CIDRE Portfolio

Hi! I'm Kaitlin and I've been teaching for 6 years. I've worked in both the public and private sectors of education. I've taught 6th, 7th and 8th English and Social Studies but have landed as a 6th-grade ELA teacher at Sherwood Githens Middle School in Durham, NC. I'm a sucker for a good story and I think all learning should be fun.

Cultural Theme: Arab Experience within Germany: Focus on 3rd-culture and the existence of the Arab-German community

Written Reflections:

Advanced Reading Thoughts

German Teacher Education

"The initial stage of teacher education at universities should be reorganized to become better orientated towards professional needs of teaching." (pg. 1)

German Schooling

"So that pupils have access to all teaching aids used in lessons regardless of their economic and social circumstances, all Länder have regulations on the provision of financial assistance for pupils to purchase teaching aids on their provision free of charge." (p. 10)

Both of these articles were insightful to the inner workings of the German education system. My biggest takeaway from both was the value Germany seems to put in both its educators and students. The desire for more practical knowledge from incoming teachers shows that the system wants them to be truly prepared within their programs. The fact that all Länder provide access to the materials students needs completely removes a barrier that might keep some students from fully participating in their education. Theoretically, everyone gets to start on an even playing field.

Visual Thinking Analysis

Pinakothek der Moderne's "Measuring the Universe" by Roman Ondak is the first time, in 15 years, that the artist has exhibited an interactive design. The concept is based off of the timeless familial activity of measuring one's children throughout their childhood -- something many can connect with. Walking into the exhibit, you can see just how many individuals have come to participate (it runs from 6/3/22 - 9/25/22). What may have started out as a singular experience has become a group one, amassing in certain areas of releativly common height. As the exhabit said, "In the end, all visitors will be present at the same time, althought htey all have left as well." In a world that has been extremely isloated the last few years, (due to the pandemic) it was fascinating to see the ghostly remnants of so many attendees.

Clio Walking Tour Addition: Theresienwiese

Theresienwiese, also known as the Oktoberfest Park and “The Wiesn”, is famous across the world for its events. It spans 42 hectares, which is roughly the size of 60 soccer fields. The space was named after Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen, the wife of King Ludwig I. Since 1810, events have been held at the The Wiesn, the first being in celebration of Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen and King Ludwig I’s wedding. This celebration would eventually be known as Oktoberfest.

The Wiesn’s largest event and the world’s largest public festival, Oktoberfest, begins in mid-to late September and lasts about two weeks. However, construction for the event begins in early July. Before 1810, the Theresienwiese was seen as nothing more than a grassy area at the “gates of Munich”. It wasn’t until October 17th of that year when Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig (who later became King Ludwig I) organized a horse race on a section of the meadow as part of his wedding to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. Roughly 50,000 spectators attended to watch the race on a slope above the meadow, which was named "Theresiens Wiese" (Theresien's Meadow) in honor of the bride (with royal permission, of course). The following year, 1811, a follow-up race was organized and the tradition of the Oktoberfest was born. When the festival isn’t happening and no other events are scheduled to use the area, Munich residents can be found lounging in the grass, walking their dogs, flying kites and just enjoying the wide grassy oasis within the heart of the city.

WhatsApp Text Reflections/Cultural Insights

Cultural Observation #1

The S Bahn and the U Bahn are prime examples of the order that can be found throughout German culture. Compared to public transit I’ve experienced in both the US and abroad, it is extremely clean and the riders are conscious of their voice volume and general behavior. In addition, all passengers seem to comply with the train’s message of masking for public safety. All in all, it makes the use of the systems incredibly enjoyable for locals and visitors alike.

Cultural Observation #2

I’ve been surprised by how much of the music I’ve heard, in restaurants and shops, is in English. I’ve caught the sounds of artists such as Maroon 5, Shakira and Michael Jackson. Only once (so far) have I heard a song in German. If it’s not an English song, the truly “German” music I’ve heard is reminiscent of 80’s German DiscoTech. The synthetic beats have been pumped out the windows of Taxis as they wait for the light change.

Cultural Observation #3

The number of odd things myself, Callie and Erica have witnessed while in Munich is truly shocking. Just a few minutes ago, we were ushered from the boy’s section of H&M (we were looking for LEGO clothing items) due to a woman’s water breaking in the middle of the section. The staff calmly and quickly rushed into action getting everyone off the floor, shutting down the escalator and blocking her from few with various clothing racks. It was amazing to see how kind and thoughtful they were in this woman’s time of need.

Cultural Observation #4

Street art is prevalent throughout Munich. Whether it’s graffiti or public performances it seems to be a focal point of the city’s culture. Here, a young performer re-interprets “Alice In Wonderlans” the Mad Hatter in a performance that delights the youth walking along the streets of Marienplatz.

Four Projects on Designated Cultural Theme:

Written/Multimodal - Tumblr - Arab/German Culture Amalgamation Following Influx of Refugees & Immigrants

Mapped - Google Maps - Arab Owned Businesses

Inquiry-Based - Canva - Neighborhood/Migration Demographics

Pink and Blue Collage Scrapbook Data Infographic.pdf

Inquiry-Based - Padlet - Arabic/German Phrases

Lesson Plan:

6th-Grade ELA Lesson Plan.docx

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