Two of my students lean in to one of the more challenging text-based framing questions that they created for Socratic Seminar. We’re digging deep into the Common Core Standards Reading Informational Text 11-12, particularly focusing on where an author “leaves matters uncertain,” creating that space for wonder and intentional ambiguity. Some of their questions were:
-On p. 141, the text states “Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu explains that many black boys turn to the streets to learn how to become men because they don’t have fathers at home and no one steps in to fill the void.” What is your opinion on this statement? What influences you to think as you do? Provide examples.
-On p. 19, the writer states that “Like most kids, I wanted my family to be like the ones I saw on television, the Cleavers, the Bradys, the Huxtables. But I never saw those parents argue and fight the way mine did.” Why do you think the media plays such an important role in what we feel is correct?