One of the main things that I got from these articles was how important it is to make things relevant for students particularly teenagers. Staples found books and movies that were relevant to the students' lives and what they were dealing with. Henry used current events like OJ and Susan Smith and also got students to role play real events from their lives. These articles reminded me alot of movies like "Dangerous Minds" where teachers inspire students by getting to know them and their problems. Even though I teach elementary school, I take this to heart. Henry said, "Whether a class is large or small, I try to talk with all students individually or in small groups so I can have a sense of their needs." When I first started teaching, I worked with a teacher who made one home visit each week. Children were chosen randomly until everyone had a turn. She would go to that child's home for an hour or two and do whatever that child wanted. She would play barbies, ride four wheelers, milk the cows, whatever. It made the children feel so important and made them feel their lives had value. I took a page from her book and, while I don't do home visits, I eat lunch with two students each week. I like to do it indvidually, but I let the student choose if they would like a friend to join us. I just sit and eat and talk with the student about wherever the converstation leads. It is always and eye-opener. From Staples, I gained a step-by-step perspective for creating the kind of groups both articles discussed. Step One: Gain trust and value all contributions. Step Two: Develop empathy among the group members so that everyone feels safe. Step Three: Let the students have choice in the decision making about discussions, materials, and activities. Step Four: Accept "their" language. The articles, as with the others we have read, have opened my eyes to topics that I do not deal with on a daily basis and have given me a greater respect for teachers who work with older students.
Comments (2)
Christy,
That was a great way to make it relevant to our classroom!!! I try to find time in my day every day to speak to each student but I find that it is very hard. I think that I might start with eating lunch with my students separately. I don't know how old your students are, but you also might want to consider starting journals where you can communicate personally with each student. This will also help your students in their writing skills.
Posted by Natalie Enns | June 14, 2010 7:12 PM
Posted on June 14, 2010 19:12
Dear Christy,
I am amazed at the one hour home visits that the teacher you mentioned would have each week. I would imagine that meant alot to the kids.
I like the idea of having lunch with your students. It gives you a chance to get to know them in a more relaxed context. I used to have my "star student" choose a friend and eat lunch with me on Fridays and they loved it. I enjoyed getting to talk to them about things happening in their lives outside of school. I just may start that again next year!
Reshawna Greene
Posted by Reshawna Greene | June 14, 2010 8:27 PM
Posted on June 14, 2010 20:27