Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher's First Year Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Codell offers several criticisms of the educational bureaucracy. Describe these criticisms in the context of the following:

1)The Michael Jordan Foundation
2)The Educational "Chiropractor"
3)The approval process for the Fairy Tale Festival

2. EDUCATING ESME is written as a series of journal entries. What effect does this format have on the narrative? What are its advantages and possible disadvantages?

3. Codell frequently demonstrates creativity and ingenuity in dealing with problematic children. Describe how Codell deals with the following students and situations:

1)Billy Williams and his constant bad attitude
2)Melanie and her desire to...
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