After class today I was excited to have one class done. While it was a task to find time to read all the novels, I kind of miss them. I liked learning about the different cultures and how different everyone truly is. I did have my favorites books and there are still a few (boy meets boy) that I have careful place in the bottom row of my book shelf. I know one day I will use all of the books I have read during the course. But some many be harder to fit in then others.
The final project I was my favorite part. I liked choosing my own books and finding out for myself which books were good and why. I enjoyed the control in my read selections but wished I had the guidance needed to make good choices. I felt that it was harder to find the good books then the bad ones. I have a list of books I know are not usable, but a only a handful of ones that I could actually use. I worry that by the time I have my own classroom, I will not be able to find enough good books for my classroom library. As of right now, I have 9 picture books and only 10 novels. I only have one year left and then it is show time....
Overall, the class was good. Even though there was the silent moments, I still learned a lot. I feel the silent moments lead to great moments where I learned the most. Everyone does not have to talk all of the time all that was needed was one statement to make everyone think. Thinking is how we expand our minds...not just by talking. I need that extra time to decided what I really felt. I change my mind about books all the time. At first I hated Boy Meets Boy. I thought it could never be used and I did not understand how it fit. It was not until a week later that I realized that the reason why I did not understand was because I really did not understand the culture and the community. I knew was stereotypes. Love is a funny thing...you really cannot decided who to fall in love with man or woman.
For all those who take the course in future years...good luck. Read all the books and not only question the book but your opinion and view point. Small thoughts have the ability to grow in HUGE ones!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Final Post Part 6: My Reflection
Reflection:
Religion has always been a topic most are curious about. Some wonder what it would be like if they were a different religion or if they were not religious. I have always wondered what life would be like if I were another religion. When the class was able to choose topics for the final project I immediately jumped on the offer to learn more about Jewish literature.
After reviewing three picture books and one graphic novel, I found that the Jewish literature is more or less just like any other book. I did notice that more religious based books had vocabulary that needed to be looked up to understand, but this was only a small issue. Also, all of the books involved the religion at some point in the book. Whether the book encompassed the religion and had strong Jewish values, or referring to the synagogue all of the books involve the Jewish culture. I found this to be a strong theme through the text set.
Another theme I found in all of the books in a sense of family togetherness. All the books incorporated the family in some form. The three picture books all show the families in a positive light. Even in the Picture Book of Anne Frank show the family and the story in a way that the negative aspects did not seem to be so negative. While the events were not positive, the story does not make the reader feel pity for Anne Frank and what she went through. I feel this helps the reader to understand her situation in a clear mind.
One variation I found was in a picture book and the graphic novel. Both books talked about the Holocaust and what happened. However, both stories are told in different lights. The story from Anne Frank’s point of view is more positive but still sad. The story of Maus is sad and does not give a positive view. The story is from the point of a mouse as he enters the war. I understand that the event had no positive factors; however, I feel that it might be too depressing for students to want to read it completely. This is not the same for Anne Frank. The story shows Anne smiling and shows how she was remotely happy even though there was a war going on beneath her.
Overall, all the books in the text set connect through their use of Judaism and how the religion is different for everyone. However, the morals and values in the stories are the same for different pieces of diverse literature. There is something everyone could learn from each book. No one has to be Jewish to understand or read the books. But everyone will learn more of the culture surrounding Judaism. For example, in Mayer Aaron Levi and his Lemon Tree, the husband taught his wife how to share with those less fortunate. This shows students that values can be learned at any age and by anyone.
Religion has always been a topic most are curious about. Some wonder what it would be like if they were a different religion or if they were not religious. I have always wondered what life would be like if I were another religion. When the class was able to choose topics for the final project I immediately jumped on the offer to learn more about Jewish literature.
After reviewing three picture books and one graphic novel, I found that the Jewish literature is more or less just like any other book. I did notice that more religious based books had vocabulary that needed to be looked up to understand, but this was only a small issue. Also, all of the books involved the religion at some point in the book. Whether the book encompassed the religion and had strong Jewish values, or referring to the synagogue all of the books involve the Jewish culture. I found this to be a strong theme through the text set.
