From my short amount of time observing these past couple years, I would say it is very difficult to get everyone involved in the child's life on the same page as far as education goes. I say this because the children I have worked with here have a very inconsistent schedule when it come to home life and where they attend school. I do not want to lump every child into the same category, but for the majority of the students this is how it is. I also am aware this an extremely difficult problem to even begin to address, but a problem at that. While we as educators are to bring consistency to our children, we also expect children to act a certain way when sometimes they are being torn in two completely different directions. This is not an issue that needs an "overnight fix" but it is also not something to be overlooked because it is "too complicated".
On the other hand, I have also observed teachers these past few years and their passion for what they do. I think as a whole teachers have begun to take on the responsibility and the challenge of truly wanting each child to succeed. One thing that has stood out to me in the classroom is how well the teachers I have worked with, manage their classrooms. It truly does make a huge difference when there are expectations for the students each day when they walk into the classroom. Whether it be to put their homework in a specific location or for them to be expected to do their best, I have seen a great deal of pride from each student I have worked with. They are proud of the hard work they do and they receive that praise they need from their teacher.
Your insights regarding "children torn in distinctive directions" is quite good. All the more reasons that both emerging and practicing teachers must develop a deep theoretical and applied understanding of culturally responsive teaching and curriculum.
ReplyDelete