In Perry’s article, one of the points that is made is that along with preserving culture and tradition, storytelling is also a valuable tool in informing, educating and persuading others to act on a certain cause. As Perry states, storytelling was an important “practice that gave them legitimate reasons to engage with reading and writing and to develop their English language abilities” (p.37). Writing and telling their stories gave them a reason for becoming involved and interested in literacy. Perry points out that “educators should find or create authentic opportunities for refugee students to share their stories” (pg.37) In the article, Chol hoped to publish his autobiography in a magazine because that’s a real life application for a real audience. Teachers today should try to find ways for students to share their work with live audiences as opposed to just turning it in for the purpose of a grade or not getting in trouble for not completing an assignment. That gives the assignment purpose instead of the feeling of busywork.
This point also connects to Lamont Carey’s Def Jam poetry. He’s using the medium of poetry to get across a message to a real audience about certain problems with the educational system. His poem really did make me think about all those kids that get passed along because everyone places the blame on someone else, especially if the kid can play a sport, and those kids don’t stand a chance if they get an injury because they’re not prepared to do anything else in life. It’s our job as teachers to ensure that that doesn’t happen.
I think that Perry also makes a good point near the end of the article. We should remember that although we are encouraging students of all backgrounds to share their experiences through all mediums, it’s important that they know they don’t have to if they are not comfortable. Many of us have not had traumatic experiences like the Sudanese refugees and do not know what the best way to handle that kind of trauma is. So it is critical that these students be able to decide if, how and when they share their experiences.
Kim Strzelecki
Comments (8)
Kim,
I agree that teachers should find ways for students to share their work. Giving assignments with a purpose makes the work meaningful for students.
When sharing their personal stories, it is important for teachers to be aware of student comfort level. Some students have had to endure hardships in their personal lives that they may not want to share with classmates. Allowing choice within an assignment would be a good approach. Some students may want to tell their personal stories to a live audience, and some may prefer to journal about their experiences.
Posted by Carol Holt | June 17, 2011 11:20 AM
Posted on June 17, 2011 11:20
Kim, I like the comment you shared about giving our students a more authentic reason for writing or sharing their ideas. If we are asking them to feel safe enough to share their personal experiences with an audience, as with the men in Perry's research, it should be in a way that makes them feel most comfortable, whether it be oral or written. The focus should be on getting their story out, not how it is done. I would like to be offer more flexibility in my students' work assignments to give them more choice and ownership in their literacy development. Oral storytelling would help our students be more effective public speakers too.
Posted by Michelle Carlson | June 17, 2011 12:40 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 12:40
Kim,
You are so right about not forcing a student to share if they do not want too.
We are very fortunate to have people like the three Sudanese boys to write and tell stories for our education. However, everyone does not want to share what may be so traumatic or personal. Perhaps they feel they don't have anything to offer or they do not know how to express what they know. I think one of the worse things we can do for our students is to force upon them to release their thoughts.
Posted by candace kee | June 17, 2011 2:28 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 14:28
Kim, I like your idea of giving students a time to share their work with a live audience. I think that type of purpose will definitely help give some students motivation in their writing.
I also agree with you that we need to not force our children to share any stories that may be traumatic to them. Like you said, most of us have never been in those situations so we shouldn't act as though we always know what's best. I think this could be extended to most writing assignments in the classroom. While it's good to give students the opportunity to share if they want, we need to be respectful of the fact that their writing might be very personal to them. As teachers we do no need to see and evaluate at least some of their writing, but their's no reason to force them to share with the rest of their class.
Posted by Andrea Schlobohm | June 17, 2011 3:37 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 15:37
Kim,
I agree teachers could improve motivation and should reconsider the purpose and audience for writing assignments on a regular basis. This would provide opportunities for students to share with others outside of their classroom and schools. The chance to make an impact on others views or get your voice heard by members of the public would certainly help motivate me to do my best. I think students would approach an assignment for possible publication very differently as well, much like Chol’s hopes for his autobiography.
Posted by Ruth Ann Timmons | June 17, 2011 3:41 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 15:41
Kim, I like the statement at the end of the study that we need to encourage students to use all mediums to share their stories, but they don't have to if its not comfortable. I think as teachers it is important to reach out and model different ways for students to display their stories as it doesn't only have to be wrote down on a piece of paper. Students are creative and its important to encourage their creativity. For those students who don't feel comfortable we need to offer other ways for them to communciate in a quiet safe way.
Posted by Kara Scott | June 17, 2011 5:09 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 17:09
Kim,
I was really moved when I heard Lamont Carey's Def Jam poetry. Although I failed to mention it in my original post, he really got me thinking about all the students who are or have been in the situation he talks about. I think that students, way too often, are passed on to the next grade because they can kick a field goal, make a slam dunk, or hit a home run. Are these students, just because they have more athletic ability than others, not held to the same standards as every other student? Students can not be successful if they can not read. Sometimes I think that people do not realize that they are causing more harm than good by allowing this to go on. Playing ball can only take you so far; literacy will take you throughout your life.
Posted by Lisa Beach | June 17, 2011 11:07 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 23:07
The main idea of your post -- that of ownership, timing, and sharing -- is such vital element of storytelling! It always seems odd to me to be "given" a writing prompt or topic and to be "taught" how to write based on the audience. What you are alluding to is that if the writing occurs naturally, then the audience and genre will fit the topic -- let the writer decide! :)
Posted by Dr. Jackson | June 20, 2011 11:19 AM
Posted on June 20, 2011 11:19