Another theme I found in all of the books in a sense of family togetherness. All the books incorporated the family in some form. The three picture books all show the families in a positive light. Even in the Picture Book of Anne Frank show the family and the story in a way that the negative aspects did not seem to be so negative. While the events were not positive, the story does not make the reader feel pity for Anne Frank and what she went through. I feel this helps the reader to understand her situation in a clear mind.
One variation I found was in a picture book and the graphic novel. Both books talked about the Holocaust and what happened. However, both stories are told in different lights. The story from Anne Frank’s point of view is more positive but still sad. The story of Maus is sad and does not give a positive view. The story is from the point of a mouse as he enters the war. I understand that the event had no positive factors; however, I feel that it might be too depressing for students to want to read it completely. This is not the same for Anne Frank. The story shows Anne smiling and shows how she was remotely happy even though there was a war going on beneath her.
Overall, all the books in the text set connect through their use of Judaism and how the religion is different for everyone. However, the morals and values in the stories are the same for different pieces of diverse literature. There is something everyone could learn from each book. No one has to be Jewish to understand or read the books. But everyone will learn more of the culture surrounding Judaism. For example, in Mayer Aaron Levi and his Lemon Tree, the husband taught his wife how to share with those less fortunate. This shows students that values can be learned at any age and by anyone.
Final Post Part 5: Review of Maus by Janet Reilly
Reilly, Janet. "Book Reviews: Maus: A Survivor's Tale." The Journal of Historical Review 7.4: 478-483. 21 Apr. 2008 .
After reading both Maus and the review by Janet Reilly I feel that I have read two different materials. After reading Reilly’s review, it is clear that she did not like the graphic novel nor does she agree with Art Spiegelman’s views. Throughout the test Reilly picks out parts of Spiegelman’s life that aid in how he represents his family in the test. Spiegelman explains that he only wants to “portray his father accurately.” Reilly finds this statement to be false. She continues on to included how the Jewish people are portrayed in the novel and how this is demeaning. She critiques the drawing of different characters for the novel. She refers to the cats as “poorly drawn”.
Reilly also refers to the way the novel is written. She states that the novel is basically hear-say and only Spiegelman’s father is the only one who can really tell his story of the camps. However, Reilly compares Spiegelman’s story to Elie Wiesel. She recalls the Wiesel’s story was completely from him and out of his head. But when she refers to Spiegelman’s story she recalls him constantly asking for more details and precise dates and times.
My review of the review by Reilly is that she was too harsh on Spiegelman. An insider author does not mean that it actually had to happen to him, although it does make the story stronger. An insider author means that they have done their research and have created a depiction of an event to the best of there knowledge. The Sydney Taylor award even states that books are awarded based on how the Jewish culture is portrayed. Spiegelman portrayed the event as accurately as possible. Whether he was there or not should not be held against him, since he did interview his father for the facts. One statement that Reilly did include did help explain her views a little. She stated the “’Holocaust’ never happened the way we learned in school”. I feel that this sheds light on her argument and helps the reader to understand her prior knowledge to the event and how this knowledge might have impacted her review.
After reading both Maus and the review by Janet Reilly I feel that I have read two different materials. After reading Reilly’s review, it is clear that she did not like the graphic novel nor does she agree with Art Spiegelman’s views. Throughout the test Reilly picks out parts of Spiegelman’s life that aid in how he represents his family in the test. Spiegelman explains that he only wants to “portray his father accurately.” Reilly finds this statement to be false. She continues on to included how the Jewish people are portrayed in the novel and how this is demeaning. She critiques the drawing of different characters for the novel. She refers to the cats as “poorly drawn”.
Reilly also refers to the way the novel is written. She states that the novel is basically hear-say and only Spiegelman’s father is the only one who can really tell his story of the camps. However, Reilly compares Spiegelman’s story to Elie Wiesel. She recalls the Wiesel’s story was completely from him and out of his head. But when she refers to Spiegelman’s story she recalls him constantly asking for more details and precise dates and times.
