One of the most important values that any child, regardless of ethnicity, should acquire in school is the recognition of their “own voice.” Throughout the year, I attempt to make my kids think as critically as possible about social issues, in order for them to form their own opinions about the world. As teachers, we can teach them all of the names, dates, numbers, and rules that we want, but unless our kids know how to acquire new knowledge and form unique thoughts, they will never be life-long learners.
I thought Kay’s story fell in line with other articles/readings that we have had this semester. Like Henry suggests, kids are constantly looking for ways to share their views and ask questions about the world around them. Even if they don’t watch the news every night, they hear adult conversation, and make observations--kids are very perceptive. At first, she was reluctant to express herself in writing, but once she finally found a topic that she could relate to, the writing came. This reminded me of a boy that I have in one of my classes. He is what educators might call a “hard case.” He comes from a troubled, broken home, with no real support system. In my class, kids can do anchor activities if they complete their assignments and have free time. Well, his activity instructed him to write about what he thought the earth would look like in 200 years. At first, he was very reluctant, but once I told him that he could turn it into a song (even a rap), he got excited. Within a couple of minutes, he had completed the first two lines. I think we just have to find that “connection” with children.
To take this one step further, I also agree that we not only have to provide our kids with a “voice,” but also give them confidence in their voice. If I ask for a student’s opinion on the War in Iraq, for example, and then immediately tell them that they are wrong, then I am doing them an injustice. Even though we may not always agree with our students, we need to allow them to express themselves (without them worrying about being chastised). I always tell my students that it is important that people have different opinions, and that the world would be a boring place without them. Kids need “room to grow” emotionally and mentally. With our encouragement, they will continue to form hypotheses until they grown into their own adult person.
Heather Coe
Comments (8)
Heather,
Thanks for reminding me that it does no good to allow children to come to voice if I am not going to listen. Perhaps that is why so many of our students never speak up and speak out. They realize their voices will not matter.
As I look to returning to the classroom, I have already decided that I want to really get to know my students, as much as possible, so that I might build a rapport to encourage them to come to voice. This will take some real discipline on my part because I tend to make sure that discussions go where I want them to go. This class is helping me to be more committed to meeting the needs of students by giving them more opportunities to guide our discussions.
Posted by Lisa Rasey | February 21, 2009 12:27 PM
Posted on February 21, 2009 12:27
I loved reading your response, Heather. I agree completely – we have to give our kids voice and we have to build an environment that fosters that voice, so that they keep capable of sharing their ideas and opinions. To take it a step further I think we have the chance to not only allow our students to have a voice but we also have the chance to help our students how to share that voice in a way that other people will want to listen. We can talk to them about the power of really knowing about the subject of interest and reading about both sides of a conflict so that your opinion has depth and strength. We have the chance to show them how to represent themselves as informed citizens so that they can be heard. I think we have the responsibility to teach our students how to state opinions so that they will be respected.
Posted by Amie Snow | February 22, 2009 1:07 PM
Posted on February 22, 2009 13:07
I thought about what you said about whether or not we listen to students' voices. Even if we allow them to speak, do we listen?! We are disrepectful if we do not.
In another ASU class we are analyzing our class discussions. We looked at teacher questions and responses. Someone brought up the fact that teachers repeat what kids say when they give a correct answer. Why do we do that? Does it take away their voice when we have to cover it with ours? Why can't their voice stand alone?
Ashley Catlett
Posted by Ashley Catlett | February 22, 2009 1:30 PM
Posted on February 22, 2009 13:30
It's true that kids must eventually take responsibility for their own learning in order to find their voice. We can't teach them to have that voice, but what we can do is teach them that it is OK to be curious, independent, and credulous about a subject. It's OK to have an opinion about something, and it's OK to seek out an answer to a problem you have. I think many kids nowadays are afraid to stand out from the crowd, and in the process they lose the voice that we try to hard to instill in them.
Posted by Christy Rivers | February 22, 2009 2:29 PM
Posted on February 22, 2009 14:29
Your comments in the last paragraph really made me think. It is so important that we truly value our students opinion and appreciate that they share what they think with us. Our kids can see through us and they know if we truly value what they say. I fear that many students do not speak up because they do not feel valued.
Amy Spade
Posted by Amy Spade | February 22, 2009 8:02 PM
Posted on February 22, 2009 20:02
Heather, I really enjoyed your critique. I especially liked the part about creating the environment to foster voice. The War in Iraq was an excellent choice. In today's time, this is an example of a controversial issue that we would like to encourage our children to think about. However, if we express our own opinions, children assume we are correct, which destroys their opinions.
I think this should encourage us to really examine our words about controversial issues and carefully critique student responses.
Posted by Brittany Guy | February 23, 2009 3:22 PM
Posted on February 23, 2009 15:22
I enjoyed your critique as well, and I think your last comment represents the idea Henry was trying to make when she was working with Nadia's writing. In the article Henry was describing the opportunity she was providing for written instruction for Nadia. Nadia's writing represented her background, because it was written as if she was speaking the sentences. It did not appear that Nadia could "code switch" yet when writing. Henry supported Nadia's thoughts and writing ability in instruction that seemed very positive. Like you said, it is important for teachers to support and provide instruction for students, as if they are nurturing the students regardless of the grade levels.
Posted by Elizabeth Griffin | February 23, 2009 8:49 PM
Posted on February 23, 2009 20:49
Heather,
Your idea about "room to grow" encapsulates what I think education/schools should be all about! I liked your example about how you enabled your student "room to grow" through his own voice. That is so important, and can be achieved through literacy. I wish all teachers would embrace such opportunities!
Posted by Alecia Jackson | February 26, 2009 8:45 PM
Posted on February 26, 2009 20:45