Arguments for understanding:
* She comes from Maycomb: While she has been away at college, she is still from the town and presumably understands the basic social dynamics and local customs.
* She tries to connect with the children: While her methods are initially seen as "fancy" and out of touch, she does seem genuinely interested in engaging the students, even with stories about her own family.
* She is willing to learn: The way she handles Scout's "recitation" and her later reaction to Scout's "cunning" are indications that she is open to seeing things from the children's perspective and adapting her teaching style.
Arguments against understanding:
* She is seen as out of touch: Her teaching methods are considered "fancy" and not applicable to the realities of Maycomb. Her curriculum and approach seem to be focused on a more traditional, academic approach, potentially disregarding the students' actual needs and experiences.
* Her perspective is different: She has been away at college and may not fully understand the social and racial tensions that permeate Maycomb life. This may limit her understanding of the children's worldviews and experiences.
* She is a stranger: Even though she is from Maycomb, she has been away and is essentially a stranger to the children. This lack of familiarity can make it harder for her to connect with them on a deeper level.
Ultimately, it's up to the reader to interpret whether the new teacher understands the children. While she shows some signs of empathy and willingness to learn, her methods and perspective seem somewhat removed from the reality of Maycomb life. The novel does not provide a definitive answer, leaving room for interpretation and debate.