In Delpit's chapter she stresses the importance of respecting and appreciating the differences in children's languages in our classroom. The way a child expresses themself through language is just as unique as voice or a handwriting style. Every student brings something different to the table when they enter school. They each have acquired their own views of the world and have been heavily influenced by their family's beliefs and the culture they've been influenced. I wonder how students can be exposed to other language styles and cultures within school without fear of offending parents. I feel like as a public school teacher we have to be so politically correct and sometimes I just wanna "get real"- tell it like it is. The truth I believe is that all of us are ingrained with a certain amount of prejudices against those with whom we have never really related.Delpit discusses this notion of being able to identify with people who speak a different style of language in order to switch codes or change the style of speech. I don' know that I will ever be able to completely identify with my African American students who were raised in families who speak Ebonics. It doesn't mean I can't respect those students and accept them for their differences. It is my responsibility to teach my students while respecting individual differences. That is the bottom line.
When reading Baker's chapter it reminded me of the new language which many pre-teens and teens of all backgrounds and language styles are using daily to communicate effectively. It is the language of technology through e-mail and texting. The checklist on page 53 mentioned using a name for the different types of English that we speak given the circumstance and the audience. Specific examples of speech that are used in non-standard English are used commonly and freely. For example I can text a friend using shorter words, abbreviations, alphanumeric terms and text slang and the recipient knows exactly what I am saying. This new language sounds somewhat sophisticated to me and it is interesting how quickly this new form of English has evolved and is accepted by most as a valuable form of communication over the past few years.
As I read the beginning of Ladson-Billings chapter I got a bit agitated. One more example I thought of someone placing blame on teachers for allowing children to fail-in part because some student's language, culture, and attitude toward school made it Ok. I can only speak for myself and give my opinion here. I agree that successful teaching must focus on individual student growth and pushing each to their potential. The fact is that some families whether rich, poor, middle income, black, white, hispanice or otherwise do not always see the tremendous value and advantages for those who are educated. Many times is does come down to poverty. Families in poverty have a completely different focus than those with few financial concerns. When I became a teacher 13 years ago I knew that complete strangers would entrust me with their precious children. these children, like Shannon, are dependent upon me for seven hours each day. I must coach, cheer, applaud, praise, encourage, encourage, support and accept nothing less than each child's best effort while respecting their differences and respecting their cultural backgrounds. It is not as easy task. It is endless and tiring but my students are worth it.
Comments (5)
Renee, As I read your blog, I was immediately drawn to your last paragraph. I don't know that some families do not see the value of education, rather I believe that for many families, particularly those at poverty level, there are higher priorities. I completely agree with you when you said that "families in poverty have a completley different focus than those with few financial concerns". I began thinking about Maslow's hierarchy of needs and the fact that there are certain things that must be attained before we can expect someone, especially a child, to problem-solve and reason the way we expect them to do in a classroom setting. I have one student in particular that I think of when discussing this. He lives in a 2 bedroom apartment with his mother and sister and 2 other families with children. He rarely sleeps in a bed, in fact he rarely sleeps at all. There are rarely any adults in the apartment because they are out working so many hours trying to make enough to support their children for one more day. He quite often becomes a behavior problem in my classroom, often due, I believe, to a need for attention. When I call the mother, I am often frustrated to find that she does not seem to care about the actions and behaviors of her son at school. I have to frequently remind myself that having a son who using critical thinking skills is much less important to her than having a son with food in his stomach. Without fulfilling basic physical and emotional needs, there is no way I can expect for this student, or any other for that matter, to willingly participate in class activities.
Posted by Allison Reese | May 30, 2007 8:03 PM
Posted on May 30, 2007 20:03
I agree with you that we often feel that we are blamed for the lack of success of our students although there are many factors that weigh into their academic success. Last year our staff read a book called "Understanding Poverty". Our purpose was to learn more about this group because that is the subgroup that hinders our school from making the grade each year. As we read it became clear that the book did not provide strategies to help but just an understanding of how this group views education. As you mentioned in your blog they do not value education because they are busy just trying to exist. Because of this lifestyle it transfers into their children and their attitude at school. Since their parents and home are still their greatest influence it makes our job more difficult as teachers to help them overcome and see the need for breaking the cycle they are in.
Posted by Sara Joyce | May 31, 2007 9:50 AM
Posted on May 31, 2007 09:50
Heya! I appreciate you for the great info. Keep it up! :)
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Posted on April 17, 2011 00:33
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Posted on April 23, 2011 05:26
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Posted on April 25, 2011 01:47