Please post your question, quote, and fact here for chapter 2. Also, please respond to at least two of your peers' posts and answer my questions.
Questions:
1.) Define "culture."
2.) How does "culture" shape our lives?
3.) How do children reflect their culture in the classroom?
4.) What areas of life are influenced by "culture?"
I am curious as to what others think about when teachers use “apples” as decoration for their classroom at the beginning of the year? Should the decorations reflect more diverse items to reflect the class (such as “crayons” to show that everyone isn’t alike) or stick with tradition (apples)?
ReplyDelete“Because one’s sense of identity is very closely related to one’s culture, it is important for all of us as individuals to know as much about each other’s cultures as possible and to understand their influences on ourselves and on the world around us.” pg. 74
The No Child Left Behind places standards high for everyone regardless of one’s “ethnic or linguistic backgrounds.” pg. 72 Also the rights of children to have “quality educational services,” this enforces equal rights to all.
1.) Culture- a group of individuals that have ways of viewing, interpreting, representing, behaving, adding value and meaning to experiences or their lives.
2.) “Culture” is how an individual may relate themselves to a group of people. We ask children at a young age what group they see themselves being related to, i.e. gender. These groups are who individuals are comfortable with or born into some of these groups. Some can influence our goals and values that an individual has or plans to attain. These groups may help individuals gain or maintain a goal. Also, to apply for college we all were asked out gender, race, and on one college application I had to put my religion. These are three example of how society asks an individual how they relate themselves to a group of individuals.
3.) Possible by the outfit they wear to school. Most definitely by how they answer questions brought up in class or their prior experiences they have had. Their interest in what they may talk about or reading about. In some art, student may draw about something that is specific to their culture. Language used, orally or written, at school may be a cue to a teacher of the culture the student is closely related too.
Question: Why do some individuals cling to their unfair and untrue thoughts about races different from their own?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "According to Vontress (1976) every individual is a member of at least five different cultures."
Fact: Demographically the U.S. is the most racially diverse country in the world.
1. Culture cannot be easily defined. Professionals don't even agree on one solid definition. Culture is a guide for our behavior, how we find meaning in events, interpret the past, and set our aspirations. Culture is the way and manner that a person views the world in how they see, understand, interpret and find meaning in life. It can also be defined as "ways of a group," our sense of identity and what makes us, well, us.
2. Culture is what shapes our life. Culture provides the patterns for us to interpret our own lives. Our parents introduce us to the culture we will grow up in when we are born. We continue to lean what is acceptable and what is not in our specific culture until it becomes like second nature as if it was never learned. It becomes something that just is.
3. Students can reflect their culture in many ways. They may reflect their culture in the ways they dress, what they eat, the kind of music they listen to, etc. These ideas can easily be observed and are called material culture. Students can also express their culture in other not-so-visible ways. Culture can be expressed through ideas, values, beliefs, feelings, and emotions. These ideas are called non material culture.
4. The answer to this question can be summed up in one word; everything. Culture is the main influence in our lives and is our sense of identity.
Question: Does NCLB do it's job in providing equity in education?
ReplyDeleteQuote: “Because one’s sense of identity is very closely related to one’s culture, it is important for all of us as individuals to know as much about each others cultures as possible and to understand their influences on ourselves and on the world around us.”(p.74)
Fact:” No Child Left Behind (2002) establishes high expectations for all, regardless of their ethnic or linguistic backgrounds. Equal treatment is based on the premise that all children have potential beyond racial background or language capability and deserve quality services.”(p.72)
Questions:
1.) Define "culture."
As our book points out, everyone has a culture. It delineates who we are. Culture includes the norms and rules of how we live our lives. It includes the way we behave and the way we dress. Culture is also reflected in other aspects of our lives such as gender roles, family values, religious practices, social morays, the foods we eat, and artistic styles among others.
2.) How does "culture" shape our lives?
Our own culture begins to shape our lives as soon as we are born. We begin to form our identity based upon the culture that we are born into. The ethnicity, language, religion, and other factors of our parents or family will likely become ours. The opportunity for cultural diversity likely becomes available in the early childhood classroom. As our text points out, providing a peaceful environment in the classroom to explore our differences is crucial.
3.) How do children reflect their culture in the classroom?
Children display aspects of their culture in the classroom through their behaviors, their language, the ways in which they dress, their body language, and their emotions. Children may show respect in a manner which we perceive to be different. They may wish to share stories or artifacts from home.
4.) What areas of life are influenced by "culture?"
The term “cultural identity” sums up the fact that our whole lives are influenced by culture. Our daily habits are influenced by our culture. Evidence of this was pointed out on page 50 of our text in the example of the mother of the preschooler that did not want her daughter using the bathrooms with no doors. Our culture exposes us to values, beliefs, and rules on a daily basis so that we are not even aware of the influence.
QUESTION: Would you as a teacher keep up on societal norms in order to influence the culture in your own classroom? (Will you be a teacher who is “with it”?)
ReplyDeleteQUOTE: p. 68 “Be sure that comments made in the classroom regarding actions of people from diverse backgrounds do not covey criticisms.”
FACT: Generally, individuals do not realize how prejudice they are.
Questions:
1.) Define "culture."
Culture is a part of each individual because it is a part of every society; it provides a framework for our lives. Culture is “they ways of the groups.”
2.) How does "culture" shape our lives?
Culture is everything we do and the way we do it. According to our texts, for children, cultural guidelines are discovered through daily interactions with others, observing, and modeling some of the behaviors learned from families and adults. Culture starts from the minute we are born. We are raised in a way that influences us to make our decisions (or take a different path than the way we were raised). We continue through life developing our own “culture” on how to live life and what is acceptable. Then, as adults, we will show our children (either your own kids or children in a classroom) who we are through our culture or way of life.
3.) How do children reflect their culture in the classroom?
The influence of culture is all around, especially in the classroom. I agree with our book when it says that culture includes personality, how people dress themselves, the way they think, & how they move. These ways would all be evident in our classroom.
4.) What areas of life are influenced by "culture?"
People can define their cultural identity in many different ways. Many thing influence this identity, such as: national origin, religion, family, friends, gender, geographical region, age, socioeconomic level, jobs/occupations. We can also see through societal “norms” how children are influenced by culture.
Jacob Kounin’s idea of “withitness” is key for teachers to keep up on ways that children will be influenced, and to recognized good and bad influences that exist. Keeping up on influences on society and what is “cool” could be very beneficial for teachers to not only influence the classroom, but to be interesting, showing you keep up with what they like or are influenced by.
Cheryl, I like the point that you make regarding teachers using apples as beginning of the year decorations. I think apples have long been the icon of the start of school. However, the classrooms that I have been in recently have been decorated in a variety of themes from sea life to flower gardens. From my observation, teachers may be getting away from the "one flavor" look of their classrooms and that is a good thing, as you point out!
ReplyDeleteLori Stark
Kelli, I really like your quote about making sure that our comments in the classroom do not convey criticism. I think that is true not only toward students of diversity but all students. Sometimes there can be a fine line that we do not realize we may have crossed. Also, our tone of voice can convey so much more than the words we choose. Children are very astute observers. As their teacher, their eyes and ears will be on us (hopefully).
ReplyDeleteLori Stark
Question: Has anyone seen the movie Freedom Writers? As I was reading chapter 2 I was thinking of the movie Freedom Writers, because the teacher in the movie has to face challenges that chapter 2 discusses.
ReplyDeleteQuote: "Prejudice has caused more destruction in the world than any war and is the essence of racism and bigotry." pg 67
Fact: In the 2000 Census individuals were able to declare their multiracial and multiethnic heritag by selecting "multicultural" category. pg 66
1. Culture is identified as the ways and manners people use to see, perceive, represent, interpret, and assign value and meaning to the reality they live or experience according to our text.
2. How does culture shape our lives?
Culture makes up who we are. Our parents and our surroundings has a tremendous influence on how we think, dress, act, talk, believe, value, etc. Everyone is different in their own way. Everyone has a story to tell.
3. How do children reflect their culture in the classroom?
I believe children reflect their culture by the way they dress, what language they speak, their interests, goals, etc. The list can go on and on. Children also like to talk about their family. For instance, for show and tell a child might bring in his Grandpa because he is a full blooded Native American. That child is showing that he is proud of his family and his heritage.
4. What areas of life are influenced by "culture"?
Everything that we do. From the time we are born we experience culture. Are text discusses cultural identity which is based on numerous elements, each having varying degrees of influence on a person's individuality. These elements include: nationality, race/ethnicity, religion, social class, gender, and age. Hence, "There is not one aspect of human life that is not touched and altered by culture." pg. 43
Christina- We both found the statement about individuals belong to at least 5 different cultures. I found that to be very interesting considering I was brought up the same way, believing the same things, for my entire life. But after reading that part from the book it makes sense that we all belong to more than one culture.
ReplyDeleteCheryl- I like you included a fact about the “No Child Left Behind Act”. I am a big supporter of that act and I do agree that all students should be held to high standards regardless of what culture they came from.
