| Turn Around?: Kayla Farrell | Passion for Writing: Sam Michaud | Expect the Unexpected: Hannah D | Recess and Distress: Blake Beverage | |
| Concept | Victim | Identity Shift | Rebel | Hero |
| Quote from Alexander, Brandt, or Williams | “The popularity of the victim narrative in student texts indicates that students associate school-based literacy practices with oppression and even cruelty” (Alexander 618). | “Student’s identity often shifts from being the lone hero, overcoming adversity to succeed, to someone who is more critical of his or her literacy practices ad who sees them more connected to relationships with others” (Williams 343). | “Skipping school to go to the library, reading a novel or passing notes during class, and being outspoken in class because they perceived the teacher to be wrong” (Alexander 621). | “These researchers have also shown how powerful this heroic identity is for students who consider themselves to be successful writers” (Williams 343). |
| Quote from Author | “Until I got to around seventh grade I read a lot. When I was forced to read things I didn’t like, I lost interest really quickly. I stopped reading for fun an only read when I was absolutely forced to read” (Farrell 1). | “Through more and more practice, I began to write longer, descriptive stories . . . As I moved on to high school, writing just didn’t seem as for for me anymore. I missed getting to unravel my creativity in short stories, where now the topics were strictly chosen by my teachers” (Michaud 4). | “They push us to turn our work into something amazing. They try to teach us to not get so caught up in the personal content rather of a story than the assignment itself . . . I realized it doesn’t matter what you are writing about, you should be creating a piece of work you can always be proud of” (D 3). | “I know that if I slow down and take it one step at a time, I will be able to succeed this year, and for the next 5 years” (Beverage 3). |
| Explanation | Kayla is explaining how she used to love to read until teachers forced her to read and write things that she did not want to. She blames them for her sudden distaste in literacy, taking over the role of the victim. | Sam’s beginning identity is that of a hero; she overcomes her fears of writing in the second grade, and comes to love it. As she starts high school, her identity shifts into more of a victim. She blames the dislike for writing on the assigned topics. | WIthin the last two paragraphs, Hannah explains what she views teacher’s expectations to be, and how hers have grown to be much different. It is a strong example of how she rebels against the accepted. | Blake was able to slow down, and become better about not rushing through his work. He views this as a strong way to almost guarantee his success in the future. |
