POV
What is Point of View?
The perspective from which a story is told, such as first-person or third-person.
What does it mean to make a connection when reading a text?
Making a connection means relating the text to personal experiences, other books, or historical/current events.
What does the word “segregation” mean in the context of From Through My Eyes?
Segregation means the separation of people based on race, which was enforced in schools and other public places before integration.
What major event does Ruby Bridges describe in From Through My Eyes, and why is it historically significant?
Ruby Bridges describes her experience as the first Black child to integrate William Frantz Public School in 1960, a major moment in the Civil Rights Movement that challenged school segregation.
What point of view is From Through My Eyes written in? How do you know?
First-person point of view because Ruby Bridges uses "I," "me," and "my" to share her personal experiences.
How might Ruby Bridges’ experiences connect to modern discussions about equality in schools?
Her experiences relate to ongoing discussions about racial equality, inclusion, and fair educational opportunities for all students.
In the text, Ruby Bridges describes the first day of school as feeling like “Mardi Gras.” What does this comparison suggest?
The crowd was loud, chaotic, and filled with people shouting, similar to a parade, but in this case, it was filled with angry protestors instead of celebration.
What was Ruby Bridges’ purpose for writing her memoir?
Her purpose was to inform readers about her experience with school integration, inspire young people to stand up for what is right, and show the importance of equality.
What is Ruby Bridges' purpose for writing From Through My Eyes?
Her purpose is to inform readers about her experience with school integration and to inspire others by showing resilience and bravery.
Can you relate Ruby’s story to another book, movie, or historical event? Explain your connection.
Brown v. Board of Education" case, the Civil Rights Movement, the movie Remember the Titans, or the story of Malala Yousafzai fighting for education rights.
What is the connotation of the word “unyielding” when describing Judge J. Skelly Wright’s actions?
The word “unyielding” has a strong, determined connotation, meaning the judge did not give in to pressure and remained firm in enforcing integration laws.
What does the word “boycott” mean in the context of From Through My Eyes?
Boycott means refusing to participate in something as a form of protest. In the text, white parents boycotted the school by removing their children because they opposed integration.
How does Ruby Bridges acknowledge conflicting viewpoints in her memoir?
She presents her father’s fear of integration, her mother’s belief in the opportunity, and the reactions of white parents protesting against her presence
How might someone who has faced discrimination connect to Ruby Bridges’ story
They might relate to feeling excluded, facing unfair treatment, or needing courage to stand up for what is right.
In the text, Ruby Bridges mentions seeing a “black doll in a coffin” during the protests. What does this imagery symbolize?
In the text, Ruby Bridges mentions seeing a “black doll in a coffin” during the protests. What does this imagery symbolize?
How does Ruby Bridges describe her emotions on the first day of school, and how does this help develop the central idea of the text?
She describes feeling confused rather than afraid, thinking the crowds outside were part of Mardi Gras. This shows how young she was and emphasizes the unfairness of the hostility she faced.
How does the first-person point of view impact the reader’s understanding of Ruby Bridges’ experience?
It allows readers to connect emotionally with her, feel her fear and courage, and see school integration from the perspective of a child experiencing it firsthand.
How does Ms. Henry’s role as Ruby Bridges’ teacher connect to the larger historical context of school integration?
Ms. Henry was one of the only teachers willing to teach Ruby, showing her commitment to equality and education. Her actions connect to the broader Civil Rights Movement, where individuals had to choose between following segregationist norms or standing up for justice
How does Ruby Bridges' choice of words and tone in her memoir impact the reader’s understanding of her experience?
Her tone is honest and reflective, using simple yet powerful language to convey her emotions. This helps readers connect with her perspective as a young child facing a historic and frightening moment.
How does Ruby Bridges address conflicting viewpoints in her memoir?
She presents different perspectives, such as her father’s fear of integration, her mother’s belief in the opportunity, and the violent protests from white parents, showing how people viewed school desegregation differently.