-Ashley Payton
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI liked the quote you used! Prejudice is a great injustice. One thing the book said that I found really interesting is that most people don't realize that they are prejudice. I was dumbfounded by that! How could people not know that they are prejudice, but I thought about it and realized that even if we are not outwardly prejudice like the KKK, we do show are prejudices with out thinking about it. For example, since 9/11 it would be hard to get on a plane with a middle eastern person and not have your heart race a little. Or walk in down town Kansas City and not be a little scared. One regrettable thing that our parents passed down to us is the ingrained social stereotypes and untrue generalizations, they and their parents before them, made about different races.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI think that No Child Left Behind tries to provide equality in education. But, no system is perfect. Is it fair to expect inner-city run down schools to boast proficient level scores when some of their main concerns are keeping kids out of gangs and attending classes regularly, and keeping teachers at their schools that can be positive role models? The school down the road with a state-of-the-art gym, and technology equivalent of a NASA space station, has many more resources available for their students to succeed. The point I am trying to make is that education is not equal. I think that more attention should be paid first to granting every student equal education, and then worry about getting them to the proficient or advanced level on a state standardized test.
Question: How would you handle and address a situation where a child who made racist, predjudice remarks at an early age such as 1st or 2nd grade and it came from home?
ReplyDeleteQuote: Bruner(1990) affirms that "the divide in human evolution was crossed when culture became the major factor imn giving form to the minds of those living umnder its sway". (p. 45)
Fact: The idea of the salad bowl is preferred over a melting pot by those affirming that it is possible for people to be productive members of Americam society while maintaining their own individual cultural heritage. (p.60)
1. Culture is a framework and guideline for our lives. There will be culture from the past and influences on behavior from family and adults. A group of people with various ways, beliefs and values. Culture also changes as time passes and also has the past woven in.
Culture shapes our lives because we grow up with the values, ways amd beliefs we are taught and what we view from our family and other adults. This starts the molding process. Just like learning to talk, culture is learning process from birth on. Some of the culture is from the past and there are changes as time goes on. It is how we function in society and who we see ourselves as individually.
Children reflect their culture in the classroom by what they have seen and heard from their families and it comes out in the classroom. There are so many answers that children give to questions that make us marvel at the shape their lives have already taken from the culture they are growing up in. It can be holidays, beliefs, values, morals, clothing, food, religon and the teachings they have had thus far that come to the classroom. Even how much and how well they accept cultural diversity themselves.
Every area of life is influenced by "culture". Our framework, views, decisions, aspirations, survival, decisions, individuality and behavior.
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ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteI believe in what No Child Left Behind is supposed to do but I think it is a failure. As everything is, it is all about numbers and money. Children are pushed through that are not ready because they can't be left behind. Schools do not get the funding they need if their test scores are not good. It doesn't matter if the school is in a poor neighborhood, where the children are not worked with at home and have no example etc. Obviously that school won't do as well to no fault of the teacher or school yet they are punished. MAP tests vary with different states and the criteria they establish. Some are easier than others and set up that way to get more funding. So, nationally money received by the schools is not fairly given out. Sore subject with me, sorry.
Cheryl and Lori,
ReplyDeleteThe apples at the beginning of the year...I have seen in many classrooms a photo of the child on construction paper of perhaps their favorite color and a paragraph about them bnd this includes of course differences. Questions asked would prompt answers that would include each child's diversity upon entering the classroom. And could be evaluated later in the year to observe changes.
QUOTE: "There is not one aspect of human life that is not touched and altered by culture."--Edward T. Hall (1990) pp 43
ReplyDeleteQUESTION: During the last chapter discussion someone mentioned to me that their school/program gives a questionare to the parents about their background/culture. My question is couldnt that be misinterpretated by the parents? What if the parents don't want to give out their background because they don't want to be discriminated against? But then again without this questionare how does the teacher know the cultural differences in his/her classroom?
FACT: Prejudice is based on holding negative views about others and is not supported by solid evidence.
1)Culture- the way of life of a social group, including all of its materials and nonmaterial products that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
2)Our culture is our life! It's our identity, it's who we are. Culture defines the accepted behaviors, roles, interpreataions, and expectations of a social group. Culture is from how we dress to how we feel about death.
3)Children reflect their culture in many ways in the classroom. The way children dress, what children eat, how they express emotion, how they interact with peers, and even how they interact with adults.
4)EVERY AREA OF LIFE IS INFLUENCED BY CULTURE! As I have stated in above answers, culture defines how we act and what we do in our social group. I have a personal example: I am 21 and I live with my boyfriend. I believe in the culture that I live in, this is exceptable because many people my age do live with their boyfriends/girlfriends before marriage. But even just a decade ago, this behavior would not of been as excepted by anyone.
-Ashley Sluder
Theresa Anderson's quote: I dread the day where one of my students is prejudice against another student. I hope that I make it very crystal clear on the first day of school that, that behavior is not tolerated in the classroom and should be then not tolerated outside the classroom. If I do have a student making fun of another students culture, I will send him/her straight to the principals office and he/she will have to make a written (signed by the student's parents) and verbal apology to the student.
ReplyDelete-Ashley Sluder
Melissa Culey fact: As I read that face and looked at the figure of data, I was not quite sure why the U.S. census bureau would have that multicultral category. Why would it matter to the U.s. census bureau what races are blending... we are just all peeople living in one country. I think if Anna (white) wants to marry Fred (Asian) and have a baby that is now half white and half Asian that is their own business.
ReplyDeleteAshley Sluder
Theresa Anderson said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How would you handle and address a situation where a child who made racist, predjudice remarks at an early age such as 1st or 2nd grade and it came from home?
I really like this question! It amazes me at how young this is put into childrens heads. I would have a talk with the child that made the comment privately. You cant change his home life but you have the control in your classroom.
Melissa Culey said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Has anyone seen the movie Freedom Writers? As I was reading chapter 2 I was thinking of the movie Freedom Writers, because the teacher in the movie has to face challenges that chapter 2 discusses.
I have seen Free Writers and I do agree with that the movies fits prefectly with Chapter two. I thought it was a very good movie and I think that anybody who wants to be a teacher should watch this movie. Here is a blog that I found doing some research that I wanted to share, http://diversitywcsu.blogspot.com/
Question: I was reading the section “The classroom as a culture of peace”, and it stated teachers need to respond and intervene appropriately when derogatory or prejudicial comments are made. I was wondering if it was more beneficial to respond as a whole classroom approach or if it would be better to take that child aside and deal with the situation so that child does not feel “put on the spot”? I am referring to the ages of 3-5 years old.
ReplyDeleteQuote: “The influence of culture is so powerful that it covers every aspect of behavior.” p. 47
Fact: One of the most damaging ways prejudice is expressed is in the form of stereotyping.
I wanted to point this fact out because I don’t think people realize how powerful and damaging this can be. My parents stereotyped all of my siblings with what they thought to be harmless stereotypes such as; she is the smart one, he is the class clown, etc..As an adult I still struggle with the label.
1.Culture is behavior, beliefs, attitudes, and traits that are characteristic of a particular group.
2.Culture shapes our lives in everything we do. It has a powerful impact on what we experience, what we know, how we feel, and in what we do. In other words culture influences, guides, and shapes us into the person we become.
3.Children reflect their culture in the classroom through their everyday actions and interactions. It’s reflected in their language, their choices, their expressions, and their reactions. Culture is reflected in everything they do.
4.Culture encompasses and influences all areas of life. It governs what you value, believe, feel, act, do, dress, and eat. In other words culture is you way of life.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI was the one who mentioned the questionnaire. It is strictly an optional form that is included in their registration packet when they enroll their child. I think it is an excellent idea that has really provided us with valuable information. Even though it is optional we have never had a parent not willing to fill it out.
Lori and Christina:
ReplyDeleteI was reading your post about No Child Left Behind and I understand what they were aiming to do. However, in the mist of it all these standarized tests never took into account the wide range of students from cultural backgrounds. In other words how can you consider it standarized or to whose standards? I feel it has done nothing but shift blame on teachers as being incompetent. You also mentioned the students coming from inner cities and gangs. How can we fairly give this school a standarized test and so they are failing and than compare it to another school that is not facing these daily issues?
Teresea,
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher, in that situation, I would pull the student aside and let him know that at school we respect everyone in our class. Teaching respect is a very important lesson that needs to be taught early in life.
Kelli H,
ReplyDeleteI hope to be teacher that is updated & "with it" but at the same time I don't want to lose the teacher sense of respect from my students. I have had experience with teachers that I thought was so "with it" that I looked at them as more of a friend rather than a teacher.
Tara,
ReplyDeleteIn response to your question, I think it is best for a teacher to take the child aside and explain to them the inappropriate behavior and why, espcially for 3-5 year olds. Most of them may not understand the implications of what they are doing or saying. I think if it starts to happen frequently, then the teacher needs to have a lesson for the entire class without pointing any fingers.
Ashley S.
ReplyDeleteI liked your Fact statement. I have some older relatives, who, unfortunately hold negative views of some people. When I question them about it they offer no evidence for their stance. I think so much of it is the environment in which they were raised and lack of education.
Quote:
ReplyDelete"Todo es del cristal conque se mira
Everything depends on the color of glass you look through" pp46
Question:
How do you express to a 3,4,or 5 year old what is an inappropriate term to use for an individual?