My review of the review by Reilly is that she was too harsh on Spiegelman. An insider author does not mean that it actually had to happen to him, although it does make the story stronger. An insider author means that they have done their research and have created a depiction of an event to the best of there knowledge. The Sydney Taylor award even states that books are awarded based on how the Jewish culture is portrayed. Spiegelman portrayed the event as accurately as possible. Whether he was there or not should not be held against him, since he did interview his father for the facts. One statement that Reilly did include did help explain her views a little. She stated the “’Holocaust’ never happened the way we learned in school”. I feel that this sheds light on her argument and helps the reader to understand her prior knowledge to the event and how this knowledge might have impacted her review.
Final Post Part 4: Maus by Art Spiegelman
Spiegelman, Art. Maus: A Survivor's Tale. New York: Pantheon Books, 1986.
Out of all the survivor’s tales, Maus may be one of the few graphic novels that is acceptable for younger audiences, and has not been watered down to near extinction. A tale using mice instead of people make the story understandable without having to imagine yourself there. Maus, the German word of mouse, is a tale of the Holocaust written in a series of recounts from Spiegelman’s father, who was in the Holocaust.
Instead of creating a run of the mill novel, Spiegelman created a graphic novel of the events. In this graphic novel, Speieglman explains the Holocaust using mice as people. This gives the novel a story like feel, but about true events. In the story, the mice go through very similar events that the Jewish people went through during the Holocaust. Spiegelman goes into detail about his Grandfather’s life before the war. After giving his characters some human qualities, Spiegelman adds in the war bit by bit.
While Spiegleman was not alive during the Holocaust, he is still a victim. Norn four years after, he suffered right along with the remaining members of his family. Since he is not an insider to the actual events of the Holocaust, he is still a Jewish man creating Jewish literature. This makes him an insider. Since the nature of the book is a little higher level, I feel that a strong fifth grade reader could read and enjoy this book. However, a sixth grade level would be best. The content of the book might not be fully understood by any younger aged students.
Out of all the survivor’s tales, Maus may be one of the few graphic novels that is acceptable for younger audiences, and has not been watered down to near extinction. A tale using mice instead of people make the story understandable without having to imagine yourself there. Maus, the German word of mouse, is a tale of the Holocaust written in a series of recounts from Spiegelman’s father, who was in the Holocaust.
Instead of creating a run of the mill novel, Spiegelman created a graphic novel of the events. In this graphic novel, Speieglman explains the Holocaust using mice as people. This gives the novel a story like feel, but about true events. In the story, the mice go through very similar events that the Jewish people went through during the Holocaust. Spiegelman goes into detail about his Grandfather’s life before the war. After giving his characters some human qualities, Spiegelman adds in the war bit by bit.
While Spiegleman was not alive during the Holocaust, he is still a victim. Norn four years after, he suffered right along with the remaining members of his family. Since he is not an insider to the actual events of the Holocaust, he is still a Jewish man creating Jewish literature. This makes him an insider. Since the nature of the book is a little higher level, I feel that a strong fifth grade reader could read and enjoy this book. However, a sixth grade level would be best. The content of the book might not be fully understood by any younger aged students.
Final Post Part 3: Mayer Aaron Levi and His Lemon Tree by Tami Lehman-Wilzig
Lehman-Wilzig, Tami. Mayer Aaron Levi and His Lemon Tree. New York:
Gefen Books, 2007.
