Category: Unit 1 (Page 4 of 4)

In “Maybe I Could Save Myself By Writing,” Jose Olivarez writes about reading and writing’s relationship to identity, empowerment and education. What do you think he means, and what do You think is the relationship between reading and writing, and identity? Empowerment? Education? How does this impact the way you think about this class? Please take the time to develop your thoughts and explain your answers. Also, please respond to each other respectfully. It’s ok to see things differently and express that.

In “What Reading Slowly Taught Me About Writing” Jacqueline Woodson talks about reading as empowerment.  She treasures her experiences of slow reading and re-reading, “respecting the narrative.” She says reading slowly taught her everything she needed to know about writing. She points out that her not-so-distant ancestors were forbidden to learn to read or write- it was against the law. The country tried to steal their bodies, their spirit and their stories, she says.

Explain how important you think reading is today, for you and for others. If it’s not very important, explain that. What do you think are the benefits of savoring the written word? What does it mean to respect the narrative? Why was it a crime to teach slaves how to read and write? What lessons can we learn from that? Do you have any other responses to or thoughts about her talk?

Please comment on this post to answer these questions. You can also add your perspective to your classmates’ by commenting their posts. Dialog is always good, and disagreeing respectfully is always ok. We can challenge ideas without attacking or insulting people. Our discussion boards should be lively and safe places to agree and disagree.

What do you think it means to be a good reader, or read well? Second,  is questioning an important part of reading? What do you think and why? What questions should you as a reader ask before, during, and after you read? What does the author think? Why? Please explain and give reasons and examples for your responses to these two questions. Finally, Do you, or can you read like a writer? Would it be helpful?