1) Prediction: In these chapters, we learn that the family is taking a trip to Alabama to visit Grandma Sands. Byron will stay with grandma for a while in hopes that she will "straighten him out." Do you think getting away from the city will help Byron change his behavior? Why or why not.
*NOTE: The above is asking for your prediction about what is going to happen. If you have already read past chapter 9, don't respond to this question. Respond instead to question 2 below:
2) Discuss something Byron has done in these chapters that might indicate his behavior needs an adjustment. What is Byron's reaction to going to Alabama to stay with Grandma Sands?
I am answering question number 1. I am not letting myself get ahead of the Chapters that are assigned so I don't forget what I have read. I did find that when I got to the end of Chapter 9 this morning, I wanted to keep reading.
ReplyDeleteI think that getting away from the city will help Byron and his behavior. Sometimes getting out of his comfort zone and away from the negative influences will help. From the way that the Watsons talk, Grandma will not put up with any of his behavior and attitude.
I had a student several years ago that was a troublemaker. Although much of his behavior was caused from his home situation, he displayed his anger, aggression, and attitude at school. It was decided that the best way to help him at school was to take him out of his comfort zone and place him at a different school. He was a model student at the beginning of the year, but once he was at a comfort level, he began to act out. When reading "The Watsons Go to Birmingham," I see so much of this student in Byron. I am anxious to find out if this move will help him straighten out his life.
Sara Chreene
I'm answering question two. Byron's behavior as a bully is more than enought to suggest he needs an attitude adjustment. On top of all of this is his abuse of the payment system that his parents have set up with Mr. Mitchell's Grocery. He uses it to buy things his parents don't know about. This is just like stealing money from his own family. Also, By's little fascination with fire has become a problem. Burning toilet paper parachutes in the bathroom might seem fairly harmless, but his mother knows better. Her experience with a house fire proves this and she is highly upset with Byron's behavior disregarding her demands to leave matches and fire alone. He is being disrespectful by not listening to her and so his attitude is obviously not where it should be. Byron has also failed in school several times. His disregard for his grades is more than enough to suggest that he also needs an attitude adjustment not only at home or on the playground, but in the classroom as well. Byron's priorities are messed up and his parent's are justified in sending him away for change in scenery and hopefully attitude as well. Byrons reation to his parent's plans only shows further how his attitude and maturity level need adjusting. He walks away angrily and slams the screen door and screams profanity upon first hearing their plans. Later we find that he plans to run the night before they leave. When his parent's foil this plan he decides to give them the silent treatment the whole fifteen hour drive down. His reation matches his previous attitude showing that Byron does need help in this area.
ReplyDeleteI think getting Byron out of the city will help him. Sometimes when we are taken out of our comfort zone and put into a new situation our perceptions change. We are forced to grow up and understand how our behaviors affect others. I believe this will happen with Byron, especially with his strict grandmother watching over him. Also he will be able to get more attention than he is getting at home. While Byron's mom has to split her attention between all three kids, Byron will be the primary focus of his grandmother's attention. He will also learn how different the country is from the city. In the South at that time children were required to work on farms and have daily chores. This leads to responsibility, a pride in oneself, and learning the value of a hard days work. Byron does not have this in the city. He has way to much time on his hands to get into trouble. He also has no respect for anyone. I am sure the time he spends with his grandmother will bring him a respect for others and a new sense of appreciation for his parents.
ReplyDeleteI am responding to Question #2. I couldn't put this book down.....
ReplyDeleteByron was constantly getting into some type of "trouble" or not following rules whether in school or at home. There are tons of reasons his parents could have sent him to live with Grandma, but the final straw was the butter he got. The butter was a funky haircut that was died red. Kenny and Joetta knew that By was going to be in big trouble for this one, but they had heard their parents threaten to send By to live in Birmingham so many times that they thought this time would be the same and he would "get by with it." However, the "butter" was the final straw and Mom and Dad began planning the trip to Grandma Sand's. At first when they tell Byron he is going to stay with Grandma Sands for the summer and maybe the school year, By is speechless. As the reality sets in, he plans his escape. Kenny snitches on him and Mom and Dad have By spend his last night in bed with them instead of his room. By won't pack, pretends the trip isn't happening, and even remains quiet on the car ride. The reality of being shipped off to this "foreign land" in the south is more than By can handle. Grandma Sands here we come.....
I believe that getting away from the city will defiantly help Byron. I think that his grandmother will straighten him out. When I was subbing at school, we could tell some of the students that we were going to call their parents and it did nothing to them. If we said that we were going to call their grandparent, they would sit up and listen. Sometimes, as parents, we tend to hit a wall. I don't know if it is the fact that they see and hear us all the time or what. I do know that if I tell my children something they sometimes "don't" hear me, but if my parents say the same thing they will remember it for forever.
ReplyDeleteLike Suzanne said, in the south there are farms, and he will soon find out what a good days work is all about. I think that this will really change his attitude. I also think that the turmoil in the south will play a big part in him growing up.
