Finn

Literacy with an Attitude

Finn

Reflection: 

    I found the story given in Chapter 1 to be really interesting. Specifically the part about how working-class and poor kids relate to authority. Authority is so important in the classroom because it is a crucial part of maintaining discipline. Seeing the way that he taught left me with some takeaways that I could incorporate into my own teachings. The fact that he can get assignments graded within the next class is great. This quick feedback helps students understand where they are and what they might need to improve on. 

    In Chapter 2, as expected, the schools that have the top earning families are predominately all white schools. Hearing what some of the teachers had to say about students was terrible. I have been around teachers who have talked negatively about their students. I don't understand why teachers feel the need to bash students behind their back, or in some cases, to their face. As a teacher you should be eager to help the students reach their goals. The mentioning of personal development and creativity are crucial to understand. As a developing teacher, I find that creativity is something that is lacking in the developing youth. Creativity and outside-the-box thinking are not something  one might take into consideration when teaching, it is always important to include them. Something I wish I took more notice of throughout my own schooling was my personal growth. Personal growth aids students in gaining self-awareness, developing traits, and improving potential. 

Here is a link to an article further explaining why personal growth in schooling is important. 

https://exceptionalchildren.org/blog/personal-growth-necessary-educators-implement-trauma-sensitive-practices

Blog Post #6

Blog Post #6

Video/How Structural Racism Works

Professor Rose

Reflection: 

     Something in the Structural Racism works video was very interesting to me and I have decided to write about my thoughts on it. In the video there are 5 key areas of society where racism is highly consequential. The areas listed are, housing, education, mass media, wealth/jobs, and criminal justice. I have seen countless examples of racism throughout all of these areas. In the area of housing I have seen people act and say racist things in their household. This is a really important thing to combat because the children of tomorrow shouldn't grow up with racism in their household, it then becomes a "normal" thing to them. Racism still plagues the education system. While attending school in previous years I have heard kids bully others because of skin color, and I have heard things people have said, that shouldn't be said. Kids of color need a better education, inner city schools need to be fixed, especially the public schools. In mass media, racism is everywhere you look. I don't even need to use examples, you all have phones, you know what I'm talking about. Racism is present in the line of work as well, someone should never have to feel uncomfortable to go to work. Work is supposed to be a safe place for people to go to make money to live. Lastly, the criminal justice system is a joke. A lot of people that are locked up shouldn't be there, you have guys serving a longer sentance for marajuana possesion than guys who commit way worse crimes. The prisons themselves are unstable, dirty, and cruel. In every major aspect of life racism is right there, this Is a sad thing to realize. Change starts with us. 

Here is a link to a recent news video on the crumbling prison system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8W0HbVpUJQ

Video Analysis

 Teach us all: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_xDxTLamOcZtaF0UCk9j2k4y-jjSspD8Qh4bgYB8zU8/edit

Classroom Tour:

Precious Knowledge:

Blog Post #5

 

Blog Post #5

Why Intersectionality cant wait

By Kimberlé Crenshaw

Quotes:

    While reading Why Intersectionality Cant Wait, I was able to pick out several quotes that I found to have important relevance to the text. The first quote comes right after Crenshaw mentions the concept of Intersectionality. "But if women and girls of color continue to be left  in the shadows, something vital to the understanding of intersectionality has been lost." said Crenshaw, this is her first main point in the text. She then follows this up with DeGraffenreid vs. General Motors as an example. The second quote that I found to have importance to this piece was, "People of color within LGBTQ movements; girls of color in the fight against the school-to-prison pipeline; women within immigration movements; trans women within feminist movements; and people with disabilities fighting police abuse — all face vulnerabilities that reflect the intersections of racism, sexism, class oppression, transphobia, able-ism and more. Intersectionality has given many advocates a way to frame their circumstances and to fight for their visibility and inclusion.". Crenshaw has now expanded into a broader example of Intersectionality by mentioning other groups of people being oppressed that deserve better. It only makes sense that we can apply the same idea of intersectionality for other groups to shed light. The final quote I have picked, "In the context of addressing the racial disparities that still plague our nation, activists and stakeholders must raise awareness about the intersectional dimensions of racial injustice that must be addressed to enhance the lives of all youths of color." gives a really solid ending for Crenshaws work. Now we have an idea on where this problem can begin to be solved. It starts with raising awareness of oppression and of the concept of Intersectionality. Solving the problem also requires us as students, and as future teachers to spread the concept of intersectionality.

