RE_5539

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.