Takeaways/ ah-hah moments
"In the time it took me to utter one sentence, she read my clothing, my speech, and my body, and she inferred that I was an enemy. How long did it take her to read her students? If they didn't dress like they"should," speak like they "should," or show interest in the "right" things, did they become enemies too? Asa. profession, how quickly do we take kids and turn them into enemies?" (Minor 80). This really sparked an "ah-hah" moment for me because honestly, its human nature to not like everyone you come across but as a teacher it is our job to not judge our students and even more important not to have a preconceived bias before even knowing them. Teachers are supposed to be trusting adults and this quote made me realize thats not always the case and it needs to be for me.
"We often say thats kids voices and ideas are important. This gives us an opportunity to show them" (Minor 87). This made me realize that students are more involved in their own learning than it may seem. Its important to incorporate them and make them feel involved and SHOWING them they have a voice instead of just telling them. Actions do speak louder than words especially in this case.
"I want kids to understand that they are great and worthy of attention and time and love simply because they are human. In my classes, these are not things that I want kids to feel like they have to earn by being "good"" (Minor 92). This really made it clear to me that students think being a "good" student is being quiet and doing what they are told to do but in reality, that isn't what life is about. Being a teacher is more about teaching your students that they are valued and worthy regardless if they are "good" in school. It makes me sad that students think sitting still is what teachers want from them when really they should want to make their students feel appreciated and good humans.
Connections
This chapter of "We Got This" reminded me a lot of our conversations about making genuine connections with students and going beyond knowing them just as students. Its so much more important to know each kid as a person outside of the classroom in order for learning to be optimal in the classroom. I realized from this chapter that listening to your students and caring what they have to say is such a big part of being responsive and being a good teacher.
Questions
Can I bring CRT into my classroom without being punished or receiving backlash?
Will incorporating CRT into classroom get more accepted as time goes on or less accepted? Will it possibly be okay by the time I am I teacher?
Comments