The impact of my previous class is still thriving and left me curious about poverty. I have chosen to research poverty because I never realized how many adults and children endure poverty in the area I live in and where I work. I would like to research poverty in certain races, education and age
When I started being aware of my surroundings I realized there are different forms or levels of poverty everywhere. I started talking to the students in different grades at my school. Many of their parents have lost their jobs. Some are lacking food when they go home. Many of them would prefer to stay at school than go home because they are able to have breakfast and lunch but many of the times no dinner. I started noticing the students didn’t own seasonal clothing and many didn’t live in the same place very long. So far, I have learned I am on the right track in my research project. I am keeping the age consistent, talking to Junior High students ranging from 12-16 years old. I am noticing many students are repeaters which is the reason they are 16 in the 8th grade. As I analyze more, I see they face many issues which make me wonder if they are enduring certain situations because of poverty. Also, now I am aware of reliable internet sources I can use to make sure my information is accurate. If anyone has any advice or personal experience on the topic of poverty or has any insight you would like to share, please feel free to do so.
I am excited that you are going to look at the impact of poverty on children. I think this is an important consideration on a child's development. The only insight I have at this time is the change in the type of poverty I have witnessed being a teacher for many years in a low-income school. In the early 90's, many children had stay-at-home single moms living on welfare. Now I see single and double parenting where sometimes both parents are working but are still not making ends meet. Best of luck as you continue this important journey!!
ReplyDeleteKimberly, I see we are speaking on the same topic. I have to agree that I never realize how much poverty it was growing up because it seems that everyone was at an even level ( if that makes sense ). Oddly how now there are many children experiencing poverty to where it effects their education. I notice that you are dealing with middle school age children and it hurts to actually see 16yr olders still in middle school and once they are unmotivated for school that is how they become the drug dealers and etc. I have talk to a few people around my way and even though they are incarcerated they are working on their GED or has received it already. The main quesiton I ask is what grade where you in when you dropped out and why. I particarly remember one response and the guy stated " I was in the 7th grade and they put me up to the 9th because of my age. I can't go to school without school supplies and school clothes so I started to hussle and I began to make more money than anybody could with a college education". He is now facing 29 years with 5 boys ages starting at 3 months to 6 yrs.
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