Fact:
Acculuration process:(melting pot)people disolved their own individual cultural identity and adopted the patterns of the mainstream culture.
1. Culture: The ways and manners people use to see, perceive, represent, interpret, and assign value and meaning to the reality they live or experience.
2. Culture is used daily. It gives us individual identity. Culture begins at birth. Everything we do responds to patterns learned through and from experiences with families and individuals from our own social group. The framework is made up of values, beliefs, shared meanings and interpretations, and rules.
3. Very much the same way we all do, through their personality, verbal skills, emotions, how they dress, preferred foods, eating patterns, expressions, and reactions.
4. Culture covers every aspect of behavior, this includes personality, how we dress, how we think, how we move, how we solve problems, everything we do we do as part of a culture.
Response for Cheryl
ReplyDeleteI understand your question as I have had to handle a situation similar to this in my classroom. My children are 3,4,and 5 year olds so they are repeating something said to them. I hope to instill in my class that we are all alike as we are all individuals with many differences. My problem is trying to do this within my own family. I have a sibling who has instilled in his children raceism this became a problem for my own child when a family member asked her why she was hanging out with that **** my daughter was so upset she had me take her relative home and did not want her to come back. So it is very difficult.
Comment for Cheryl
I begin my year with alphabet, colors, numbers, and photos of the chldren. This is an area that all cultures have in common. I have these things posted in not only english but in other languages.
Ashley Sudler I agree with you that it doesn't matter who you fall in love with. You can't help who you fall in love with and color shouldn't matter. I just found it interesting that the Census had the multicultural category as an option because coming from the generation I am in, being mixed is very common. I just find it interesting that when you are mixed you get to carry on two cultures.
ReplyDeleteKelli Hovey I really like your fact that generally, individuals do not realize how prejudice they are. This is very true. My sisters stepson which is 15 is very bad about stereotyping others before he even knows them. I do not appreciate the comments he makes at all. I do let him know it too. I think to myself he is young he doesn't understand how things work but when he gets out in the real world I hope he will. A lot of his comments are things he has heard his dad say. I have let his dad know what I think as well. Parents do take a toll on how we think about others but one does not have to take after his or her parents.
ReplyDeleteTheresa and Tara I like both of your guys questions about how you would handle and address a racist or prejudice comment from a student that is young. I agree with Trista that as teachers it is our duty to teach respect. At the beginning of the year when we make classroom rules as a class one of the rules can be that in the classroom we treat others like we would want to be treated.
ReplyDeleteChristina asked… Why do some individuals cling to their unfair and untrue thoughts about races different from their own?
ReplyDeleteThe reason for their beliefs in the first place is probably due to their cultural surroundings, especially within the family. However, what prevents them from changing their mind? I don’t know. Most of us are apt to change our minds as we see more, learn, and experience life. Some people, however, never change. I don’t know why. Maybe their cultural beliefs are so ingrained in their brain they are unable to disconnect from them.
In response to Cheryl’s comment about the apples on the first day of school: You could still use the apple idea; just use different types of apples. Make sure they are all different colors and maybe even write the names of different apples on them. The teacher could also have apples for a snack and have slices of different types of apples. As she passes them out, she could describe their different colors and flavors, but also highlight the fact they are all still yummy!
ReplyDeleteKelli asked... Would you as a teacher keep up on societal norms in order to influence the culture in your own classroom? (Will you be a teacher who is “with it”?)
ReplyDeleteI don't see the point of pretending to be someone I am not. I hope I am likeable for who I am. Besides, kids can see through all that. I'm sure my beliefs and behaviors will impact the classroom a great deal. And to deny who I am and what I believe takes away from some of the passion I might bring to the classroom. On the other hand, we need to share the space with our students. I think we, as teachers, need to bring in our student’s culture as a supplement to ours.
Question: How many cultures do you belong to or influence you? The suburban middle-class, college student community (returning college student also), military and law-enforcement group, mixed-family (i.e. being a step-dad), and the scientific community are just a few of the cultures I can think of for me. Soon, and to a certain extent, I’ll part of the “educators” community (which is already reshaping many of the ways I think about things).
ReplyDeleteQuote: “Everyone is multicultural to varying degrees with the specific characteristics of each individual being unique” pp. 55
Fact: Individual differences in temperament cannot be attributed to race. Pp. 69
1. The textbook defines culture “as the ways and manners people use to see, perceive, represent, interpret, and assign value and meaning to the reality they live or experience.” (pp. 46). Culture is learned and passed down from generation to the next. However, it is also evolving. On an individual level people are exposed and influenced by many different cultures. Culture can also be affected by changes in technology or advancements in science. At any rate, culture seems to makes us what we are, what we believe in, and determines how we react to the world around us.
2. Culture is learned and is all around us. It gives us rules to follow, defines expectations, offers comfort and stability, provides us purpose, and gives people identity. For example, if we think about it, mowing the lawn is a very silly thing to do. I spend my precious time and money maintaining the lawn. I sweat and get sun burnt. I spend my hard earned money on lawn equipment, maintenance, fertilizer, and I even buy dirt (a weird concept all by itself). I might as well just throw money on the lawn; it would be just as effective. And there is nothing worse than having a neighbor that puts your lawn to shame. Nonetheless, this is expected in the suburbia culture. I’m sure our lawns would be just fine (and it even might be good for the environment) if we just let them be. However, no matter how irrational or trivial, maintaining a lawn is part of who I am and the culture I belong to. Doing it makes me feel confortable. To ignore it might cause my suburban neighbors to think of me as eccentric, an outsider, or even a nut. Of course, if I lived in a downtown apartment, I would belong to a different culture set and play by a different set of rules and expectations.
3. The most obvious way a child brings their culture into the classroom would be though their language. Obviously, foreign language students are a glaring example of this. However, there are differences among even among those that speak the same language which reveal clues about their culture or subculture. There are also culture clues in the way students dress, eat, react, and even study. There will be some common culture traits brought into the classroom simply because of the schools location and the influence of the surrounding community. However, there will always be students from varied backgrounds and some that may bring in cultures from far away.
4. Everything is influenced by “culture”; for example, me and my lawn. Perhaps the most obvious area of life affected by culture is religious beliefs. Culture also impacts what traditions we celebrate (which may be tied in with religion). Beyond that, almost everything we do is impacted by culture. Is a child “expected” to go to college? That might depend on what expectations are placed upon them because of their cultural background. Is there prejudice against gays or lesbians? Again, this belief probably comes from their cultural background. We like to believe that we can think for ourselves. While that is possible, we cannot deny that every aspect of our lives is influenced by culture.
Christina Whitfield and Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the fact people do not realize they are being prejudice. I grew up in the Kansas City area and when I moved to the Joplin (4-State) area I was in for a big shock. The ideas and beliefs that were thrown out there in everyday conversation actually would make me very angry. As I spent more time there and got to know the people who were raised in that area, I came to realize they had no idea they were being prejudice. These were simply beliefs they were brought up with and knew no better. This realization, though, did not make me accept their prejudice ways, but made me a little more patient with them.
Kelli, I like what you quoted. As a teacher, you can set the tone of your classroom. We can respect and value others who are different from us and one way to show that is to never criticize. We can model acceptance for all of our students and hold high expectations for our students to do the same.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed unsettling to witness prejudice and even more so when people think that they are not doing anything wrong. It would be quite interesting to uproot such an individual and plant them in a totally different culture. I have spent two weeks in China and experienced first hand what it was like to be in the minority.
Theresa, I like the question you posed. If I heard negative remarks from one of my students, regardless of their age, I would immediately have a talk with them. I would convey my message clearly that that will not be tolerated--to the individual and to the class as a whole. I would start my year off making sure "respect others" was on the list for our class rules. I would also make sure that the parents are aware of our rules and communicate with them if there is a problem--making sure that I myself model respect to them.
ReplyDeleteQuestion: What would you do if you were in a school where some of the majority cultures “norms” we far different and/ or offensive to either your own culture or another students? My question about this relates back to my high school. I went to a southern Missouri high school where the Confederate flag was proudly displayed everywhere. This was a hot topic in my high school because to a few students that was a sign of discrimination. To the town it was something to be proud of. There in lies the predicament.
ReplyDeleteQuote: “There is not one aspect of life that is not touched and altered by culture.” (pg 47)
Fact: The Term “people of color” was coined to define everyone that is of non European heritage.
1.) Define "culture."
Culture is a group or a societies values, norms and goals for everyday life. Culture is what determines how people act, behave and live their lives in accordance to the people around them.
2.) How does "culture" shape our lives?
Our culture shapes our lives because it is a large part of our life. Our culture is what guides us while growing up. It helps to point out what is right and wrong. It dictates the things not to and not to do. With this not everyone's culture is going to be the same, but everyone's culture will dictate something to them.
3.) How do children reflect their culture in the classroom?
Children reflect their culture in the classroom the same ways we reflect our culture in our lives. We talk a certain way and eat a certain way or a certain type of food. Even how we dress or eat is how we reflect culture. My sister had a boy in class named Prajwall Baradwadge his parents had come to the country from India and it was rare for them to eat food that wasn't prepared by his mother or grandmother. This would make it so Prajwall would bring his lunch daily and he would have something special during pizza parties or class parties in the room.
