Noll’s research of the two American Indian teenagers, Zonnie and Daniel was insightful and eye opening. As a teenager I remember wrestling and being consumed with many of the same issues and interests: friend/peer relationships, boys, self-esteem, career/future planning, music, dance, social gatherings. However I did not experience the added burden shared by Zonnie and Daniel of discrimination. Unfortunately the situations described seemed to not only include students but teachers too. I’m assuming, maybe wrongfully so, that instead of getting to know Daniel and Zonnie they made false judgments based on their race and/or previous experiences with other American Indians.
Not trying to get to know your students personally (background, culture, and interests) is an injustice to the continuum of education. Putting forth that extra effort and attempting to engage all your students is vital and even the smallest act of reaching out could make a world of difference. Daniel probably would have found civics more relevant if his teacher had led by example, not just mentioned, using the Indian Country Today. I know even my kindergarten students have more attentive and productive days when I ask about their weekend game or another personal event they mentioned earlier. Daniel could have also really used the boost of positive reinforcement by hearing his Halloween story read aloud, seeing as how this was one of the few assignments manage to submit.
Literacy is influenced, supported, and accomplished by a variety of factors. Noll’s research clearly depicted the influence of “American Indian culture, mainstream popular culture, and school culture” on Zonnie and Daniel. These teenagers connected with poetry and music, choosing these avenues as a means of working through and expressing feelings too tough to simple talk about. I think we all have our outlets and ways of coping with the pressures of life. This research has reminded me of the importance of being a good example, sharing ways I use reading and writing in and out of school with my students. Making a point to show and talk through examples of lists or notes I’ve made at home could spark my student’s interests. Starting at a young age is important but as this research has shown, continuing to support and show interest in each child’s culture can only improve on their literacy development.
Ruth Ann Timmons
Comments (6)
Ruth Ann,
I couldn't agree more. You have to connect with your students outside of school as well. When you are able to make the connection to the students that you are more than a teacher and can relate to them outside the school it makes a huge difference. I don't think that either of the two students we read about had this connection and nuturing from thier teachers. This may have made a difference in thier success in school.
Posted by Kara Scott | June 10, 2011 5:29 PM
Posted on June 10, 2011 17:29
Ruth Ann,
I felt so bad for Daniel when I read that he was sitting in class, hoping the teacher would read his story aloud, but she didn't. Even if it wasn't the best story in the class (although I thought it was a good story), the fact that he actually completed and turned in the assignment should have been a clue to the teacher that this was an assignment that he had worked very hard on. I think it is important to give each student in our class "their time to shine." I know there are always the same students who have the best writings or read with the best fluency, but others should be given the opportunity to show off to their peers. I saw a bulletin board in a classroom I substituted in that was a display of the student's good work. Each child's name was on the board with there was a clear sheet protector underneath it, and the student could pick which piece of work was going to be displayed that week. As a student, that would have made me very proud, as i'm sure it does for the students in that class.
Posted by Lisa Beach | June 10, 2011 9:25 PM
Posted on June 10, 2011 21:25
Ruth Ann,
I agree with the importance of getting to know your students. Not only do you have a better understanding of who they are, but then they feel this connection and want to open up more to you. Then, that leads to the desire to want to work harder in your classroom, rather than tune out. So it's a win, win. You get to know your students, and you have more engaged and enthusiastic learners!
Posted by Carrie Brown | June 10, 2011 10:37 PM
Posted on June 10, 2011 22:37
I agree with your comment regarding "the smallest act of reaching out can make a difference". It is true that when you take an interest in the student's personal lives and feelings, they "perk up". You've made that connection and elementary students are always wanting to talk about themselves.
Daniel did need that boost of positive reinforcement concerning the story he was so proud of writing. There again, the recognition can make a big impact.
Posted by Carol Holt | June 11, 2011 10:17 AM
Posted on June 11, 2011 10:17
Ruth Ann,
I thought the same thing in reference to experiencing some of the same things Daniel and Zonnie did when I was in school. I was especially disturbed at the bullying that Daniel endured and by the lack of recognition by the teacher. His father seemed to have given the same advice I have heard other parents give when their children have been bullied. They will take it to a certain point and then fight back. I know bullying is something all cultures experience but so is predjudice and bias. I beleive educating ourselves about all cultures can help eliminate some predjudice and bias opinions we may have.
Posted by Karen Gold | June 11, 2011 10:35 PM
Posted on June 11, 2011 22:35
Ruth Ann,
I agree with your assessment of the teacher who should have been a role model and used the Indian Today periodical, rather than just "okaying" it as a source for others. I too think that teachers should be role models for integration and acceptance -- not just using the language but engaging in the practice as well to show students how to do it!
Posted by Dr. Jackson | June 15, 2011 9:53 AM
Posted on June 15, 2011 09:53