To Teach

I had a really difficult time when I started reading this graphic novel.  I have no previous experience with this style and while I know that this medium is becoming more popular, I have not yet read it for pleasure or otherwise.  I found that I was completely skipping over the pictures and was only reading the words.  After a couple of pages I started over and forced myself to look at the pictures as I was reading and I had a completely different experience!  I actually found myself highlighting the pictures almost as often as I was highlighting the words that went along with them.

The best example I can find of this is on page 16 and 17 when Mr. Ayers is visited by the two specialists from the district.  Within a few panels (which I can only assume are the equivalent of maybe 15-20 minutes) Mr. Ayers seems to go from confused, to frustrated, to down-right angry and ready to pull his hair out.   While the text is direct and to the point in this section, I really found that the expressions on Bill’s face were what made this section the most memorable for me. 

In addition to the use of illustrations, the individual case studies really stuck out to me as I read.  Quinn stole my heart, as I have had many ‘Quinn’s’ throughout the years.  I really enjoyed ‘getting to know’ Quinn on pages 27-29, and enjoyed Bill’s observations of his behavior.  The whole mentality that Bill presented here was positive and highlighted Quinn’s strengths and abilities.  Even on some things that other teachers could put a negative spin on, Quinn had a very positive outlook on.  For example (page 29), “Quinn’s filled with delightful energy.  Sometimes he can become so excited that he can be aggressive, but never with animosity.”  I don’t believe I have ever heard a teacher use the phrase “delightful energy” before.   Usually it’s that kids are “ADD”, hyper, or some other catchphrase that have been adopted in educational circles.  I catch myself not being able to look at all situations in such a positive light.  After reading this section I found myself trying to 'find the good' in all of the situations that presented themselves throughout my week.  When I found myself getting frustrated I tried to look at the situation from Bill's perspective and look for the good in every encounter.  It's a slow process, but I felt like I did an 'ok' job - especially for a Monday!

I have to admit, I was pretty lost on pages 52-55 when Bill is describing a vignette about his son Zayd.  I have nothing highlighted, went back and reread the text, and looked at the pictures all over again to find some meaning in this.  I didn’t really find the relevance of this story and wondered if Bill just included it because he had included stories about his other sons!  Is there anyone who can help me out with this?!?