4.) What areas of life are influenced by "culture?"
I would have to say that all areas of our lives are influenced by culture. I think nearly every part of what we do is rooted in our culture. I think these things that we do are so natural that we don't realize that we are following the cultural norm. I wear t-shirts and jeans or shorts most of the time because that is the cultural norm of the people around me. If I were Amish the cultural norm would not be jeans in a t shirt, but instead slacks and a button down shirt.
Question: Is it the teacher's job to make students aware of diversity in culture or should it happen at home? Or both?
ReplyDeleteFact: Interracial families have long existed, they were not officially acknowledged and recorded as a distinct group until 2000.
Quote: "Early childhood educators need to become cognizant of many legislative mandates and laws that directly influence young children in their classrooms."
1.) Define "culture."
The book identifies culture as the ways and manners people use to see, perceive, represent, interpret, and assign value and meaning to the reality they live or experience
2.) How does "culture" shape our lives?
Culture is what makes up who we are. It's what we use to guide our behavior, find meaning in events, interpret the past, and set aspirations. When we were children our cultural
guidelines are discovered through daily intereactions with others.
3.) How do children reflect their culture in the classroom?
Children reflect their culutre in the classroom in many different ways. Many ways I didn't even think of. One way children reflect their culuture in the classroom is through language. The way the students dress and wear personal decorations is a visable way to express their culture. The way or what the children eat can represent their culture. In Barbara's Journal she learned about Ramadan because she had a student who was from the Muslim culture who couldn't eat during the school day. That was a great example of how even eating habits can represent a culture. In the classroom through art and music is another way students reflect their culture in the classroom. Some other ways they reflect their culture is through ideas, values, beliefs, feelings, and emotions.
4.) What areas of life are influenced by "culture?"
Everything that we do in our life is influenced by culture. The way we were brought up by our parents to know what is right from wrong is influenced by culture. Also from being around other people like us who have similar cultural beliefs can influence what we think or believe. For instance what we wear out or to school is based on what we are used to being around. I grew up being around athletics so of course most of my wardrobe is sweatshirts, sweat pants, t-shirts, and shorts. If I wasn't around athletics my whole life, I guarantee my wardrobe wouldn't be athletic apparel.
Ryan: I really liked your quote because if you really think about it, everything decision we make is based off of what we know is right from wrong. And that is based off of what we were taught at a young age based on the culture around us.
ReplyDeleteTheresa Anderson said...
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How would you handle and address a situation where a child who made racist, predjudice remarks at an early age such as 1st or 2nd grade and it came from home
I really like this question a lot! I really hope that I do not have to deal with this at such a young age. It just makes me so sad to think that the children are picking up on this stuff at such an early age and it's starting at home. I would have to talk to the student privatly and tell him or her that it is not acceptable to be talking like that in the classroom or anywhere. As teachers we can't control what's being said at home, but we can control it in our classroom. Maybe if it starts in the classroom then the student will go home and say Mrs. so and so said this is not very appropriate and nice to say at all.
Theresa
ReplyDeleteI had the same sort of question. Because there are several people out there who think other peoples differences make them inferior or superior. I think it could become a very heated issue in a school and I'm not sure how I would react with out being put in the situation my self.
cllibby
ReplyDeleteI liked your question, but there are some people who would teach certain words or names as the proper names. I wonder what to do when you not only have a young child who is using inappropriate terms, but the parents of the child do not see a problem with the term the child is using. Then I would find it difficult to step on the parents toes and tell them that what they are teaching their children can be seen as offensive.
Question:
ReplyDeleteWith all of the different cultures in our country, why does prejudice still exist?
Quote:
“There is not one aspect of human life that is not touched and altered by culture, “says Edward Hall.
Fact:
The passage of the Civil Rights Act created fertile ground for recognizing the rights of every citizen regardless of his or her characteristics and conditions. Furthermore, the Act acknowledged and reaffirmed the individual rights of culturally diverse people and gave way to additional efforts that directly impacted early childhood education.
1. Culture is the way of life of a social group, including all of its materials and nonmaterial products that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
2. Culture shapes our lives from the very beginning of time starting with our birth. We all have a culture no matter what social group we belong to. It influences the way we dress, the language we speak, our religion, and any other factors passed down from generations we learned from including from our parents, grandparents, etc. It defines who we are as an individual, group, and family member.
3. Children reflect their culture in the classroom by the clothes they might wear, the language they speak or write, their religious beliefs, and the celebrations they may observe. It can be in their emotions they have, the music they listen to, or the foods they eat. When teaching children of different cultures, one must be open minded that the child that is acting out just might be frustrated because they do not understand what is being taught or asked of them.
4. Every aspect of our lives is influenced by culture. If we did not have different cultures, we all would like the same things, dress alike, have the same religious beliefs, like the same music, and like the same foods, etc. sounds like our lives would be a little boring. I think culture makes us as individuals, in our own special way. I teach 3 -5 year olds and I am blessed that they do not see cultures in the same way adults do. Children, who see a child in a wheel chair, see a friend who might need their help sometimes or a child of different culture might be someone they can play with at school. Maybe we all could learn from them!
Aheslinga asked, "Is it the teacher's job to make students aware of diversity in culture or should it happen at home? Or both?" I think it should be both, parent's and teacher's job to make students aware of diversity, but shouldn't it be anyone that comes in contact with a child. Who benefits if a child is taught diversity? The child becomes enriched with knowledge and can see the world if a diiferent aspect, then that child can see others not as a race, ethnic group, or gender but as a person.
ReplyDeleteI thought about Tara's question whether to take a young child of the age of 3-5 out of a group setting to explain prejudice and not point fingers. I think the best way to handle that would be to take the child aside and talk to them about their statement.Then, I would make it a teachable subject on a lesson plan and compare our differences (age appropriate) for their age group then unite the students by asking for a family picture for Our School Family Board, and include diversity toys, books, posters etc. in the classroom.
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteI think the apples are cute but they definitely remind me of an "old school" teacher. When I think of apples, I think of my grandmother's kitchen, or the 50 year old teacher I had in the 4th Grade.
As far as my own classroom, it will definitely open my kiddos up to a world of diversity. Uniqueness, Culture, and the comfort of being different are the key to my classroom (now I just have to figure it out visually, but I have some ideas).
Melissa C,
ReplyDeleteFreedom Writers is absolutely outstanding! It will give you so much courage as a teacher. If all of us could accomplish only half of what Ms. G did, we would all be AMAZING teachers. I had the honor of meeting her at Northwest Missouri State last year and she is even more awesome in person. And she said she was flattered that they let Hillary Swank play her in the movie (haha).
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteI liked your comment to my question. I also wanted to respond to one of your questions about why people are still prejudice.
I feel that many people are prejudice still because they feel other races are inferior to theirs or because they try to value their race as being so much more. I think people fear the unknown and like to stay in their own comfort zone. I feel some people also use it as an escape or as avoidance for their own inferior feelings of inadequacy. These are few reasons why I feel that people still discriminate. In 1994 I experienced racism in my own family circle when my daughter was born. I thought it was a time of the past as well. How wrong I was when my daughter was born; I named her Tanisha. It is an African American name that stands for Monday’s child. She was born on a Monday and I thought it was a beautiful name. My daughter is Caucasian and this did not set well with my Aunt. She called me while I was still in the hospital and told me exactly what she thought and to this day she has never had anything to do with my daughter. She only lives 14 miles from us too and my daughter is now 16. I would not of dreamed of racism being in my own family!
Trista - I agree with you and your approach to taking students aside and explaining to them the importance of treating everyone with respect in the classroom and certain actions or comments will not be tolerated.
ReplyDeleteTimothy - I think if one surrounds themselves with more than one culture and is open to it, then one can be influenced by it. I grew up around many different cultures and can easily appreciate each cultures diversity.
Question: Does someone really have the ability to question culture?
ReplyDeleteQuote: “In our society, elementary school children learn far more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. Some of the mere aspects of their knowledge are never taught in a systematic way. They are acquired as part of their culture through interaction with teachers and peers.” (54).
Fact: Today, the demographic profile of the United States includes a new and growing population group whose existence was acknowledged during Census 2000. (66).
Questions:
1). Culture is the way of life of a social group, including all of its materials and nonmaterial products that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
2). Culture provides a framework for our lives. It is the paradigm humans use to guide their behavior, finding meaning in events, interpret the past, and set aspirations. We learn to follow and apply the recognized guidelines of our society, sometimes without even being consciously aware of them. For a child, cultural guidelines are discovered through daily interactions with others, observing, and modeling some of the behaviors learned from families and adults. Psychologist Jerome Bruner says that when the child enters into a group, the child does so as a participant of a public process where the meanings are shared. This participant status entitles the child to learn the ways of a group. As social human beings, we all belong to a group, and all groups have culture. Culture is needed by humans to survive in a social group (45).
