Iris Module:
Classroom Diversity:
The challenge on this article was why Ms. Christie's lessons weren't working with her new student. I believe that she wasn't respecting or acknowledging their cultural differences. Although another teacher tried to help her recognize these differences, she just ignored him, and said, "kids are kids." I believe if she isn't going teach them how to appreciate their's and other students cultural and heritage, the students will never response to her. Accessing their prior knowledge as the foundation to connect what they are or will be learning, should be an important goal for her. I believe that Ms. Christie needs to start seeing differences between the school she came from and the school she is now teaching, and start to expand the traditional curriculum. She will need to have include many different multicultural resources.
Interview: H. Richard Milner IV, PhD
In this interview Dr. Milner was asked,
Question One: Some educators believe that their students' parents do not provide enough educational support.
He said, "never meet a parent who did care for their child education...parents care about their children. he also said that some parents just can't help the child academically, and therefore consider academic the teachers job. (He said African American parents)
I stayed home when my children were in elementary school and I did support them then, but when I started working I believe that I felt the same way as they did. I was remembering how busy I was; getting dinner ready and doing housework. helping wit homework was last on my to-do-list.
Question Two:
Many experts say that it is especially important for high-poverty schools to have good teachers, but isn't this true for all school?
He said that he has seen good teachers everywhere, but these schools need it more because the students don't have the same resources as other students. For example, schools who are not high poverty school, have parent who can get them computers, tutors, and any other resource they need. I understand what he's saying and I agree with him, that good teachers are needed everywhere, but high poverty students need that little extra. The school that I would love to teach at is one of these schools. The first time I substituted there I felt a great desire to go to college and get a degree so that I can be one of their teachers. It is my goal to be there for those students.
Vignette: Star Students of the Day:
I enjoyed Ms. Lawrence's lesson because she found a way to connect this lesson to their future lessons. I feel that the way the student interacted with each other will not only help their learning experience, but also feel special when their turn comes. I believe the students will gain confidence with the interview portion. When she was walking around the classroom, each student had one comment they were working and when she spoke to them they shared what they were writing about. I am in a second grade classroom and I can see this not only helping their social skills, but also helping improve their writing skills.