Reading Response Log

Pages ___1___ to ______30_____ Book Title ________Chalk Dust____________

Quotes:

I finally did grow up, and now a lot of my students are jerksthey lie to me and
about mesometimes Id like to yell and scream at them. But then I remember how
immature I was, and how patient Miss Donelson remained. (Pg. 11)

So dont make the typical new-teacher mistake of seeking popularity by being easy.
Youll fail. (Pg.15)


You must choose. You must decide whether to accept the responsibility and, above
all, the work-years of hard work. (Pg. 23)


Questions:


What year(s) are these stories taking place?


Why didnt he try to become principal when the other one resigned?


Why did his teacher not like him?


Points of Interest to you:


His student Liz who made him at times feel like she was in charge. Her last words to
him made him realize it was worth it.

I liked the many stories of him changing kids lives.


He was a teacher who really got to know his students, or tried to get to know them.
This allowed students to feel comfortable around him and think of him as a mentor
or friend.

I liked that he set the bar high in his Spanish class. It showed he cared and wanted
to actually teach the kids the language. The students might not have liked it but they
managed to remember how to speak the language even after the class was over.


I liked that he made sure everyone was treated the same. He didnt care if you were
an athlete or not, if you didnt do the assignment or well on the quiz you werent
getting special treatment or an easy grade.


He was a different type of teacher, which made some people hate him, but more who
liked him.