3). The classroom is the place where children come to explore and discover how to live in their social environment. The playground is another place where children express the views of the world that they have acquired so far. The classroom reflects cultural changes in many ways. For example, educational theories of early childhood practices evolved from being teacher-centered to being child-centered (72). The children you teach bring to the classroom the ideas and experiences that characterize the United States in the twenty-first century. One of the things that children reflect is the diversity of visions found in our communities. As they interact in their social environments-the family, the classroom, the neighborhood, and the community-they learn that not all individuals are alike (73).
4). Many factors make us who we are. A cultural identity is based on numerous elements, each having varying degrees of influence on a person’s individuality (56). Diversity is found in every single individual because each person is a composition of cultures. There is also diversity in our communities. Cultural diversity entails many more factors than the place of origin or language. In the social context, cultural diversity describes the variety of social factors that, either singly or interactively, exert influence on an individual’s behavior. Some of these key social factors are nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, social class, gender, exceptionalities, gender orientation, and age. Knowledge about how diversity factors contribute to shaping the character and ways of an individual helps educators to better understand children’s behaviors and learning characteristics (57).
Chandra posted:
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Does someone really have the ability to question culture?
Quote: “In our society, elementary school children learn far more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. Some of the mere aspects of their knowledge are never taught in a systematic way. They are acquired as part of their culture through interaction with teachers and peers.” (54).
Fact: Today, the demographic profile of the United States includes a new and growing population group whose existence was acknowledged during Census 2000. (66).
Questions:
1). Culture is the way of life of a social group, including all of its materials and nonmaterial products that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
2). Culture provides a framework for our lives. It is the paradigm humans use to guide their behavior, finding meaning in events, interpret the past, and set aspirations. We learn to follow and apply the recognized guidelines of our society, sometimes without even being consciously aware of them. For a child, cultural guidelines are discovered through daily interactions with others, observing, and modeling some of the behaviors learned from families and adults. Psychologist Jerome Bruner says that when the child enters into a group, the child does so as a participant of a public process where the meanings are shared. This participant status entitles the child to learn the ways of a group. As social human beings, we all belong to a group, and all groups have culture. Culture is needed by humans to survive in a social group (45).
3). The classroom is the place where children come to explore and discover how to live in their social environment. The playground is another place where children express the views of the world that they have acquired so far. The classroom reflects cultural changes in many ways. For example, educational theories of early childhood practices evolved from being teacher-centered to being child-centered (72). The children you teach bring to the classroom the ideas and experiences that characterize the United States in the twenty-first century. One of the things that children reflect is the diversity of visions found in our communities. As they interact in their social environments-the family, the classroom, the neighborhood, and the community-they learn that not all individuals are alike (73).
4). Many factors make us who we are. A cultural identity is based on numerous elements, each having varying degrees of influence on a person’s individuality (56). Diversity is found in every single individual because each person is a composition of cultures. There is also diversity in our communities. Cultural diversity entails many more factors than the place of origin or language. In the social context, cultural diversity describes the variety of social factors that, either singly or interactively, exert influence on an individual’s behavior. Some of these key social factors are nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, social class, gender, exceptionalities, gender orientation, and age. Knowledge about how diversity factors contribute to shaping the character and ways of an individual helps educators to better understand children’s behaviors and learning characteristics (57).
Chandra posted:
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Does someone really have the ability to question culture?
Quote: “In our society, elementary school children learn far more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. Some of the mere aspects of their knowledge are never taught in a systematic way. They are acquired as part of their culture through interaction with teachers and peers.” (54).
Fact: Today, the demographic profile of the United States includes a new and growing population group whose existence was acknowledged during Census 2000. (66).
Questions:
1). Culture is the way of life of a social group, including all of its materials and nonmaterial products that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
2). Culture provides a framework for our lives. It is the paradigm humans use to guide their behavior, finding meaning in events, interpret the past, and set aspirations. We learn to follow and apply the recognized guidelines of our society, sometimes without even being consciously aware of them. For a child, cultural guidelines are discovered through daily interactions with others, observing, and modeling some of the behaviors learned from families and adults. Psychologist Jerome Bruner says that when the child enters into a group, the child does so as a participant of a public process where the meanings are shared. This participant status entitles the child to learn the ways of a group. As social human beings, we all belong to a group, and all groups have culture. Culture is needed by humans to survive in a social group (45).
3). The classroom is the place where children come to explore and discover how to live in their social environment. The playground is another place where children express the views of the world that they have acquired so far. The classroom reflects cultural changes in many ways. For example, educational theories of early childhood practices evolved from being teacher-centered to being child-centered (72). The children you teach bring to the classroom the ideas and experiences that characterize the United States in the twenty-first century. One of the things that children reflect is the diversity of visions found in our communities. As they interact in their social environments-the family, the classroom, the neighborhood, and the community-they learn that not all individuals are alike (73).
4). Many factors make us who we are. A cultural identity is based on numerous elements, each having varying degrees of influence on a person’s individuality (56). Diversity is found in every single individual because each person is a composition of cultures. There is also diversity in our communities. Cultural diversity entails many more factors than the place of origin or language. In the social context, cultural diversity describes the variety of social factors that, either singly or interactively, exert influence on an individual’s behavior. Some of these key social factors are nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, social class, gender, exceptionalities, gender orientation, and age. Knowledge about how diversity factors contribute to shaping the character and ways of an individual helps educators to better understand children’s behaviors and learning characteristics (57).
Chapter 2 Culture
ReplyDeleteQuestion: In light of the interconnectedness of our population via personal electronic communications, is our national culture evolving so fast that it is impossible to stay abreast of the current reality of our students?
Quote: Page 44 of the text, which was quoting Nieto & Bode, 2000: “Everybody has a culture”
In reading this my immediate response was “Everybody has a multiculture, unique to themselves.” I was gratified when I came across almost the same statement by Hernandez on page 55.
Fact: American culture values individuality. In traditional Asian cultures, social orientation is focused on the collective ‘we’ rather than on the individual. Page 54. While this is an oversimplified generalization, it does explain why a socialist governmental form was so appealing to the people of the most populous nation on Earth. Individuality seems to be on the rise in China. This is likely due to the introduction of western capitalistic economic values via the reunion of Taiwan and Hong Kong with mainland China. What else could explain why the Cadillac Escalade SUV (built in China) is the best selling personal motor vehicle in the Peoples Republic?
1. Define “Culture”.
The ways of a group.
I like this for its brevity and universality of application. Every grouping of people has characteristics which are unique to it. These include language, dress, attitudes, rituals, hierarchy and beliefs. Other factors can include race, ethnicity, gender and age.
2. How does culture shape our lives?
Culture defines accepted behavior within the group. It outlines the various roles each member has. It delimits our expectations within the group. It provides a framework to explain both the inner workings of the group and its relation to the outside world.
3. How do children reflect their culture in the classroom?
The ways children do this are myriad. In the culture of the 8th-Grade at Robinson Middle School in Wichita, Kansas, the various sub-cultures within the classroom were easily identified.* They tended to coagulate despite seating charts. The exceptions to this were my female Vietnamese students who quietly distanced themselves from each other in an attempt not to be noticed, and my avid students (regardless of race or gender) who sought seats where they could best hear and see and participate in the class I was conducting, without the interference of what would most likely be their natural peer culture.
4. What areas of our lives are influenced by culture?
What areas of our lives are not influenced by our personal culture? Food, clothing and shelter are considered the essentials of human existence.
What, when, where, why and how each of us obtains these essentials are almost exclusively tied to the ‘culture’ in which we live, or the culture in which we wish to live.
* A partial listing of these school sub-cultures was delightfully delivered by the principal's secretary in the John Hughes film, Farris Bueller's Day Off.
Trista posted:
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Does anyone have an eye-opening cultural experience?
Quote: “Culture provides a framework for our lives”. Pg. 45
Fact: Social scientists-sociologists, anthropologists, and psychologists-believe that culture demarcates all manners people use to interact in the context of society.
Questions:
1. Culture: the way of life of a social group, including all of its materials and nonmaterial products that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
2. Culture provides a framework for our lives. It is the paradigm humans use to guide their behavior, finding meaning in events, interpret the past, and set aspirations. We learn to follow and apply the recognized guidelines of our society, sometimes without even being consciously aware of them. For a child, cultural guidelines are discovered through daily interactions with others, observing, and modeling some of the behaviors learned from families and adults.
3. The classroom reflects cultural changes in many ways. For example, educational theories of early childhood practices evolved from being teacher-centered to being child-centered. The children that you teach bring to the classroom, the ideas, and experiences that characterize the United States in the twenty-first century. One of the things that children reflect is the diversity of visions found in our communities. As they interact in their social environments, the family, the classroom, the neighborhood, and the community-they learn that not all individuals are alike.
4. A cultural identity: is based on numerous elements, each having varying degrees of influence on a person’s individuality. Diversity is found in every single individual because each person is a composition of cultures. There is also diversity in our communities. Cultural diversity entails many more factors than the place of origin or language. In the social context, cultural diversity describes the variety of social factors that, either singly or interactively, exert influence on an individual’s behavior. Some of these key social factors are nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, social class, gender, exceptionalities, gender orientation, and age.
Kelli,
ReplyDeleteGood point about Freedom Writers! I love that movie! There are critiques about it too though.
Have you looked up her non-profit project? You might be interested in it. It is based on what she did with her students.
