I was pleased to jump into Chapter 3 and not need my dictionary (which I have not placed on my computer dashboard).
I enjoyed reading each of the ladies stories. I could relate to each of the working class girl’s stories.
Although white, I could relate to bell hook’s story. She spoke of church having a great impact on her becoming a reader. While my immediate family went to church sporadically, my caregivers during the day, were Mr. and Mrs. Parks, a minister and his bride. My mother teases when she says, “That is why I turned out so good.” They read the Bible to me, took me on trips, treated me like their granddaughter. They had no television, but 6 children much older than myself to keep me entertained. I know they shaped my behavior and my literacy experiences.
I found it interesting all 3 ladies read for escape. Don’t we all have something we do for escape from the stresses of life? Pedicures. Bubble Baths. A Glass of Wine. Scrapbook. Reading about places you could be or places that might be can give someone just enough hope to make it through tough times. I believe once we find something that gives us that escape we need, it can also be a source of pleasure. These ladies developed a joy of reading even though it began as an escape.
I didn’t find it strange the mother-daughter relationships, good or bad, played such a big part in literacy. Generally, most mothers have that special bond with their children that is just different from a father’s relationship. While there is the notion of being a “daddy’s girl,” so much of who we are and what we become is based around our mother -the care giver.
“With classes that are too large to manage and increasingly stiff curriculum mandates, it becomes difficult for teachers to come to know children with the kind of depth that engenders successful change (96).” Just in my teachings since 1992, I have seen such a push in academics that makes the classroom teacher go, go, go with curriculum. We are jumping through hoops and pushing the curriculum often at the expense of those already struggling to keep up. I have felt the push and find less time each year just to “talk” and get to know my students on more personal levels. I miss that. As with all the chapters and articles before, teachers need to “listen” to their students and give them a voice no matter what their culture, race, class, or gender.
Tamera Wilson
Comments (7)
I agree with you about the bond of a mother/child relationship. the mother does take the role of caregiver, while fathers are often the hands on active ones. I see this in my own life. While my husband is the sole provider for our family, I am taking care of the kids, and so being with them all the time, my relationship is stronger. We are able to do more things together. My hasband will read stories once in a while, but without expression or tone. he often makes up the story as he goes along- Kim Shaw
Posted by Kim A Shaw | June 24, 2009 8:29 PM
Posted on June 24, 2009 20:29
You were blessed to have such wonderful caregivers. I love that you used your brain to read, play games and abstain from TV, even if you didn't know that at the time. You are correct, our environment and who is in it molds us, good or bad. The powers above are constantly adding to our load as teachers, and it is hard not to lose the children in the pile of ... The working class children are sometime worse off than the unemployed because they are left alone many times or in charge of siblings not much younger than themselves. No time to be a child.
Posted by Grandma Cunningham | June 24, 2009 8:39 PM
Posted on June 24, 2009 20:39
I heard someone say once that they thought the reason so many babies say "Dada," first is because because babies see "Mommy" as an extension of themselves. I have no idea if it is true or not since we can't very well ask them, but I like that theory. For most children mothers are the promary caregiver and nurturer.
I do remember my father at the time taking what was considered a very active role as a father, but not compared to the role my brother-in-law takes with my nieces and nephew today.
The evirnoments that surround us influence us
in all that we do, reading included.
Posted by Caroline Walker | June 24, 2009 9:16 PM
Posted on June 24, 2009 21:16
The pushing of curriculum does make it more difficult to personally connect with students. But, reading this text reminded me of how important the connection is. Students don't listen to people they don't trust and respect. We must earn their trust and respect.
I teach high school, and I see about 80 students a day. It is difficult to personally connect with each of them, especially when I think about the EOC that always comes so quickly. But, sometimes I start out the class just allowing them to talk to me about anything. Sometimes they share about a class they are struggling with, their recent vacation or a family member they are struggling with. This helps me connect with the students and connects the students to each other. It may not be on the Standard Course of Study, but it is undeniably valuable time!
Posted by Shannon Keough | June 24, 2009 11:12 PM
Posted on June 24, 2009 23:12
I had a discussion during the past school year about dads with one of our assistant principals. I am actually often surprised at how many active dads I encounter in my classes! Of course there are many students who are being raised in the typical situation that we think about, but I have had several students who spend much more time with their fathers than their mothers. And even more of my students are spending about equal time with their two parents. For example, many of my students' parents are professors and they usually make their schedule so they can each spend time with their children while the other one is working. It's nice to see dads just as involved in homework and parent/teacher conferences too as the moms are.
Posted by Kelly Beckley | June 25, 2009 9:00 PM
Posted on June 25, 2009 21:00
Wow I was inspired as I read about your caretaker. This reminds me so much of my sons caretaker. I definitely hope that he turn out to be a good child. I do know that his sitters have definitely made an impact on his life. If we did not have a way to escape we all would be ill mannered and on more medications than we already take. I agree with you on reading about places we would like to go. It is kind of like an escape into a fantasy world.
I too was like you, I didn’t find it strange the mother-daughter relationships played such a big part in literacy.
It seems that every year there are more hoops to jump through. This does put the children that are already struggling further behind.
Misty Mistretta
Posted by Misty Mistretta | June 26, 2009 9:43 AM
Posted on June 26, 2009 09:43
I agree with you that we all have our ways of escaping and I think it is wonderful if a child develops such a love of reading that that is what they chose to use as their escape. I have always liked reading but for me it has never been my escape. I was glad that Laurie found someone in her life that could share her connects and love of literacy with her. If she had not had Hicks then I do not know if anyone would have helped her make important connections to literacy. I also thought that it was very clever for Hicks to take her different places to read.
Posted by Megan Machuga | June 27, 2009 12:23 AM
Posted on June 27, 2009 00:23