While reading this chapter, the section that really stood out to me talked about diversity in the classroom. There is a statistic at the beginning of the chapter that states that there are over 400 different languages spoken in the United States. This shocked me because I did not know there were that many languages. It also says that Spanish is the most widespread, that part did not surprise me at all. In this same section the book also states that if English is not a child's first language, then the child is less likely to be as successful as a native English speaker. Lack of acceptance and inclusion of students home culture in school is one of the reasons for this gap.
Cultural diversity is something that must be welcomed into classrooms. I agree with the book that every child has the right to be respected and to receive a quality educational experience. I also agree that by doing this, it will enhance the students self-images. "Differences should be the norm rather than the exception." I really love this quote from the book because I agree with it completely. Teachers need to show interest in their students' native languages. At the beginning of the book it says that it is predicted that by 2030, 40% of school-age population in the United States will be English language learners. For this reason, I agree with the book when it says that teachers need to try and learn at least a few key phrases on each of the languages represented in their classroom. If you know at least some of their language, it will be easier to communicate especially when they are just starting to learn English. I also think that it will show that you care about their cultural heritage and value their native language, which is very crucial.
I couldn’t agree with you more! I think it is SO important that the teacher reaches out to their students and uses the diversities in positive ways! Embracing cultural heritage is crucial for the classroom because not only does it expose all of the student’s to different experiences but it also builds the self-esteems of the children. I think that the most important thing to do is communicate with the children that the classroom is a “no-judgment zone” meaning that their strengths will be utilized in the best ways possible to benefit them.
ReplyDeleteLetting students know that you understand their culture, and that you accept it is the first and one of the most important steps to helping a child who is learning English or is from another country. Isn't it amazing that we are not required to learn another language (especially Spanish) to become an elementary teacher? The understanding that english language learners are going to become the majority one day is not a new finding, yet the professional education world is still slow to react. That is why we, as teachers, need to take the initiative to figure out what is best for our students and change instruction based on what we learn. Also take note that languages and cultures are not the only forms of diversity. We need to be prepared to differentiate instruction for all learners who need it. Be it that that have a disability, they are gifted, they are behind, or that they are learning English. We need to be prepared to help each and every student succeed regardless of situation.
ReplyDeleteHi, Megan! This is such a powerful post. I completely agree with you on teachers reaching out to their students, getting to know them, and not just know their name and face. The statistic on 40% of students being english language learners in the year 2030 shocked me! That is almost half of the classroom! This should be a wake up call for future educators. In high school, I took 3 years of spanish, a requirement for the Academic with Honors Diploma. When I took spanish, it was strictly to memorize the language, be able to speak/write in the language, and to pass the tests. I studied the language very strong, but it was merely to get a good grade, not to actually take the language with me into the real world. To this day, that is one of my biggest regrets, because I now see how essential it is to have another language under your belt.
ReplyDelete"Differences should be the norm rather than the exception." This was a great quote that I really like too. I'm glad that you picked it out for your blog. I believe that teachers should recognize and love their students for every difference that they have. Once teachers express their positive feelings, the students will too. Students really feed off of the energy of their teacher. I remember in first grade having a ELL student in the class and he was so nice. He came in and started on a Friday. That next Monday our entire classroom was labeled with Spanish and English words. It was amazing because it was a great way for him to learn and for us to learn. It allowed for us to really become engaged in his language. It showed the students that it was okay for him to be different and we thought it was cool because he could do something that we couldn't, which was speaking Spanish. Thank you for a meaningful blog post.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. Teachers need to show an interest in their students lives and culture to show how important each student is to the teacher. I too was not aware that over 400 languages were spoken in America. This just shows how important it is for teachers to be aware of the potential diversity in their classrooms. I really enjoyed the quote that you used as well, "Differences should be the norm rather than the exception." I think that this should be in every teachers mind every day. I think that it is important to use any opportunity to educate children on different languages. Teaching yourself and students the language of a student in your class or a new student to your class can make the student feel welcome and show the students who do speak English a little bit of what the ELL student is going through.
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