I'm responding to question #2. I told myself I wasn't going to read ahead, but the book kind of hit "critical mass" - you know, that spot where you HAVE to keep reading to find out what happens next :-)
ReplyDeleteByron's behavior is bad in a lot of ways. He's not a bad kid at this point (not cruel in a malicious way or evil) but he is seriously going off the rails and his parents are right to try to get him back on the tracks while they can.
As for what Byron's done to justify the relocation - holy cow. A lot. Mama Watson lists a lot of things: truancy, playing with fire, hanging out with a bad crowd. I was honestly gobsmacked when he started using the parents account to get cookies and stuff. In fairness, I don't think he made the "credit" connection. Heck, even today a lot of kids get in trouble with that. They get a credit card and spend it right up to the limit and then they're SHOCKED when they get a bill. "Holy cow - you mean I have to pay for that?!"
I think Byron getting the "butter" was the last straw. The scene where the daddy's all "I guess there's nothing I can do, huh?" had me thinking "Ooooh. That's not good." (I recognized the tone from my own daddy - you know you're in trouble when they get like that!) I cracked up when he shaved Byron bald as a cue ball :-)
When the news finally came down, Byron was angry. But I think he was hurt, too. Not that he'd admit that. But I would imagine he felt like his parents where throwing him out of the family. Certainly he wasn't happy.
In regard to question 2:
ReplyDeleteAlthough Byron is on the wrong path, I think it’s obvious that he has a good heart. For example, when By accidently kills a bird he buries it and places a popsicle-stick cross on the grave. He also takes up for Kenneth, gives him advice, and even counsels with him to get him out from behind the couch. With that said, and even though he has these good qualities, thirteen year old Byron—“Mr. Cool”-- does need an attitude adjustment because he is about to drive his mother over the edge. She even tells him “instead of improving, you’re getting worse.” He has a smart mouth, and he’s sneaky. He won’t stop playing with playing matches, and without permission, he gets a “conk, a process, a butter”--in other words, he gets his hair dyed reddish brown and it’s stiff, straight, and slick-looking because he want “Mexican hair.” On pages 118-119, By’s mother, Wilona, tells him exactly why he has to go to Grandmother Sands (for the attitude adjustment): Byron cuts school, he sets fires, he has been stealing change from her purse, and charging food at Mitchells Food Fair, he’s been fighting, and he has joined a gang. I think joining a gang means serious trouble for By. Byron initially reacts to the news that he is being sent to his strict Grandmother Sands’ home by running into the house and swearing. As the trip to Alabama gets closer, "Mr. Cool," Byron acts like nothing is going to happen.
1. I think that getting away could possibly help with Byron's behavior. He is surrounded by bad influences in the city. Of course, he could just find more bad influences in Alabama. Maybe his grandmother will be able to straighten him out. If she is as strict as they say she is, I would behave! I am relating Byron's behavior to my behavior in the 6th grade. I was very defiant and acted out because I was surrounding myself with the wrong crowd of people. Once I got away from those people, my behavior changed.
ReplyDeleteI have to confess that I read the whole book the first week of class, not knowing that we would be blogging about it. I had to return it back to the school's library. So I guess that means I will be answering question #2.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny as I read this book, I found that this child reminds me of my 12 year old kid. He does not disregard school but he has started to push the limits with things that he thinks he can get away with. I tried the same, sending him to grandma's but to my surprise he came back worst. We think that sending our kids away will make them realize something, it only made him feel that I was giving up on him. There are some kids out there that have to keep some adventure in their lives(stealing cookies, getting a conk, playing hookie from school), but these kids need to realize that there will be consequencses for their behavior. The one thing that I can say about Byron, he doesn't know when to stop. I think he finally hit a brick wall when he had to sport that balded head for awhile. (I have to admit I have shaved my son's head bald as well, not bc he got a conk, but to prove to him who really was in charge.) In the case of the story I don't think that Grandma Sands changed him at all. I believed what happenened to Joetta really made the attitude adjustment for Byron.
I am answering question number two. Byron's attitude towards everyone was reason enough to send him to Alabama. He stole money from his family, bullied everyone in town, tortured animals, and was playing with fire even after his mother demanded him not to. I am amazed that it took that long for his parents to finally send him to Grandma Sands.
ReplyDeleteBryon's reaction is to not react. He goes on with his usual days acting as if they are not going to Alabama. He even tries to run away from home the night before they leave. When the day finally comes, he says he isn't going to talk to them the entire way but eventually does. Bryon's behavior eventually changes to a more respectable young adult the closer they get to Alabama. And he does change the minute he gets a quick talking to from Grandma Sands. However, its one thing to appear as a changed person. I think the events with Ken at the lake and Joey with the Church really put perspectives into Bryon's life. He faced losing both his siblings and it changed him into being a better older brother.
This is an answer for question number two. Byron has done so many things to show disrespect to his family from the time he used the store account to his advantage by purchasing items without permission without any regard for the family. The making of the parachutes with toliet paper could have easily burned down the house, again no regard for the family. When he put the "conk" in his hair this only showed his parents that he had no regards for their rules. He was quite angry when they told him about the trip to Alabama, he slammed the door and used profanity again showing disrespect. I believe his Grandma Sands will be able to put him in check. I believe she will have force to break him into shape, and make him appreciate family. I don't think he'll disrespect his grandma. This trip should make hime miss is family and learn to appreciate them. I believe absence does make the heart grow fonder.
