RES 5535: Race, Class, and Gender in Literacy Research (summer 2009)

Kim, you are spot on. It is our job as educators to do whatever it takes to engage our students. If it means making different assignments for that one child--so be it. But, you know, I think where I've mispoken just now is by stating "MAKING...assignments." I know I've learned a lot from my students in the past, and I think it would be a great idea for the "struggling" or "problem" students to lead the way--to teach us. Kinda like what Baker described in her classroom. She stated the groups got a little noisy and it even worried her at times because her instruction was vague, but this is one of the best ways for students to own their learning--to truly construct understanding. Yes, this is a very tight rope to walk--especially if you're in a school that's traditional and/or expects a quiet classroom, but when executed correctly, it can be very effective.

I agree that these two chapters helped me to see the bigger picture with the issues we're discussing. I had the same reaction too about Shannon. It is sad to see a student that is so young already feeling that way about writing. She is at the age where she can begin fostering a love of writing. As a teacher, I feel like part of my job is getting kids to love what they're doing. I've done some pretty silly things to get my students engaged, but whatever works, right?

Kim, we agree as educators and parents. What if Shannon were your child? Can you imagine if someone gave up on your child who was having difficulty? I have 3 children. The first 2, very bright and never really found anything difficult if they tried academically. My 3rd is a boy who would rather have a ball in his hands than a book. He noticed language difficulties starting about 2 (idioms, homophones, etc.). When I would say, "Hop in back, Jack" he would get furious saying I am not Jack. When the coach (age 6 1/2) kept calling him son, he came over the the sidelines and told him he was not his son. He received services at 4, but placed out of language services quickly. I see this problem showing up in his reading comprehension and work with him as much as he can stand. I will be frustrated if someone gives up on his ability to comprehend. So, as educators, we have to do what we would expect someone to do for our child. Never give up, just keep trying different strategies. It won't happen over night. But how wonderful when it happens.

I stand firm with you, we must teach the English curriculum, but we choose how to manipulate the material so it appeals to the students. If we cannot find it in us, go to the teacher next door to get ideas. I love having a student teacher, they are so idealistic and in touch with the "real" world of our students because many are very young and have the same interests. I may have been around awhile but you can teach an old dog new tricks. Although I had never heard of Trilingualism until now I must agree it exists.

I agree with you that Shannon was permitted to fail because her teacher walked away and did not try to find another way to interest her. I think that sometimes as carter abviously found out children do not like to do certain activites or subjects it is our job as teachers to step out of the text books or work sheets and find another way to interests these students and pull them in so they learn the material. We must make it fun and engaging. I applaud Carter because like you said those students didn't want to write and he stepped out of the box to figure out a way to engage them. Those students were so caught up in the activity they did not even realize they were working. At the same time Carter was boosting their self esteem in writing and showing them how it can be fun and different.

Baggage…everyone has it even students. I guess I never realized this until now. This will allow me to start next year with a new frame of thought; Students have baggage too. We have to except and love them baggage and all. That is what we except of them. Right?

There have been many times when I wanted to give up on a student because it had become to frustrating or time consuming, but I did not. Why would we give up on our students? They are our futures. They will be taking care of me in my old age. I hold all of my students to the same high standards even if they do not like it. Just think if we had a teacher like that would we be were we are today? Even though Shannon’s teacher made me mad, it made me want to be a better teacher.

Melissa Lange

I also believe that children of all ages would be able to understand the idea of "Trilingualism" although they would not need to know what it was. Even kindergarteners would comprehend that their teachers, pastors, or doctors speak differently than their parents would at home or their brothers and sisters do with them. The role play idea for upper elementary and older students is a great way to teach many subjects. It gives them safe-haven to be expressive and learn at the same time. A child's home language is their area of expertise and a great springboard for success.

Yes, you are correct that it is our job as educators to some how get students to do well even the things that they really dislike! I saw examples of this in my kindergarten classroom this year as several students came in having little to no experience with books of any kind. SSR is really not enjoyable for someone who has never been read to or taught a love for books. Did I scold them? No! I lovingly looked for new, fresh ideas and texts that would help them to fall in love with reading. Those readers are the ones that make teaching worth it when the light finally comes on!!!! Their new-found love for books couldn't make me happier. This is how we must approach teaching in general...to gently "encourage" and guide students towards the things that they once disliked. Do we change the child, their family, their background? No...we change their feelings towards their learning!

You are exactly right, the students have baggage! I never thought of it this way. It also bothers me that Shannon's teacher just walked away from her. It's sad to think that teachers do this, but I know there are teachers out there who do walk away because it is easier. I agree that Carter did an amazing job getting his students to write. I wish that my students loved writing. I need to come up with an activity like Carter did for my class.

Dana Eudy