Webb, Chapter Two

I was pretty interestd by Webb's chapter on homelessness. I was most inspired by his introductory story on the man he discusses in the beginning. I really like the idea of teaching homelessness in the classroom, especially using some of the references Webb leaves for the readers throughout the chapter, as well as in the end. Some of these resources are things many people have heard of before, but they really never acknowledge the themes they express. In his experiences in teaching homelessness it turns out most students were more interested than they perceived to be in the beginning. One quote in particular is what I hope to be true above all when it comes to student responses in class, "If involvement with real-world issues and events developed consciousness, it also led to better written projects, extended and deepened reading, and provided a basis for passionate oral reports and intense class discussion" page 20. This proves that having themes like homelessness create curiosity to young adolescents and in spite of their doubts, they may actually learn something and enjoy learning in the process. I hope to have this type of impact on my students in my own English classroom one day, where I can find the spot where each individual can find something we are doing in class to be useful and a great learning experience.