Zonnie and Daniel have many things in common. Music is very important to them and is a way for them to express themselves and their cultures. Each of them writes to express their feelings: poetry for her, prose for him. They both have supportive parents and communities. They both feel undervalued in their schools and classrooms. I think these same things could be said of most teenagers and particularly of most minority teenagers.
Noll said, "Just exploring self identity is central to adolescence, so too is a growing awareness of broader social issues." I really like this statement. Adolescence in general is a time of turmoil and discovery. Being a minority on top of that is daunting. As teachers, we need to not only learn about and explore the various cultures in our classrooms to gain an understanding of them, but we also need to find ways to celebrate our differences. When the teacher shows an enthusiasm for something, the students will often find this same enthusiasm (even in high school?). When teenagers feel they are valued, they will give 110%.
I think there are many ways that a teacher can demonstrate enthusiasm. First she could allow more freedom for students to demonstrate understanding of topics taught. For example, when Zonnie had to write about cause and effect, she could have been allowed to write a poem instead of a story. Daniel could be allowed to do a prestentation using his drum or in the style of a powwow. Teachers could enlist the help of community volunteers as tutors, guest speakers, "big brothers", etc. Noll created an afterschool literacy club, but a teacher could create a club that celebrated cultural differences where kids could get together and "powwow" about their lives and conflicts. I know that William Byland runs a poetry club at his school and he has told how cathartic it is for the students. This type of club would provide an excellent outlet for minority students. Hearing him discuss his club is inspiring. (Way to Go William!)
I think that in general adolescent students want a voice. As teachers, we need to find ways to give them that voice and make them feel valued. This is especially true for minority students.
Christy Findley
Comments (2)
Choice for anyone is a big issue. When you give someone a choice to do something and let them choose how they want to do it gives the person a sense of ownership over what they are completing. When a person has ownership they normally do a better job at the task they are completing. Throughout graduate school we have been taught that children need choice in all they do, and a great way to give a child choice is through using Multigenre projects. They are projects where children are given a topic to research and then they are given the choice to make artifacts to represent their research. When I researched the Titanic instead of sitting down and regurgitating all the information I read, I was able to make up things to explain what I had learned. I made food menus for the different classes on the ship, a scale drawing, an alphabet book, etc. I learned so much from this activity and felt it was a great way to give someone choice in what they are doing. A lot of the time the teacher has a hard time letting go of their students and this shows in some students work. Hopefully teachers can find a way to let go so all students can show their true talents.
Meredith
Posted by Meredith Bromley | June 13, 2010 6:51 PM
Posted on June 13, 2010 18:51
Christy,
I really like your title! Honestly, it sounds like that community really does need a powwow. I really like that you said about how if teachers show enthusiasm then so will our students. From what I can tell that is the consensus among all of teachers.
Yes it is a tough time for Daniel and Zoonie because of their age and other children can and are very cruel! Although they are the minority many other children go through this as well. Teachers need to learn to connect with those students as well as the minorities! I know this is easier said than done. I know as for myself I am going to try harder in this area.
Posted by Candace B Heffinger | June 13, 2010 9:22 PM
Posted on June 13, 2010 21:22