ReplyDeleteI think Byron could change his behavior while visiting Grandma Sands. First, Grandma Sands would need to understand what is going on with Byron so that she can address the problems up front to know how to attempt to help him. Byron will need to understand the rules and regulations that Grandma sets for him. With both, knowing what is expected, hopefully things will get started on the right track in hopes of making By's behavior change. Sometimes, a change of scenery could help improve a troubled child. I think Byron would have to want to change his wrong ways. From growing up around a grandmother, all it took for my brothers and sisters was a "look" when we did something that was wrong. If Grandma Sands is like many of the grandmothers I know, it won't take very long to whip Byron into shape!
ReplyDeleteI fully believe that taking Byron out of the city and making him spend time with his grandmother in the country will be the best thing for him. There is many more opportunites for a child to experience and fall into bad things in the city. During these times in the country, kids were taught responsibility at a young age and expected to be outside daily working on the farms. Also, with his grandmother able to give Byron full attention, unlike his mother who had to show all the children attention, he will be watched more closely. In all, i think it is a great idea for him to go stay with his grandmother for a while; with a change of everyday routine, a strict grandmother, and a fresh new place to be, this can only help Byron!
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1:
ReplyDeleteI think that Byron will definitely benefit from his stay at his grandmother's. From what I have read so far, the grandmother is a tough love kind of woman who will not put up with Byron's bad behavior. Like others have said, I think being away from his normal lifestyle and all the bad influences around him will really help Byron. On the other hand, Byron is a pretty hard-headed kid and might not be broken as easily as we might think. I am interested to see how Byron will handle being in this new setting.
I do think getting Byron out of the "big" city will help him straighten up. In the city, there are more temptaions because there are more resources. Getting mixed up with the wrong crowd can take a tole on someone's character, which I believe is the reason Byron is acting out the way he is. Going to Alabama might change Byron because the change of pace. Things in the South move a little slower and Byron's grandmother doesn't have a problem tightening the leash on his behavior.
ReplyDeleteI am going to answer question number 1.
ReplyDeleteI think by taking Byron away from all of the negative influences will definitely help his "bullying" ways. I think by having a strong, positive influence like his grandmother will straighten him up. I think deep down he could be a caring person, he is just way too influenced by the people he hangs out with. A trip to grandma's should be good for him :)
Hannah McDonald
Question #1: I think going to stay with his grandmother will definitely help Byron. Once again I must say that I feel Byron has some issues he needs to address. I think he may be acting out as a survival mechanism or he could be seeking attention. Afterall Joetta is the baby girl and Kenny probably received extra attention due to his "lazy" eye leaving Byron to feel left out. The wisdom and guidance of a grandmother is priceless. I also feel like Byron is going to have to want to change his behavior and be receptive to his grandmother's teachings and wisdom. Maybe he will straighten up knowing that now his parents mean business, before all his parents did was make threats now he sees that they mean business he just might get his act together! A visit to the south in 1963 in my opinion should give "By" a different look on life and what he has to do to get what he wants out of life.
ReplyDeleteQuestion #2: Byron plans to escape the night before they leave and Joetta "rats" him out. He then vows to remain silent the whole trip but the trip somehow consumes him and he begins to open up and express his views about certain things during the trip. The experience in the "out house" was hilarious! I could picture By with his pickets stuffed with tissue! LoL! Byron really needs a reality check, after he continued to burn matches in the bathroom and the put "mess" in his hair...he deserved to be punished. He has a caring side though, and it shows when he burries the bird he killed. Hopefully Grandma Sands or the south will bring that caring side out.
I believe that getting away from the city will straightn Byron out. The south has a different way of life compared to the north. He will be exposed to some true bullies, which are the white people bullying the blacks. He will probably be scared out of his ways from being exposed to the racism, acts of the civil rights movement, and people surrounding him in Alabama. Another point that will straighten him out is staying with his grandma. My opinion about grandmas in the south is no comparison to grandmas in the north. It's like grandmas, or "Big Mommas" as some southern people say, are the most feared in the family. Grandma has the final say on everything. She is the most respected, the main punisher, the wise one in the family, & the head of the family. I believe grandmas in the south do not take any misbehaving from young people are bad manners or sass talk from anyone. If you overstep your boundaries, you best beleive grandma is going to punish you & set you straight in the blink of an eye. Grandma Sands is probably like I described so Byron will change into a new person after living with his grandam & leaving the south.
ReplyDeleteI am answering question 2. Just the fact that Byron is a bully is enough for an attitude adjustment. He disrespects his family members to the point that his parents have had enough. I beleive it is his outside environment that makes him act the way he does. In my opinion, the long stay at his grandmothers will do him some good. He will be able to look at things in a different light becasue his grandmother will make it point to see that that happens.
ReplyDelete