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteGood job! Nice point about the apples! Apples are a metaphor for teachers, and you are right. What about diversity and a sense of welcoming for your students at the beginning of the year? I hope all students see themselves in your decorations in your classes!
Keep up the good work!
Christina,
ReplyDeleteGood question here! Review Levin and Levin's Four Causes of Prejudice in Agenda 2!
Keep up the good work!
Lori,
ReplyDeleteNo NCLB does not really ensure equity! I am not a NCLB proponent! I think it is a classist policy and leaves more students behind! There are many problems with this legislation. You might be interested in the book Many Children Left Behind about it.
Good job! Keep up the good work!
Kelli,
ReplyDeleteGood fact here! Good job!!
If you look at the quizzes and information on the Multicultural Education Pavillion, you will discover some surprising answers to their quizzes on classism etc.
Keep up the good work!
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteGood job! Nice tie to Freedom Writers! In my EDU 202 course, they see that movie, and we have a discussion about it. I am glad that you had this question and connection!
Keep up the good work!
Theresa,
ReplyDeleteGood question! You can address it and tie to your class behavior rules and expectations. You do not have to discuss their behavior rules at home. Also, Teaching Tolerance has a free guide that you can use with parents to open the discussion. I think it is called Beyond the Golden Rule. I would suggest that you look at that and the Teaching Tolerance free materials for teachers. That will help here! Also, your textbook has a chapter about family. I think you will get at that more through the textbook.
Good job! Keep up the good work!
Ashley S.,
ReplyDeleteGood job! You can find out information from your students with a lot of different activities. Noce Hall quote too!
When I was entering kindergarten, my mother (who was part Cherokee) objected to the questions on the form about their income level. At my public, elementary school in AL (at this time when I was a child), they were tracking kids into better classes with more qualified teachers based on their parents' class and income. Kids who had parents who made more money were put with better teachers, and the classes were set up differently. My mom was aware of the "isms" and inequities in the public schools by the time I was entering school because she already dealt with it before when my much older brothers went through the system. She was distrustful of the teachers and administrators and rightly so! I had a much different educational experience because of her previous experiences with my brothers and the fact that she questioned more and demanded more for me!
Just food for thought here!
Keep up the good work!
Tara,
ReplyDeleteGood job! Good question here! There are pros and cons for teaching the whole class about it, and there are pros and cons for dealing with the individual student in this case. What are the pros and cons?
If you teach the whole class about it, you do not put the kid on the spot, and you can also speak to the child (or children) indvidually about the issue too at an appropriate time. If the other students do not learn about that "ism" though, odds are you will be spending more time in your class dealing with that issue over and over again or a similar issue. If you teach the class about that injustice, and another unjust act occurs, you can even remind the students of that lesson, discuss the similarities of the two, and move on quickly. If you do not deal with the issue, you will have more problems in the end, and students look to you as their teacher leader whether you want to be or not. They want to see justice from you. If they do not feel that you were just with their "problem" or issue, they will not respect you as much in the end. They will not trust you as much either. It is so important that you deal with the injustice. I think it is better to teach the whole class about the issue and why what was said or done was incorrect in the classroom because that will help you down the road with other issues. I think the two children need to know what happened was not acceptable, but I also think it is a good lesson for the whole class too (and you do not have to draw attention to those two students either). Does that make sense?
Keep up the good work!
C. Libby,
ReplyDeleteToday, in the on-campus class, we discussed that quote. Watch for it when that class video is posted in Web CT. That is a nice one, and it brings to mind WEB Dubois's "double consciousness." We should have a multiple consciousness in 2010!
Keep up the good work!
Thomas,
ReplyDeleteGood point about being who you are in the class! You have to be yourself, and you have to be respectful of all of their cultures and backgrounds too!
Keep up the good work!
Thomas,
ReplyDeleteGood question and quote here! They tie together nicely!
Ashley M.,
ReplyDeleteGood point about how hidden the "isms" can be because culture and language has them embedded in them! Yes, you do not have to accept it! You can challenge it and change it!
Keep up the good work!
Millie,
ReplyDeleteGood points here!
Keep up the good work!
Ryan,
ReplyDeleteGreat question and nice tie to your own lived experiences here! Look at your school district's policies about dress code and flags. If they do not list anything about the confederate flag for dress, they should have something about offensive dress not being acceptable, and I think some districts list out what "offensive" is in their policies. I would pull that out and use it, and then have the students not wear the confederate flag again and turn their shirts inside out and remind them that it is offensive to some. We had this problem a lot in AL! Teachers did this! If it is not in the dress code or student behavior policies, I would bring up the fact that your school should have that in the policies and rules or something about offensive dress and items for teachers to use. You will attend a lot of teachers' meetings, and you can bring it up there and/ or with the school counselor.
Keep up the good work!
Aheslinga,
ReplyDeleteIt is both, but if you have a single mom juggling two jobs and a couple of kids, odds are that she will not have a lot of time with her kids at home. Then, these lessons will not be covered there. Now, the head of the household is mostly a single female.
Keep up the good work!
Amberly,
ReplyDeleteGood point about controlling what goes on in our classes! See my responses about this question!
Keep up the good work!
Cathy,
ReplyDeleteGood question here! See Levin and Levin's Four Causes of Prejudice in Agenda 2 for the class.
Keep up the good work!
Shelley,
ReplyDeleteGood point about respect here! A lot of this can be brought back to "respect!" There should be a class rule about respect too, and that will help!
Keep up the good work!
Chandra,
ReplyDeleteGood question and work!
Look at Edward Said's work and Hall's too. I would say that they question/critique culture. I would also say that social justice scholars do too in their work!
Keep up the good work!
Dave,
ReplyDeleteI think teachers can stay connected with their students' interests. I have learned a lot over the last ten years with regard to technology, and I know the Prairie Lands Writing Project offers a lot of professional development to help teachers stay connected to their students and knowledgeable about technology and trends too. It is hard! No doubt! However, we never stop learning! We are life long learners--especially as teacher leaders!
Keep up the good work!
Trista,
ReplyDeleteNice job here! I like your question! Yes, I think that they can. Last year or the year before, here at MWSU, the Center for Multicultural Education on campus had a former hate group member come and speak. They had to have more security for him because the hate group he left wanted to kill him now. He speaks out for social justice and against his former group. If he had not had this type of eye-opening experience culturally, prompting him to leave his hate group, I think he would still be in it.
I grew up in a dysfunctional family. My brothers were sexist and abusive when I was a child, and they were much older than I was. I was taught hate in the South, but I teach about social justice now. You might be interested in reading my story here in Blogspot "Birthing Social Justice" when you click on my photo here or "Ute Winston A Teacher's Reach" which is available on the Teacher Leader blog for the education department in MWSU.
Keep up the good work!
Dr. Hendrix,
ReplyDelete"What about diversity and a sense of welcoming for your students at the beginning of the year?"
That's what I am thinking. I believe that students need to be represented in the classroom, even for the first day. I think at an Open House Night students need to have the opportunity to create something to post in the room to represent them in a decoration. That way it's not just cute cookie cutter things that represent students.
Trista,
ReplyDeleteQuestion: Does anyone have an eye-opening cultural experience?
I worked in the Hannibal Public School System and there were only two cultural experiences that I had. The first is low income/poverty. I was a Parent Educator so I went to people's house, and I personnally never knew the extent of what poverty was like. Several family members living under the same home to make ends meet. The other is one that I believe that I have already mentioned, which was that I had the opportunity to work with a little boy who didn't speak English. He spoke Spainish, and it was a lot easier to understand him than what I thought. I thought that it would be difficult to communicate with him, because my knowledge on speaking Spainish is very limited. However, this little boy was uncomfortable at first, but I kept encouraging him to speak, even if it was in Spainish. I was lucky enough to narrow it down to what he was speaking about. He was a great student. Super Smart!
I grew up in a small Farm community about a hour outside of K.C., as I was growing up there I never really felt like I fit in,I didnt live on a farm for one, and most of my interests where a bit different from most of the kids my age. I was into Art, Music, and skateboarding in junior high(and still am) and looked forward to someday going to college. I didnt know for what I knew that I just wanted to go and see something different. As I got into high School and told my counselor that I wanted to go to college, she asked me if I was sure thats what I wanted and then preceded to tell me how hard it was to get into a college and that Id probably be better off working on a farm! I didnt live on a farm and nobody in my family was a farmer, and she still told me that. At that time in my life I just believed her, and really never thought about college again until my family moved to k.c. my junior year of High School. My first day at my new school I had to see a counselor and the first thing she asked me was had I thought about what colleges I was interested in attending! I did end up going to college after I graduated High School for drawing and painting, and now im in school again! College and creativity were deffinately not part of that small farming communities culture.
ReplyDeleteQuestion:Is it possible to ignore or change certain traits of you culture within yourself?
ReplyDeleteQuote:"Everyone has culture, and culture influences our views" page 51
Fact:One of the most damaging ways prejudice is expressed is in the form of stereotyping.