While most Jewish stories recall the Holocaust, Lehman-Wilzig’s story is about charity. In the story a young boy explains how his Great Grandfather had a lemon tree and cared for it like it was one of his children. Year after year, the tree would produce lemons that the family would sell for extra money. One season the lemon tree was producing more lemons then ever. Mayer Aaron Levi, the owner of the tree, decided to hide the lemons outside instead of taking them into the house. He reassured his wife that the lemons would be fine. With each counting of the lemons the amount grew smaller and smaller. This upset the wife and she worried for her lemons. The lemons made a huge help in raising their four children. After two days of missing lemons, she sat outside the house, morning, noon, and night to send the thief a message. The next day was the beginning of the new moon, and Mayer Aaron Levi was away at the synagogue celebrating the new moon. When he returned home, he found his wife and their neighbors waiting for him. In the end, the neighbors wanted to thank him for letting them know about the free lemons to the needy. With the lemons they made him presents. His wife was not very happy with his idea, but he explained to her that they have plenty and it is important to share with those who are not as fortunate.
Overall, this book is a good depiction of not only Jewish literature but of morals and values, as well. The story gives the reader a sense of right and wrong and teaches how to help others in need. Coming from not only an insider author but Jerusalem as well makes this book a great find and something that came be used across topics. This book has a good sense of morals and values suitable for younger ages. However, it comes with a place at the end where students can create their own heritage story. This makes the book adaptable for all ages.
Gefen Books, 2007.
While most Jewish stories recall the Holocaust, Lehman-Wilzig’s story is about charity. In the story a young boy explains how his Great Grandfather had a lemon tree and cared for it like it was one of his children. Year after year, the tree would produce lemons that the family would sell for extra money. One season the lemon tree was producing more lemons then ever. Mayer Aaron Levi, the owner of the tree, decided to hide the lemons outside instead of taking them into the house. He reassured his wife that the lemons would be fine. With each counting of the lemons the amount grew smaller and smaller. This upset the wife and she worried for her lemons. The lemons made a huge help in raising their four children. After two days of missing lemons, she sat outside the house, morning, noon, and night to send the thief a message. The next day was the beginning of the new moon, and Mayer Aaron Levi was away at the synagogue celebrating the new moon. When he returned home, he found his wife and their neighbors waiting for him. In the end, the neighbors wanted to thank him for letting them know about the free lemons to the needy. With the lemons they made him presents. His wife was not very happy with his idea, but he explained to her that they have plenty and it is important to share with those who are not as fortunate.
Overall, this book is a good depiction of not only Jewish literature but of morals and values, as well. The story gives the reader a sense of right and wrong and teaches how to help others in need. Coming from not only an insider author but Jerusalem as well makes this book a great find and something that came be used across topics. This book has a good sense of morals and values suitable for younger ages. However, it comes with a place at the end where students can create their own heritage story. This makes the book adaptable for all ages.
Final Post Part 2:The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco
Polacco, Patricia. The Keeping Quilt. New York: Aladdin, 2001.
Patricia Polacco is a very known for her stories of her family. Through her words, she writes about different aspects of her life. In The Keeping Quilt, Polacco writes about her family tree.
From her Great Gramma to her first daughter, Polacco creates a story that not only explains some aspects of the Jewish religion, but of her family heritage as well. The story begins with a younger version of Great Gramma and how she came to America. The story continues through Polacco’s Grandma and then her mother. With each story Polacco explains the wedding traditions and little bits about daily life for a young Jewish woman growing up in America. Once it finally is Polacco’s turn, she explains how in her wedding they had all of the same traditions but this time everyone celebrated together.
The Keeping Quilt has won the Sydney Taylor award. Not only does this book show a family in positive light, but is also is a very good book that shows the Jewish religion in a positive light, as well. It also a good choice of a piece of diverse literature. The book is also illustrated by Patricia Polacco which makes the entire book created by an insider author. Overall, a good book that can be used for all ages.
Patricia Polacco is a very known for her stories of her family. Through her words, she writes about different aspects of her life. In The Keeping Quilt, Polacco writes about her family tree.
From her Great Gramma to her first daughter, Polacco creates a story that not only explains some aspects of the Jewish religion, but of her family heritage as well. The story begins with a younger version of Great Gramma and how she came to America. The story continues through Polacco’s Grandma and then her mother. With each story Polacco explains the wedding traditions and little bits about daily life for a young Jewish woman growing up in America. Once it finally is Polacco’s turn, she explains how in her wedding they had all of the same traditions but this time everyone celebrated together.
