1. A framework for Understanding Poverty
Chapters 2 and 3
Ashleigh Dunn

2. Ch. 2: The Role of Language and Story
Introduction:
Registers of Language
Language Acquisition
Ramifications
Discourse Patterns
Story Structure
What can you do?

3. Direct link between achievement and language

4. Registers of Language Frozen Formal Consultative Casual Intimate
Language is always the same (Lord’s Prayer)
Formal
Sentence syntax and word choice of work and school (complete sentences and word choice)
Consultative
Formal but used in conversation. Not as direct.
Casual
Between friends, word vocab, non-verbal assists, incomplete.
Intimate
Language between lovers or twins.

5. Language Acquisition Primary discourse Secondary Discourse
Individual first acquired
Secondary Discourse
Language of the larger society
Obviously if the students primary discourse is the same as their secondary discourse they do much better in school.
Ramifications
Acquisition and learning is different.
Acquisition: most natural way to learn language, there is a significant relationship
Learning: direct-teaching of language, metacognitive
Want students to go casual to formal register,
need to direct-teach it!!

6. Patterns of Discourse and Story Structure
Formal-register
Pattern = Straight to the point
Story = beginning, plot, the end
Plot is the most important part
Casual-register
Pattern = goes around the issue before coming to the point
Story = begins with the end of the story, told in vignettes, audience participation, ends with comment about the character value
Characterization is the most important part

7. What can we do? Direct teach Tell stories in both ways
Have students write in casual then translate to formal
Use graphic organizers to show patterns
Use stories in ALL subjects

8. Summary Registers of Language Must teach formal
Formal vs Casual
Must teach formal
Must stress importance of formal language to obtain a well-paying job

9. Ch. 3 Hidden Rules Among Classes
Introduction
The Classes
Poverty
Middle Class
Wealth
Assumptions
Key point
Hidden rules govern so much of our immediate assessment of an individual and his/her capabilities.
Can keep individual from moving upward in a career

10. Get out your book!

11. What can we do? Be careful with assumptions about intelligence
All students should be taught hidden rules of middle class as a tool
Attitudes reflect class system
If you understand culture and values of poverty will lessen the anger and frustration of educators
Understand most students of poverty don’t believe they are poor or wealthy adults don’t believe they are wealthy (can usually cite someone who has more money).

12. Summary
Class status
Middle class rules critical to be successful in the business world.