Linda Hillringhouse - Teachers Make a Difference - Miss Kimble

The speaker reflects on the profound impact Miss Kimball, their 4th-grade teacher, had on their life by introducing them to Greek myths. This exposure opened up new worlds and possibilities for the speaker, who was a lonely child at the time. The speaker later became a teacher and shared a story about a student who related deeply to a character in DH Lawrence's work. This experience highlighted the importance of making literature accessible and the lasting influence of passionate teaching.

What was the significant impact of Miss Kimball's teaching on the narrator?

• It made the narrator dislike reading.

• It introduced the narrator to Greek myths, sparking a sense of wonder.

• It discouraged the narrator from pursuing literature.

• It made the narrator feel excluded from the class.

What was the narrator's initial reading interest before being introduced to Greek myths?

• Science fiction novels.

• Fantasy series.

• Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames books.

• Historical biographies.

How did Miss Kimball's approach to teaching differ from an elitist perspective?

• She shared stories out of love and passion, not exclusivity.

• She avoided teaching complex stories.

• She taught only to the top students.

• She focused on memorization.

What story did the narrator teach that resonated deeply with a student?

• The Great Gatsby

• The Horse Dealer's Daughter by D.H. Lawrence

• The Odyssey

• Romeo and Juliet

What decision did the student make after relating to the character Mabel Purvis?

• To drop out of college and travel the world.

• To return home and try to save her relationship.

• To change her major to literature.

• To write a book about her experiences.

What realization did the narrator have about teaching after the student's decision?

• Students should not relate personally to stories.

• Opening literature to students can have a profound impact.

• Literature should be kept exclusive.

• Teaching is only about delivering information.

What was the narrator's hope regarding their teaching compared to Miss Kimball's?

• To be exactly like Miss Kimball.

• To never teach Greek myths.

• To inspire students with a love for literature.

• To focus solely on poetry.