Questions;
1. In the book it is defined as "ways of a group". To me culture is anything that defines you as a person, Anything!
2. Culture gives us a identity, it helps to define your role in life, you behavior, your role in life, your ability to interact with others, and how others see you. Culture affects our mindset, our attitude, our way of dress, the food we eat, our hobbies and interests, it effects every part of who we are! "there is not one aspect of our life that is not touched or altered by culture" Hall 1990, page 47
3. Through their language skills, how they ask questions, how they use voice inflections, how they address each other and adults. Through their emotions, expressions of fears , feelings, love , friendship, the way they handle conflict. Other ways include their form of dress their preffered food, comments about family events, pictures are all ways in wich culture is shown in the classroom
4. All areas of life are affected by culture!
Quote: There is not one aspect of human life that is not touched or altered by culture. (Edward T.Hall)(1990)
ReplyDeleteFact: Culture provides the framework for our lives.
Question: How does culture play an important part in the development of young children's identities?
Culture: the way of life of a social group, including all of its material and nonmaterial products that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
How does culture shape our lives?
Culture shapes our lives by defining who we are and how we live. Culture is also like a glass prism through which we look at life.
How do children reflect their culture in the classroom?
Children reflect their culture in the classroom by respect, music, artwork, food and eating, the way they dress, the language they speak, and by the way they write.
What areas of life are influenced by culture?
All areas of life are influenced by culture. Culture is needed for humans to survive in social groups. Culture defines who we are that is why I say that all areas of lige are influenced by culture.
Melissa Culey.. I am glad that you mentioned the movie "Freedom Writers". The teacher not only had to face cultural diversity, but had to deal with and face the challenges of her students every day life.
ReplyDeleteWow Eric! Unfortunately, a lot of kids face counselors like this one out there! I am so glad you shared your own story here! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteEric,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you had a better counselor in the end! Nice question here!
I think it is possible if the person wants to change. I am not the same person I was as a teen growing up in AL in the 1980s. With role models and classes at The Univ. of AL and a lot of reflection and critical thinking, I think I am much better now than I was then. I think I have become aware of some of my weaknesses and biases and worked through them. We all have these. The first part in becoming multicultural is to look at yourself and reflect on your own biases.
Keep up the good work here!
Veronica,
ReplyDeleteGood question here! There have been studies on babies and gender identity. You might be interested in those. In some of the studies, parents subconsciously made differences between their boy babies and girl babies. They let the boys cry longer. I would say that part of this is cultural then. For some reason, even subconsciously, parents may think boys should be "tougher." Food for thought here!
Keep up the good work!
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAshely S..,,
ReplyDeleteGood and very valid points.
QUESTION: During the last chapter discussion someone mentioned to me that their school/program gives a questionare to the parents about their background/culture. My question is couldnt that be misinterpretated by the parents? What if the parents don't want to give out their background because they don't want to be discriminated against? But then again without this questionare how does the teacher know the cultural differences in his/her classroom?
Question: How has my own culture influenced who I am?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "In our society, elementary school children learn far more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. Some of the mere aspects of their knowledge are never taught in a systematic way. They are acquired as part of their culture through interaction with teachers and peers." (pg. 54)
Fact: Prejudice and racism must be eradicated for the United States to enter strong and triumphant into the new century. (pg.70)
Questions asked by Dr. Hendrix:
1. Culture is the way of life of a social group, including all of its materials and nonmaterial products that are transmitted from one generation to the next. Culture is all of who we are. It is not just where you ancestors hailed from. Its the environment you are born into.
2. Culture shapes our lives in every facet of our lives. It makes us who we are. It shapes our behaviors, roles, interpretations, and expectations. It shapes the simplest of things like what we wear and what we eat. It also shapes the most complex of things such as our views on religion, politics, and how we see and interact with others.
3. Children reflect their cultural in the classroom in how they present themselves. Their dress, how they carry themselves, language skills, how they interact with their peers/teachers, how they interpret the words/teachings of their teachers.
4. The areas of life that are influenced by culture is every area of your life. It identifies who you are. Areas such as nationality, race/ethnicity, religion, social class, gender, age, eating habits, dress, how we carry ourselves.
Trista,
ReplyDeleteGreat question. I have had an eye-opening cultural experience. I went to visit my older sister who was in the Peace Core in West Africa when I was 19. Every moment of that visit was eye-opening cultural experience. I remember getting off the plane and extending my right hand to shake my sisters african friends. She grabbed my hand quickly and gave me a hug. Then she pulled me aside and said the right hand was used to bathe and take care of other personal needs. I made sure to remember that with not only when it came to greeting anyone, but when it came to eating as well. No silverware is used when eating.
Question:What is a good activity to do with students to learn about there culture as a class?
ReplyDeleteQuote:"Culture is a glass prism through which we look at life." (46)
Fact:Although culture shapes our life and leaves nothing untouched we have trouble seeing our own culture pattern.
1.) Define "culture."
Culture is how we look at the world, how we decide if something is acceptable or not, or the way we celebrate a certain occasion. It is like a point of reference.
2.) How does "culture" shape our lives?
As I said in my previous answer our culture is like a point of reference. It is what we look at when we make decisions on how to celebrate a holiday. When we look back at all of our experiences in life we probably could see our culture busting out.
3.) How do children reflect their culture in the classroom?
Children reflect their culture in the classroom in many ways. For some it is the way they dress and talk. For others it is the way they interact with others and their environment.
4.) What areas of life are influenced by "culture?"
All areas of life are influenced by culture. "As Hall (1990)says,"there is not one aspect of life that is not touched and altered by culture." (47)
Tara,
ReplyDeleteIf a preschool age child made a derogatory or prejudice comment I think you should first take the child aside and address the issue with him first. Then address it later with the whole class. It would be a great lesson for them all. Talking to the child first will ensure that they don't feel put on the spot and they will know that are not in trouble or a bad person for what they said earlier.
Question: How should a teacher address prejudice or derogatory comments that have been learned at home?
ReplyDeleteQuote: “Like the skin that covers our bodies and gives us our external individual identity, culture is always with us.” (pg. 48)
Fact: Although interracial families have long existed, they were not officially acknowledged and recorded as a distinct group until 2000.
1. Culture is the ways and manners people use to see, perceive, represent, interpret, and assign value and meaning to the reality they live or experience.
2. Culture shapes out lives because it covers every aspect of our behavior. It includes what we see, hear, and experience as well as what is perceived through interactions. Culture begins to shape us from birth and gives people their identity throughout their lives.
3. Children reflect their culture in the classroom by their unique personalities, the way they dress, the language they use, the foods they eat, their interests and goal, how they express themselves, and how they interact with others.
4. All areas of life are influenced by culture including what we see, hear, and experience as well and what is perceived through our interactions with others. Nothing escapes the power of culture.
Laura S,
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said to Tara about addressing prejudice or derogatory comments but I think you have to be very careful when trying to explain or "go against" what has been taught at home. If a child has been taught that they are superior to blacks, as a black teacher, how can I teach them to feel we are equal? I do think issues should be addressed individually then towards the group though.
Eric,
ReplyDeleteI do not think you can ignore traits of your culture but I do think you can change them. I think that by exposing myself to other cultures, my views,beliefs, and interactions may change therefore making me multi-cultural. :)
I hope it is okay to post this here...
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs to check thier mail within each WebCT course. These do not forward to our regular MO Western email accounts. Some people are having trouble contacting others in thier groups.
Laura S.,
ReplyDeleteI really like the quote you picked. Children do learn more than how to read and write. The whole school experience and interacting with teachers and other kids teach them about life and culture.
Aheslinga,
ReplyDeleteI think that diversity awareness needs to happen at home and at school. Children are going to be more comfortable with diversity if there parents are but it also has to be supported at school so we are not giving kids mixed messages.
Question: Is there someplace to go to find out what the general stereotypes of different cultures are?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "One of the most damaging ways prejudice is expressed is in the form of stereotypes"
Fact: Everyone is actually a member of many intermingling cultures.
1. the ways of the group
2. Culture defines the acceptable behaviors, roles, interpretations and exceptions of a social group.
3. it influences their views
4. all areas of life are influenced by culture
Question: How do we decide what cultures, and parts of cultures are okay to teach in the classroom?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "Culture is needed by humans to survive in a social group." pg 45
Fact: Culture has many levels, most aspects can be split into material and non-material culture.
1. Culture: the way of life of a social group, including materials and non material products that are passed from one generation to the next.
2. Cultures are what define us as a people. It is what we eat, how we behave, what we wear, where we live, and most of the decisions we make on a day to day basis.
3. Overall appearance, manners, opinions of the world.
4. House, city, state, nation, school, classroom, EVERYTHING!!!
Josh,
ReplyDeletea slightly over-reaction and for adults only website would be urban dictionary. You can type in most cultures in the US and it comes up with stereotypes and slang for them. I would NOT use the website in the classroom though.
Veronica,
ReplyDeleteI do not feel that there is any aspect of our lives that has not been influenced by our culture. Everything we know now has been discovered and passed down from a previous generation, or we will pass it down to the next.
Laura,
ReplyDeleteGood question! When you think about your own diversity, your cultural influences from your home and community influence you and your ideologies. You might be a single, White, Catholic, middle-class female. All of these frame your thoughts and what you believe to be "right." They affect your expectations for behavior too and the hidden rules of conduct in some ways. Think about that! How diverse are you? What makes you you?
