (trust) focuses on the speaker's authority and reputation to make him trustworthy.Logos (logics) bases on structure of speech,case studies,statistics,comparisons etc.Pathos appeals to emotions,it makes the audience feel a certain way,angry or sympathetic.

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Michelle sees writing as a way for students to process Brandon's death and reflect on important life issues, fostering healing and empathy. In contrast, Ms. Jasper believes this approach might excuse or glorify Brandon's actions, sending the wrong message. I agree with Michelle because writing encourages thoughtful reflection and emotional growth without dismissing accountability.

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Michelle sees writing as a way for students to process Brandon's death and reflect on important life issues, fostering healing and empathy. In contrast, Ms. Jasper believes this approach might excuse or glorify Brandon's actions, sending the wrong message. I agree with Michelle because writing encourages thoughtful reflection and emotional growth without dismissing accountability.

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I do think it’s hard for Michelle to visit Patrick at home because she’s still unsure of herself as a teacher, and stepping into a student’s personal space feels risky for her. For Patrick, having his teacher show up is probably uncomfortable at first, but I think it also means a lot because he isn’t used to adults checking on him in that way. The visit makes Michelle realize that teaching isn’t just about schoolwork and it’s also about showing care in real life.

For Patrick, the visit feels like someone finally sees him and thinks he’s worth the effort. I’ve had moments like that too, when someone went out of their way for me even when I didn’t expect it. Those moments stay with you and make you feel supported in a way that’s hard to forget.