The Keeping Quilt has won the Sydney Taylor award. Not only does this book show a family in positive light, but is also is a very good book that shows the Jewish religion in a positive light, as well. It also a good choice of a piece of diverse literature. The book is also illustrated by Patricia Polacco which makes the entire book created by an insider author. Overall, a good book that can be used for all ages.
Final Post Part 1: A Picture Book of Anne Frank
Adler, David A. A Picture Book of Anne Frank. New York: Holiday House, 1993.
Anne Frank has become a well known name among school children. Known for her interesting diary, she encompasses every feeling, issue, and problem she faced during her hiding into words. Her words have taught many children how it felt to be hated for your religion. While Anne entire dairy is a higher level, a picture book of her life is much easier to understand and follow.
After reading the picture book of Anne’s life, I learned more now, than I did when I was younger. The picture book is easier to read and understand. Many of the details are left out; however, the important ones are included. Such details like Anne falling in love and how she felt hiding for so long are included. But exactly what Anne said is not. Everything is told in narrative form, which gives the reader a story book feeling. This makes the story good for younger students. Since it is also a biography, it can be used in older classrooms as well.
At the end of the story, the author tells a little about himself. Alder is an insider to the Jewish religion and he expresses that his mother was in Holland just before the war started. However, she was able to escape. Along with Alder, the illustrator filled the pages with bright colors and drawings of family photos throughout the story. Altogether, the story is a good depiction of Jewish Literature.
Anne Frank has become a well known name among school children. Known for her interesting diary, she encompasses every feeling, issue, and problem she faced during her hiding into words. Her words have taught many children how it felt to be hated for your religion. While Anne entire dairy is a higher level, a picture book of her life is much easier to understand and follow.
After reading the picture book of Anne’s life, I learned more now, than I did when I was younger. The picture book is easier to read and understand. Many of the details are left out; however, the important ones are included. Such details like Anne falling in love and how she felt hiding for so long are included. But exactly what Anne said is not. Everything is told in narrative form, which gives the reader a story book feeling. This makes the story good for younger students. Since it is also a biography, it can be used in older classrooms as well.
At the end of the story, the author tells a little about himself. Alder is an insider to the Jewish religion and he expresses that his mother was in Holland just before the war started. However, she was able to escape. Along with Alder, the illustrator filled the pages with bright colors and drawings of family photos throughout the story. Altogether, the story is a good depiction of Jewish Literature.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Hunt is On!
As school comes to an end...I am sad and excieted at the same time. But the hard part has also come. Like in the first half of the class, for the final project we must to a book set. This is where each student reviews a set of books and explain why the chose it and how they will use it. My topic is Jewish American Literature. I started looking for my books a week ago...knowning I would have trouble and did not want to wait until the end. BUT...I did not know how hard it would be.
I chose Jewish Lit because I have always found the religion interesting. I took a Holocaust class when I was in high school and found the topic to be both interesting and terrifying at the same time. I decided that I wanted to ease students into the history of Judaism. After a week of only finding Holocaust related books...I gave up. I was sure that, that was it. So I brought "Night". Which is an amazing book but for the high end of the educational spectrum. I still feel I could use parts of it is not the whole thing. After a few days went by...it was like lighting hit. AMAZON! Not only was I able to find tons of books on their about Jewish literature...they were cheap too!
While for some it may be a set back to have to buy more book on a college students salary...but I figure I will need these books anyways...so why not. At least I know now that there will be some good books in my classroom...even if it is not a lot.
I chose Jewish Lit because I have always found the religion interesting. I took a Holocaust class when I was in high school and found the topic to be both interesting and terrifying at the same time. I decided that I wanted to ease students into the history of Judaism. After a week of only finding Holocaust related books...I gave up. I was sure that, that was it. So I brought "Night". Which is an amazing book but for the high end of the educational spectrum. I still feel I could use parts of it is not the whole thing. After a few days went by...it was like lighting hit. AMAZON! Not only was I able to find tons of books on their about Jewish literature...they were cheap too!
