Reading "Other People's Children" by Lisa Delpit really hit home. Teaching in Woonsocket, an inner city, Middle School has been challenging but rewarding. I enjoy working with the children. But, now, I am considering all of the things that I do, day in and day out, within my classroom. Right down to the very words that I use to drive my instruction. "They just don't listen well...they don't hear me". This quote made me reflect on my day and how I responded to my students when they presented me with a situation or problem. Am I in fact HEARING what my students are saying? How will I know? When teachers are viewed as the "Culture of Power" we don't truly understand what that means and how we can use it to make change. How do we USE that power to start the cycle of change? I am most curious about "provide(ing) children with discourse patterns, interactional styles, and spoken and written language codes that will allow them success in the larger society". What does this look and sound like? How can I do it in a way that represents all of my diverse students?? "There is a culture of power, everyone should learn the codes to participate in it, and that is how the world should be."
Yes I thought about language I use too in class while reading this. I often speak in questions when redirecting because its softer, but I'll have to think more when I'm redirecting
ReplyDeleteI felt the same connection as you, I also work at an inner city high school. It was definetly a culture shock for me, alot of them do not speak English. This article made me self-reflect if I am effectively communicating with them in a way they understand.
ReplyDeleteWe share a lot of the same students at the HS when they come from the MS in Woonsocket. We have a lot of the same connections and thoughts. Great ideas and comments.
ReplyDeleteSomething I've been trying to do more as a teacher is the 'me first' mentality. So i've been trying to put the responsibility on myself before anything else, if a lesson was bad what did I do that was not effective, if it went well what did i do to make it that way. The only thing you can control is yourself so I resonate with what you said about checking yourself everyday.
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