If you are having trouble understanding Intersectionality or need a quick reminder, here is a short video of Crenshaw explaining Intersectionality !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViDtnfQ9FHc

Blog Post #4

 Blog Post #4 

Video/What to look for in a Classroom

Alfie Kohn

Reflection:

    Kohn does an outstanding job at providing ideal examples of what should be in a classroom, and what shouldn't. As a student who has been in many different classrooms throughout my life, I can say that I have seen good classrooms and bad ones. The worst classroom I've ever been in was my 7th grade classroom. Students were always talking out and complaining. The thing that bothered me most was the blank walls, the classroom was so plain and in the mind of a 7th grader it felt like I was in prison. I also particularly enjoyed classrooms that were set up to feel comfy with books and supplies everywhere. One thing that I don't have a problem with was listed as a possible reason to worry,  teachers being typically front and center was something I always liked. The teacher being in the front was very convenient for myself, especially when I had a question. Still, I can understand the appeal of an active teacher who roams around the classroom, interacting with students on a more personal level. In the video I was reminded of how important culturally responsive teaching is. I have had a few teachers who are culturally responsive and the environment is noticeably better. Teachers who can do this create an environment that acknowledges diversity and individuality, which makes students feel more appreciated and valued. 

Here are some classroom design ideas, I hope this can give someone some ideas!

https://chaylorandmads.com/classroom-decoration-ideas/

Blog Post #3

Blog Post #3

Amazing Grace

By: Jonathan Kozol

    After reading Amazing Grace , I was able to reflect on how blessed I am in life to be where I am now. In my opinion, Kozol did an outstanding job with shedding light on the horrors of South Bronx and the depressing lives of its inhabitants. While reading this piece I was quickly hooked, as I have never read about the appalling things that happen in the Bronx in such detail. Something that really stood out to me in this piece was something I was able to relate to, "Many cannot sleep. Asthma is the most common illness among children here. Many have to struggle to take in a good deep breath. Some mothers keep oxygen tanks, which children describe as "breathing machines," next to their children's beds"(pg.4). Growing up with asthma I can relate to the struggles of breathing, but I couldn't imagine what life would have been like if I didn't own an inhaler growing up. The stories Kozol talks about really bring to life the problems with South Bronx. I couldn't have been more blessed to have grown up the way I did and where I did, rather than a drug infested area. I will never understand why the world just allows this happen, action is clearly needed more than ever. More people in the world today should be grateful and appreciative that they don't have to live like the people in South Bronx live. 

-Here is a link to a first person video of someone walking around South Bronx.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFJnjicQ2aA

Blog Post #2

The Silenced Dialogue/Overview Handout

By: Lisa Delpit

Quotes:

"There comes a moment in every class where we have to discuss "The Black Issue" and what's appropriate education for black children. I tell you, I'm tired of arguing with those white people, because they won't listen. Well, I don't know if they really don't listen or if they just don't believe you. It seems like if you can't quote Vygotsky or something, then you don't have any validity to speak about your own kids. Anyway, I'm not bothering with it anymore, now I'm just in it for a grade." - Pg. 21

- This quote from a black student in a predominately white setting stood out to me for a few reasons. His point on how white people aren't listening to his thoughts when talking about the education for black children is important to look at. The point he made at the end is also something to acknowledge. He's just in it for the grade. I feel as though teachers should be more encouraging for students to be themselves and to be passionate about a topic. 

"Black children expect an authority figure to act with authority." - Pg. 35

- I would have to say that I disagree with this statement by Delpit. I understand the Concept of Authority but I don't believe that race should play a part in it. Expecting students to react to classroom commands differently based on their race is a step in the wrong direction. Each household is different with its own set of rules. It just wouldn't make sense to command students differently like that. 

"I tell them that their language and cultural style is unique and wonderful but that there is a political power game that is also being played, and if they want to be in on that game there are certain games that they too must play." - pg. 40

- This quote to be very powerful with its meaning. I like how he tells the students about how their language and cultural style is unique, as it adds a sense of acceptance between the teacher and student. I also like the mentioning of the political power game. That political power game is part of how we can change this world. 

Here is a link to an video with some ideas on combating racism in schools.

- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7soCyte1RE