This article was the hardest for me to read and follow. It was monotonous. It was repetitive. On the other hand, it was very inspirational.
From storytelling to writing gave me hope that my students will succeed, that my students will care, and that my students will share their stories. As I read it, I tried to put myself in the “Lost Boys’” shoes. I couldn’t. They came to a new country not knowing anyone and yet through storytelling they maintained their identity and furthermore shared it with the “outside world.”
These boys were from a world where they relied mainly on oral methods of learning; as Chol described, “No paper written….only in mind,” (350). I could not imagine moving to a new country, and in order to learn, I would have to read. I don’t think I would get very far, and yet, these boys embraced reading. Ezra stated that reading and writing are very important and he learned this in Africa. He said that his ability to read and write prepared him enough and got him to where he was (337).
These boys went through so much, but they persevered. They did not give up. They supported the American ways, but kept telling stories to keep their culture alive. As a result, their stories are being told today and educating the world and possibly changing the world.
Loren Van De Griek
Comments (6)
I liked your statement about giving you hope that your students will succeed. It is nice to read something that is not so discouraging. I feel that all students should care for each other. School should be a kind and safe place for students. If the students do not feel that they fit in then they are less likely to learn. I also agree with you on trying to image yourself in the “lost boys” shoes. I could not image it either. I feel that the success is due to their culture and evening gatherings for story telling. The “lost boy’s” were being raised to listen to stories and to talk about them and to ask questions. This is exactly what every teacher wants.
Misty Mistretta
Posted by Misty Mistretta | June 17, 2009 8:45 PM
Posted on June 17, 2009 20:45
The stories of the Lost Boys is inspirational and heartbreaking. Very few people in our world can even begin to imagine what they have been through and how much they value the opportunites they have been given in the lives they have now.
They come from a culture of storytellers and instead of clamming up and never speaking of the things they have witnessed, they are telling teh stories. They are also telling the stories they heard as children. The pssing down of stories is as old as time itself. We must encourage our students to tell stories, write stories, read tstories,a nd ask questions.
Posted by Caroline Walker | June 17, 2009 10:43 PM
Posted on June 17, 2009 22:43
As you've written, hope is what it's all about. Hope drives and thrives our imaginations as well, and when we can imagine something--really envision it--I think we're half way there. Certainly it's hopeful to read stories like this because, you know? Maybe things arent' as bad as we think they are. Or more importantly, maybe things aren't as bad as our students think they are. That's why it's so important to get into literature, so we can experience through writing things we otherwise have not experienced--thus widening our perspective.
Posted by erin farrington | June 18, 2009 7:22 PM
Posted on June 18, 2009 19:22
These boys came from a place of struggle where they worried about if they would make it from one day to the next, to a place where they had to learn how to read, and write. The whole time they relied on their oral story telling to carry them along. By having this they were able to connect with the community. The community offered support and love to these boys. I think this is they these boys were able to succeed and accomplish so many of their goals. They took hardship and turned it into an amazing journey of learning. Like you I can't even begin to imagine what it must have been like for these boys to come where they knew no one of nothing about the country, but they did perservere and they gained the love and respect of many people through their stories.
Posted by Megan Machuga | June 18, 2009 8:27 PM
Posted on June 18, 2009 20:27
I liked this article because it showed the positive side of literacy. These boys were starved for any education, their own government didn't give them one so outsiders, missionaries did. If only our students knew! Realy knew. Their prior knowledge of several languages helped them transition languages. It was good to hear how the young want to preserve their heiritage while adapting to the new culture that took them in.
Posted by Grandma Cunningham | June 18, 2009 8:34 PM
Posted on June 18, 2009 20:34
Loren,
I was struck by a thought as I was reading your post. The definition of literacy is changing rapidly in the United States due to the influx of technology. Think for a moment of how your parents or grandparents would feel if they had to immediately start using advanced computers, touch screen cell phones, GPS systems, and—of course—the impossible to figure out digital cable. I bet the Lost Boys would have experienced similar feelings of frustration and disconnect. However, because they were young and had already been victorious over many battles, they were able to face literacy in the United States.
This thought gives me even more hope for our students. I have read through multiple posts and replies that are singing the blues about parental involvement. While I agree that families aren’t ideal, we get to teach the young component of them—the ones who are still moldable and quick to catch on. Isn’t that hopeful? Perhaps if we are able to get young members of a family moving toward increased literacy and self-sufficiency, they can influence the rest of the fam.
Ruth
Posted by Ruth Johnson | June 19, 2009 4:16 PM
Posted on June 19, 2009 16:16