In every culture, subculture, discourse, and family we have stories pasted down, told, retold. These stories are what help to form the identity of groups and their individual members. Stories tell us our histories, gives us reasons for the way things are in our current situations, and help us create new options for the future. I still remember the stories my grandfather told me about his childhood and how grateful he was for some but not all of the changes in modern day society. Then there are the stories I remember hearing at summer camp around the fire and ones we secretly shared with a select few at sleepovers growing up. All of this storytelling contributed to who I am today- how I tell stories, interpret others stories, even impacts the kinds of stories I enjoy reading and writing. In my classroom I share stories with my students about when I was there age. Some of them have really be interested and asked several questions or brought up topics from my stories weeks later during class discussions. I often wonder if they will remember years down the road- my stories, my advice. We’ve all heard “you could/should write a book!” Well as teachers I know we all have fascinating stories to tell, unfortunately not enough time in the day to record them on paper though. Passing stories down through written form is important and even vital to the survival of the information being shared. It’s a shame that many of us never seem to have enough time to write these stories down. However, I do have many friends that keep personal and family Blogs for that exact purpose- recording experiences in writing and preserving their stories.
I listened to Lamont Carey share his story through a moving poem “I Can’t Read.” I felt sad, mad, and frustrated that this is the reality for so many students even in today’s society. How must that feel and what are their options? Who is to blame or better yet will anyone ever take responsibility? Still not being able to read in the 6th grade, playing the class clown or getting into trouble to mask the truth, being used for athletic abilities, getting hurt and all those dreams, aspirations, and plans vanish in an instance- too bad it isn’t a fictional story. What can we do differently, in the short span of a year, as teachers to ensure that this doesn’t become the story our students are telling? The blame game that has become so popular nationally and on the state level has to stop first. Only then can we all actually begin working together to prevent this story from being reality for more children.
Perry’s research was intriguing but not completely surprising. The harsh truth of life in the Sudan was brutal and devastating. Members of “The Lost Boys” used storytelling to preserve their memories and cultural uniqueness. Many of them also wrote and shared their stories in the printed form in order to advocate against the injustices of their homeland. What a powerful message and example they provide for others. This is “authentic literacy” in action. Having students monotonously write just because we need something for a grade is useless and degrading. Instead when students are motivated by a cause or reason they are passionate about their writing improves. If an assignment and writing has purpose and meaning outside the classroom, it has potential to change that not only that student but society at large. Writing can be a powerful and meaningful way to express ones beliefs and record your story for others to pass on. Shouldn’t we all be doing more of it?!
Ruth Ann Timmons
Comments (8)
After listening to Lamont Carey I also thought about the blame game. Year after year I hear teachers blaming last year’s teachers for not doing enough. They also accuse blame them for their students’ shortcomings. I think that frustration is normal when your students are not succeeding but blaming anyone else is not worth the time or effort. Focusing on how to grow the students in our current classroom, just as they are, should be teachers’ focus. This also relates to your comment on the importance of giving students “authentic literacy”. "The Lost Boys" provide the perfect example of authentic literacy. We know that all students will learn so much more when it is meaningful to their lives, not just an assignment.
Posted by Stacy Durham | June 17, 2011 1:39 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 13:39
Ruth,
I really liked your discussion of the need for 'authentic literacy' in relation to writing. I know like you the difference in motivation when students have to write for a tested writing prompt and when they are authoring about their lives and their experiences. With writing prompts that are for sample purposes only, I always get asked "Why are we doing this?". They are never pleased with the answer and you see all excitement disappear. I agree with you about how much more these students learn,feel and think about experiences when the writing is from the heart and not 'because the school says you have to'. Like many of our readings have discussed, we too have to try and keep a balance in our classroom and ensure we offer enough 'authentic literacy' amidst all of our 'required' literacy activities.
Posted by Karen Massey-Cerda | June 17, 2011 1:59 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 13:59
I liked what you said about the blame game. It has become popular for politicians to blame schools, too, as they take away funding for program after program – do they REALLY think that teachers are the ones they are ultimately punishing? Do they really understand the problems we face in schools today? I can answer that question – NO, they don’t understand what is going on in schools and what an impact it has on our classrooms and on our children...the students are the ultimate losers in that game. And, yes, Stacy, I have seen the blame game played between teachers, too – and I agree with you, it is totally unproductive. As a kindergarten teacher, I know that children begin school on so many different levels it is unbelievable. Some children make more than a year’s growth, but are still not on grade level – do we celebrate their growth, or do we get upset with them for not being on grade level? I think that we should definitely celebrate their growth – then, the next teacher needs to take them on from their present level and “grow them” some more. Let’s work together as educators, let’s support each other, and help our students grow!
Posted by Marlee Wright | June 17, 2011 2:14 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 14:14
Ruth,
Im glad you had a chance to listen to your grandfather's stories. My grandfather talked of WWII and having to ration food and water. He was in the army and although he avoided talking about horrific things around us kids, I do remember him talking about tough times and food shortage. I have passed many of these stories to my students as lessons and hoped they found value in them as I did.
Posted by candace kee | June 17, 2011 2:35 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 14:35
Ruth, I couldn't agree more that motivation is key for the students to express their. When they hear that this can change society or reach out to a larger audience it can be a huge motivation to keep telling their stories in any medium possible. Students feel empowered when they know the change can be for the greater good of all.
Posted by Kara | June 17, 2011 5:13 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 17:13
Your Right! Writing is a powerful tool and through writing our students have a voice. It is important for our students to find the things in life that they are passionate about and care about. These are great ideas for student writing. Writing using prompts and teacher directed writing is a waste of time. What do students really gain from that type of writing. No wonder our studnets can't express themselves, they don't know how. Writing has been an area of improvement for me this past year, but now more than ever do I understand what I want from my studnets. I tried Writer's Workshop for the first time this year and I struggled with it, but now I have a new vision. Through storytelling and allowing students to say and write what they want...the light just went on! I see the BIG PICTURE now. Through the past two articles I know what I want from my first graders. It's not about how they write as much as it is what their write. If they are passionate about what they are writing the "how" will come. Your title says it all Powerful Stories will come if we allow them the freedom to write.
Posted by Karin Scott | June 17, 2011 9:32 PM
Posted on June 17, 2011 21:32
I also had similar feelings when watching Lamont Carey share his story. It was very sad to listen to, though sadly not very shocking because it happens to too many kids these days. You are exactly right when you say the blame game has become too popular. Everyone just blames someone else and the problem never gets fixed. What’s the point in blaming someone else for a child not being able to read by the sixth grade? The child still can’t read, so we need to stop wasting time placing blame and start solving the actual problem to better serve the children in our schools.
Posted by Kim Strzelecki | June 18, 2011 5:27 PM
Posted on June 18, 2011 17:27
To answer your last question: YES!
Yours is a lovely post -- so well integrated, thoughtful, and reflective. Well done!
Posted by Dr. Jackson | June 20, 2011 11:14 AM
Posted on June 20, 2011 11:14