TaJaree,
ReplyDeleteGreat question here! Believe it or not, I actually had a White Supremacist in my multicultural education course one time! That was interesting to say the least! He dropped the course. You can still deal with the unjust comment or situation, and if you know that your students' parents are teaching the child hate at home, you can address it by taking it back to the class rules. Hopefully, respect will be one of your rules, and you can point out that in your class, everyone will respect each other. You can point out the fact that the unjust comment/situation was not respectful. That will help! You can also do other activities to teach about the issue on their level, and there are a lot of stories you can use. Have the student try to understand the other student's feelings and why it was not respectful. Do not say his/her parents are not teaching him or her what is right at home. Do not go there. That will not help to be confrontational. Also, there are materials from Teaching Tolerance that are free for you as a teacher, and one guide is Beyond the Golden Rule. You can open a dialogue about these issues with parents! You may not convert a White Supremacist, and do not fret about that! Keep up the good work!
Mary,
ReplyDeleteYou decide, but each child in your class should see him/herself in the materials at least!
Keep up the good work!
Thomas,
ReplyDeleteYes, you can post reminders or points like this here for Web CT.
Josh,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, there have been a lot of stereotypes perpetuated through cartoons and comics. You can find some of these pretty easily on-line. One of my student teachers was covering a unit on World War II or I, and he pulled in some of Dr. Seuss's political cartoons that were racist and ethnocentric while he was teaching about the history here. He did a great job, and the day I observed him was Dr. Seuss' birthday in March! The students really learned a lot that day! He did well!
If you remember the Freedom Writers movie, one student drew a derrogatory image of another one, and she was able to use that as a teachable moment. Then, in the field trip, they saw those images from the newspapers.
That is a good way to start a discussion about these issues too--through illustrations, comics, and cartoons.
Good work!
Chapter 2
ReplyDeleteAngela
Define culture : In the book culture is described as the ways and manners people use to see, perceive, represent, interpret, and assign value and meaning to the reality they live or experience.
2. How does culture shape our lives? Everything we do responds to patterns learned by people we are surrounded by. Patterns give us a sense of directions to our actions and behavior. A sense of rules that we use in our lives, rules we have learned from our families.
3. How do children reflect their culture in the classroom? Children bring their cultures with them to the classroom. In turn this helps us learn first handed through them, through there actions. We can often learn from children easier than adults because children are so open and willing to share. Children can often teach us through daily tasks and life experiences right there in the classroom.
4. What areas of life are influenced by culture? All areas of life are addressed and or influenced through and by our culture. Our culture makes our lives. We carry all parts of our culture/ up bringing in our daily lives.
Question: How can we as educators eradicate racism in the classroom?
I had a little boy in my preschool class who's parents stated to me" I didn't know you were black" I guess my name may have confused them. Within a week the parents had pulled the child out of my classroom and put him into another room. The child still spoke to me and wanted to know why he couldn't be in my classroom?
Quote: ........" the divide in human evolution was crossed when culture became the major factor in giving form to the minds of those living under its sway," p. 45
Question: Looking at my children’s school, I see emphasis placed in the younger elementary grades on the importance of treating everyone with respect and embracing the diversity within the classroom. However, I don’t see this as much in the middle school age group, where I do see a lot of prejudice and disrespect among students. Do you think the learning aspect of culture and respecting others is getting lost the older the children, in respect to the classroom?
ReplyDeleteQuote: Garza and Lipton state that because individuals are defined by more than just one cultural influence, “everyone is multicultural to varying degrees with specific characteristics of each individual being unique.”. Page 55
Fact: Prejudice and stereotypes are learned, not innate. They are learned in the family and in school without conscious intent. Page 69
1. Culture is the ways and manners people use to see, perceive, represent, interpret and assign value and meaning to the reality they live or experience. Culture is not just one’s race, religion or language. It includes behavior, morals, interpretations and expectations.
2. Culture plays a significant role in identifying who we are. We start acquiring our culture at birth through our interactions and experiences with our parents, family members and friends. Culture also impacts the way we interpret situations, follow rules, dress, speak and value life, through both tangible and intangible means.
3. Children reflect their culture in the classroom through the way they dress, speak, follow the rules, respect classmates and teachers, value personal belongings and interact with others.
4. Every area of our lives is influenced by culture. The way in which parents raise their children and how this changes generation to generation. I was raised “to not speak until spoken to”. My children are not raised that way. Portions of our culture can also change as we age, relocate or change family dynamics.
Mary
ReplyDeleteYou have to remember that all students have a culture and that is why it is important to read about each culture that you have in your class and find out if any of them will be offended by what you teach in your classroom.
Meghan,
ReplyDeletedon't have many ideas but I often have a week that we talk about the differences we each have and we discuss the color of our skin, hair eye, and etc. We talk about the Dr. Martin Luther king and how he wanted all children and people to get along and be on one accord. So we took multicolored paper, different color eyes, and yarn for hair and the children created them selves or a friend/ buddy and explained what they created and how this friend is different then they them selves. The buddy can be picked before the group or after the group depending on what the child decided to do, them selves or a buddy/friend. Hope that helps.
Angela
ReplyDeleteChapter 2 for got my fact.
Fact; The interplay of a multiplicity of variables-age, family, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, gender, educational experience, individual characteristics, and others- is what makes us who we are. ( Garza and Lipton)( cited by Hernandez,2001) p.55
Fact: Demographically, the United States is now considered the most racially diverse country in the world (p. 66).
ReplyDeleteQuestion: How do we differentiate between accepting one’s culture while holding to the set culture of the classroom? In other words, do we integrate the two “worlds” so as to create a good mix, do we allow the child to adhere to their beliefs and practices, or do we mold them into the “product” that the schools are expected to produce. For example, do we only allow Asians to work in groups or do we give them an option—which they may not always have in the real world, or do we foster individual performance. Or do we mix all this together—creating in essence a whole new culture in the classroom. I hope this makes sense.
(This is addressed on page 60 when the book refers to a salad bowl verses a melting pot.)
Quote: “Trying to understand the rules, beliefs, and values of other cultures while using our own values is not always effective. Each culture needs to be observed and understood from the perspective of its members” (p. 52-53).
Questions:
1.) Culture is: Culture is how people go about living their lives. It is represented by symbolic communication and social interaction. It entails how one goes about their day to day activities by which they see, perceive, represent, interpret, believe, and give value and meaning.
2.) How does "culture" shape our lives? No one is exempt from the impact of others’ cultures—it is the world in which we live in. It is the foundation that we build each of our lives on and is present at birth. It is required to function in a society and influences how we act.
3.) How do children reflect their culture in the classroom? Teachers will get a glimpse of a child’s culture by observing several things. First, their verbal skills—how they use the English language, how they may address adults, the use of questions, their expressions, their accent, inflection and use of tones. Secondly, we learn a child’s culture by the emotions they use. Their response to emotions, stories and how they deal in conflict situations. Lastly, cultural differences that are visible—what they eat, the snacks they bring to school, their clothing, family activities and sharing personal items from their homes.
4.) What areas of life are influenced by "culture?" Culture influences all areas of life—from what you eat, wear, believe, and value. Each of our experiences offer an opportunity to reflect and make choices that affect who we will be and act that helps to define our own culture identity.
Question: When dealing with different cultures in a classroom, how are you to explain to them that somethings they do in their culture is not accepted in the American culture or classroom?
ReplyDeleteQuote: "The divide in human evolution was crossed when culture became the major factor in giving form to the minds of those living under its way."
Fact: Your identity may be influenced by gender, age, ethnicity, language, and many other factors.
1. Culture is the way of life of a social group, including all of its materials and nonmaterial products that are transmitted from one generation to the next.
2. Culture shapes our lives by giving individuals a group to relate with. Culture influences us from our everyday activites to our life goals, or other social factors that seperate you from others.
3. Children reflect their culture in the classroom by bringing in things that are specific to their culture. For example they might bring in different snacks or books than others.
4. Areas influenced by culture can vary from clothes, hair, language, religion, morals, and behaviors. How you dress or talk could be different from a different culture.
1.) Define "culture."
ReplyDelete2.) How does "culture" shape our lives?
3.) How do children reflect their culture in the classroom?
4.) What areas of life are influenced by "culture?"
Question: Is culture a one dimensional phenomenon?
Fact: Culture; are rules, values, beliefs, and principles that, when followed provide coherence and integrity to human existence.
Quote: “Todo es del color del cristal con que se mira.” ( Everything depends on the color of the glass you look through).
Culture is a part of each individual because It is a part of every society (Geertz, 2000). Culture provides a multi layered framework for your own life. Humans consequently are social creatures needing a method to create and establish socially acceptable behaviors. Culture shapes our life's by identifying and providing new ways to socialize as a unit. Children reflect there own unique culture in many ways, either from there interactions with their teachers and class mates. Everything from the manner in which they answer questions posed by the teacher to types of groups they form at recess. Any area that incorporates an individuals values, morals, or ideals can be attributed to cultural influence.
thought; does technology change the pace of culture and cultural transmission?
ReplyDeletejennifer, does age and gender identity change only just culture?