Journal and Discussion: Resource Book Readings

Reading5 is surprising, yet true because it seems that we have become very indifferent to others’ sufferings. However, when someone does something extraordinary and helps those in need, we consider them heroes because their actions are rare, which is sad because it should be the opposite; helping others should happen more often than not and not participating should be a rarity. Winton did not consider himself a hero because he did something that was not out of his comfort; participation doesn’t always mean making a personal sacrifice.
Reading4 reinforced my understanding of participation: changing something for the better will create a ripple effect and affect more change. Mrs. Roosevelt helped to inspire others to participate because she helped to grab the attention of the press about the discrimination against Anderson by the DAR.
As is evident in these two readings, participation can happen quietly (as Winton kept his WWII participation from his wife) or very audibly (as Mrs. Roosevelt wrote in the newspaper for the nation to read).
            As for using these readings in the classroom, I would use the connection questions to get students to connect to the story they read and relate to it today. I think these stories will help students to reflect on the actions of their peers, relatives, and themselves as well as their community. I think what will resonate most with students is that participation can be very small. I think these stories are a great start or inspiration to an action project that students can be involved in; they can document their participation in something they care about.