Our 350 classes this week were deep. I am so glad that this class gives us the opportunity to talk about things together that will in some way affect us in this profession of teaching. Not only do we talk about these things together, but we support each other. I learned some extremely important things about being an educator in 350 this week regarding diversity and what it means to teach a diverse classroom. These are some things that my eyes were opened to this week about classroom diversity:
- As a teacher, by saying that I am "color blind" and that "I don't see colors, I only see students," I am not being respectful to my students. I am ignoring an important aspect of my students as individuals. Their race often becomes a part of their own individual culture, because that's the way our society works. I shouldn't ignore this part of them... as their teacher, I should help them embrace this part of who they are and I should embrace them for who they are as an individual! This relates to Standard 2c, "Teachers treat students as individuals."
- Kids can tell if you believe in them or not. This affects their performance in the classroom. They need a teacher that believes that they can succeed, because this will help them believe in themselves.
- Kids are more likely to remember negative things that are said about them than the positive things that are said about them-- this is extremely important to remember.
- If kids aren't getting the attention, nurturing, love, care, etc. that they need at home, and if I don't show that I care about them as their teacher at school, where are they going to get the nurturing and care that they need? Probably nowhere. It is vital that I care for my students and pay attention to their overall wellbeing at all times. This relates to Standard 2a, "Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults."
So what does this mean for my future classroom??
I will embrace every child who walks into my classroom for who they are as an individual, without ignoring the fact that their race is often a part of their culture and who they are. I'll also provide constructive criticism without tearing my kids down. I will build each student up to the best of my ability, and not say unnecessary negative things about them, because these are the comments they will remember and put themselves down with. I will pay attention to the wellbeing of my students at all times and fight for them and take care of them! This aligns with Standard 1d, "Teachers advocate for schools and students."
"It is easier to build strong children than fix broken men." (-Frederick Douglass)
https://today.law.harvard.edu/it-is-easier-to-build-strong-children-than-fix-broken-men-at-hls-summit-edelman-says-we-must-move-from-punishment-to-justice-video/
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you wholeheartedly that we shouldn't ignore the differences of our students in the classroom but embrace them. Our words, as teachers, are powerful, and negative thoughts are often easier to believe and remember than positive thoughts. Also, I really liked how you plugged in the "constructive criticism" in your conclusion, because that is a huge part of teaching, helping students understand problems and mistakes in order to reach their full potential.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteFor a long time I used the excuse, "I don't see color." I realized few years ago that by saying this, I was disregarding what their color and culture brought to them as people. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to be in multicultural classrooms. I am also super thankful for EDUC 350. It does certainly allow us the opportunity to discuss some challenges we may face as educators.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteI am with you on the fact that ignoring the differences of our future students is not the way to go, some of the differences between them they value and we should try to find a way to use the differences to unite our students. I also love the quote you used in the end. It is so true and we should all strive to make children be the best they can be.
I was so amazed in class when we brought up the idea that "color blindness" to race is ignoring diversity. While we are all equal in worth, we are diverse. We all have our own pasts, cultures, skin colors, gender, and so much more. My goal as a future educator will be to teach my children to embrace and celibrate diversity, not fear it.
ReplyDeleteI love the connections you are making between the standards and what we are doing in class. You are really seeing how this works together to help you be the best teacher you can be. Remember, you can blog about 410 and 350 together if that's easier for you. I also love the quote you found, but what other outside research did you do to support your learning of this concept?
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