I came away from the Henry article with a bad taste in my mouth. Why is it that some of these researchers can only pinpoint on the disadvantages of minority students? Coming from a rural town, there are several white students in my class that could be considered "voiceless" based simply on the criteria listed in the article. I also felt it unfair to other non-minority students that 7 Black students were taken from the classroom and placed into a small group setting to read and discuss a book as well as life issues. What student wouldn't benefit from small group interraction like this regardless of race? I strive to do things like this in my classroom as much as possible, but I also find it difficult to reach out and connect with some of my students that I don't have cultural similarities with. How can I connect with these children?
After reading the article on the Native Americans, I am amazed at how talented these two children are. I came away from this article feeling better than after the Henry article for one simple fact: it focused on the positive aspects of the culture instead of the negative issues. It was so refreshing to see the Native American families so involved with each other and so closely knit together. I especially enjoyed how the culture of these children was such a huge and positive part of their identity. It was interesting to see how involved in their children's education and success the parents were. One thing that annoyed me about the article was the attitude of the teacher and other students toward Daniel. I think that if the teacher had taken the opportunity to embrace Daniel's culture, everyone would have been enlightened by his talents and in turn more understanding. That is one thing I would like to take away from this article.
Erica Spicer
Comments (7)
Erica,
I share some of your feelings about the Henry article. It is true that if you take a small group and work diligently with them and make connections with them in their personal lives, they are going to be able to achieve so much more than they would in a class of mixed ethnicities and abilities. However, I think maybe she was trying to prove a point in that these kids need that connection or there isn't much hope for them. I agree with you as well that I have some white kids who need that special attention too. In fact, I have a class full of kids most years who could use that individualized attention. The problem is that our education system is not set up to work that way. When in the real world could a teacher pull something like that off, unless she had a qualified volunteer to work with groups on a daily basis?
And yes it is difficult for me, a white teacher, to understand and connect with students of different ethnic backgrounds. Truth is, I don't know what it's like to be them and I don't know what they are feeling and going through. I try to relate to them as best I can, but it isn't always easy to make that personal connection.
Lorie Hedrick
Posted by Lorie Hedrick | June 15, 2009 7:33 PM
Posted on June 15, 2009 19:33
Erica,
I agree with Lorie that Henry conducted this research to offer educators a deep and rich picture of the needs of a small group of minority students, in hopes that teachers would see the power of a culturally relevant curriculum. In fact, I'm not entirely convinced that it needs to be a small group pulled out of class -- I've seen teachers use literature circles in small groups with an entire class to achieve similar results! And, I'm glad that you made the point that there are other types of minorities who are voiceless -- Henry would be glad that you made that connection!
Posted by Alecia Jackson | June 15, 2009 8:50 PM
Posted on June 15, 2009 20:50
How can I connect with these children? First, it may be important to learn a bit about the cultures represented in your classroom by doing the research yourself. Second, there is beginning to be lots children's literature available to share with your class. Discussions following this literature could easily lead to building a community of learners in your room. Also, when I am having lunch with my students I tend to learn a whole lot about them.
Henry did prove a point with his small group discussions. In the small group they were more willing to open up. Why not use your guided reading time to build community also.
I plan to do a questionaire at the beginning of the school year to find out about my students. Questions will be asked of parents and students.
Posted by Tamera Wilson | June 15, 2009 10:05 PM
Posted on June 15, 2009 22:05
During the readings, I encountered some of the same frustrations you did. I agree that we have to be open to all student needs and make sure they all have a voice regardless of race or gender. The idea of pulling these kids out in small groups in the way she did is not an option at my school. The time isn't there and very little assistance is given. I agree with other's post that you could do some of this in reading groups, if you have the resources to do the groups. There is so....much that needs to be done, but our educational system doesn't provide us with the means to do it.
Posted by Heather Houston | June 16, 2009 1:27 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 13:27
None of us will ever be able to understand where all of our students are coming from. We simply can't experience everything that our students have, especially if they come from a different ethnic background. I think the goal is to be aware of our limitations in understanding our student's backgrounds. We should seek to find the reason for things that come up with students instead of assume we understand what is causing them to act in a particular way. Also, I think stretching ourselves and finding culturally relevant material for all of our students is a huge step in the right direction.
Posted by Shannon Keough | June 16, 2009 3:17 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 15:17
Erica, you are right about the students in Henry's case study getting an advantage. Small group study is very beneficial and research is in its favor. Making the time away from monitoring the entire class is an exercise in creative thinking, for sure. One part of my educational day is set aside for literacy centers. After teaching the activities and procedures carefully to my first graders, I am able to meet with small groups or indivduals to conduct lessons. It has proven to be very valuable time but it is a lot of work to establish activities that are meaningful and productive for all levels. Many times more capable students will help the less capable ones to move through the centers. If you have older students to teach I would imagine the process would be easier to accomplish because they could retain the instruction. Maybe you could give it a try. Just GOOGLE Literacy centers.
Posted by Janet Gross | June 16, 2009 4:53 PM
Posted on June 16, 2009 16:53
Daniel and Zonnie were talented, weren't they? It was good to see some positive research as well. Many of the parents I deal with are not as encouraging as these parents. I also have several white students who are "voiceless," actually I probably have less minority students who are voiceless than white students. I also agree with Lorie, I find it difficult to connect with some of my students and it is not easy to find a personal connection with some students but I am always going to try!
Dana Eudy
Posted by Dana Eudy | June 17, 2009 12:49 PM
Posted on June 17, 2009 12:49