Daniel and Zonnie’s teachers really “missed the boat”, didn’t they? First of all, where’s the teacher-student connection? Being bullied caused Daniel to become alienated at school. If a connection had been made, perhaps the teacher would have become aware of the bullying. Just speaking with the students doing the bullying could have made such a difference. The school counselor could have had lessons focused on bullying that includes racist comments. If the school personnel had had an impact on the reduction of bullying, Daniel and Zonnie would not have had to continue experiencing the mistreatment from others. They would not have had to struggle with issues of racism concerning their Indian identity. This change could have totally transformed their outlook on school. It seems to me that the school needed to embrace their culture in some way, like sponsoring a Cultural Awareness Week.
These teachers totally missed out on engaging Daniel and Zonnie in reading and writing. I found it surprising that Zonnie’s reading teacher had no idea what she liked to read. Something as simple as having students complete an Interest Inventory gives the teacher an idea of what the students’ interests are in reading and writing. Daniel’s teacher could have discovered that he enjoyed reading the comics in the weekly Indian newspaper as well as the wide range of genres that were mentioned, and expanded on those interests. Daniel needed to be as engaged in school as he was in powwows. Zonnie’s teacher could have recommended additional horror books for her to read. Matching readers with a book they might enjoy is a strategy to get them “hooked” on reading. Allowing student choice in reading material is also motivating. If their teachers had known that they had an interest in art, music, writing and dancing, they could have used a multisensory approach in their lessons for visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners.
Thank goodness Daniel and Zonnie had strong cultural ties and a strong family unit encouraging them to do their best. It’s good that Daniel and Zonnie had writing as an outlet for their feelings. Every kid wants to feel like they belong, especially in the teen years.
Carol Holt
Comments (7)
Carol, I like that you brought other school staff members into this discussion besides just the teachers. Although it is definitely the teacher's responsibility to learn and care about his/her students, the rest of the school can assist too. Like you mentioned, the school counselor could have helped to promote anti-bullying practices in the school. The principal could have organized a Cultural Week to celebrate the school's diversity. I doubt that Daniel and Zonnie were the only bully victims at their school. Like you stated, if school personnel stepped up perhaps bullying could be eliminated altogether.
Posted by Andrea Schlobohm | June 10, 2011 4:26 PM
Posted on June 10, 2011 16:26
Carol, I completely agree with you. We need to make sure we make an effort to connect with our students. It is so important that children hold stock in their own learning. They need to feel like they have choices, especially when it comes to independent reading. I really make a conscious effort to take my students' interests into consideration and encourage them to select material that appeals to them. We could use their input in their learning as a means to reach other students too. Regarding the multisensory aspect of learning, we really need to capitalize on our students' diverse backgrounds. What a richer education our students would receive!
Posted by Holly Lawson | June 10, 2011 5:31 PM
Posted on June 10, 2011 17:31
YES, they did! It's sad that the teachers didn't try to learn more about their students. There is no excuse for Zonnie's reading teacher to not know what she enjoyed reading. I agree that the teacher could have completed a reading inventory and learned more about her students. I don't mean to sound like I am bashing the teachers, but at some point we need to become more concerned about the issues our students face. With that being said, it is also important to know the interests of our students. By using mulitsensory activities students would be much more engaged in learning activities. We need to allow our students to use their talents and interests to make their learning more meaningful and personal to them.
Posted by Karin Scott | June 10, 2011 5:46 PM
Posted on June 10, 2011 17:46
Carol,
Your idea of the interest inventory is spot on! Students like Daniel and Zonnie could very quickly have had whole new avenues opened up to them simply by the teacher beginning with something that is so easy to do! We say that we know our students, and can often describe their characteristics and their approach to 'work'. However, I have always been surprised when I read inventories and find out what students really like.
As you also suggested, a multi sensory approach that integrates many aspects of both culture and curriculum is the ideal that we strive for.
Posted by Karen Massey-Cerda | June 10, 2011 6:17 PM
Posted on June 10, 2011 18:17
When I was reading this article, I kept thinking, 'Where are the teachers? Why didn't they step in and do something to help?' Through their writings, it is very obvious that Daniel and Zonnie are depressed students who are dealing with some serious issues. When a student has something that is bothering them, a teacher can almost always tell. Why did the teachers not pick up on this? I also feel that if the teachers could have intervened somehow, it could have made a huge difference personally and academically. I am so happy that they each had very strong and supportive family who knew their potential, and encouraged them to achieve it.
Posted by Lisa Beach | June 10, 2011 9:36 PM
Posted on June 10, 2011 21:36
So true Carol. I was thinking the same thing about Zonnie's reading teacher. There were so many opportunities to expand on the two students talents but it seems no one cared enough to gte to know them. One would think this can't happen in our schools today. I think we have gotten better at meeting students needs and intervening but if one student goes unoticed it is one too many.
Posted by Karen Gold | June 11, 2011 10:49 PM
Posted on June 11, 2011 22:49
You have some great ideas about how schools/teachers could work against many of the discriminatory practices that Daniel and Zonnie faced. And, it seems to be true that awareness on the part of the teachers is the first step, as they are the ones in contact with students each day. Good ideas!
Posted by Dr. Jackson | June 15, 2011 9:23 AM
Posted on June 15, 2011 09:23