While for some it may be a set back to have to buy more book on a college students salary...but I figure I will need these books anyways...so why not. At least I know now that there will be some good books in my classroom...even if it is not a lot.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Boy Meets Who? Part 1
63 pages in and wow.... I am from a town that is free and friendly...where sexuality is not a dinner topic but no one shames anyone...but I have never read anything like this. Boy Meets Boy is an eye opening book...but I would not think it would be an eye opener for any elementary students...nor middle school. I may not be a full teacher yet but I have been to school for 16 years of my life...and i am not sure how welcomed this book would be. I feel that our community would not except it and in turn shun me for it. Maybe in ten or fifteen years our community will be more open to all people of all races, genders, and sexuality. It just seems a little too progressive for this day and age. I understand that there are same sex couple out who will have children and I could be there teacher, but I also know that while I can this book in the classroom...to promote it to the class might be crossing a line. I do not want to start any classroom division between student or parents and especially with the district or community.
I do not understand how this book fits. It is a great book...I cannot put it down. BUT...I am not sure how my parents or principles will feel if I use it. I feel that it is a book that parents should read first...maybe then they would be more open minded to letting their teacher use it or at least have it in the classroom.
I do not understand how this book fits. It is a great book...I cannot put it down. BUT...I am not sure how my parents or principles will feel if I use it. I feel that it is a book that parents should read first...maybe then they would be more open minded to letting their teacher use it or at least have it in the classroom.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
You are who You are
After reading many different books from around the world by many insider authors I have found one that I love and know I will use. Confessions of a Closet Catholic is an amazing book. It felt it was a rough start and I did not like how Jussy (the main character) describes herself in the first chapter. But after getting through the first chapter it was hard to put the book down. It may only be a children's book but it was still something I think I will read again. Not only did I cry at the end, I felt like I could really relate to Jussy and being the middle child. She saw everything in a different light then everyone else. As the book continued on it was interesting to see how Jussy views everyone and how she believe they view her. While I do not have my own Bubbe or anyone in my family that I am really close to, I could relate to hoe she felt sometimes about being singled out.
I also think it was amazing that this 11 year old girl had the gut to questions her family's views and challenge them. I do not I was ever that strong when I was 11, however it does not surprise me that she can do it and stay with it. From the start Jussy comes of as a brave girl. I can explain it but it is just the way she talks and how the book is written. This might be one of the biggest things I learned from the book. How to take a stand and not back down.
I also learned how to trust. Throughout the book, Bubbe, the grandmother, is always trusting that everything will turn out for the best even through she went through a lot throughout her life. I feel that Jussy begins to trust once Bubbe is gone and has to be able to do it one her own.
Overall, a great book...maybe the best in the class
I also think it was amazing that this 11 year old girl had the gut to questions her family's views and challenge them. I do not I was ever that strong when I was 11, however it does not surprise me that she can do it and stay with it. From the start Jussy comes of as a brave girl. I can explain it but it is just the way she talks and how the book is written. This might be one of the biggest things I learned from the book. How to take a stand and not back down.
I also learned how to trust. Throughout the book, Bubbe, the grandmother, is always trusting that everything will turn out for the best even through she went through a lot throughout her life. I feel that Jussy begins to trust once Bubbe is gone and has to be able to do it one her own.
Overall, a great book...maybe the best in the class
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
my very very PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
I have always wanted to be a teacher. When I was little I used to say I wanted to save the world and when asked how, I would shake my head and say I will be a teacher. However, I come from a family that does not believe in higher education and my dream where constantly bashed and torn apart. My overall mission is to do what I have set out to do and become a teacher. As for this class, purpose is learn more about different literature and figure out which books are good choices and which are not. For those who have read my essays and blog post...you must know by now that my grammar and spelling are nothing to brag about. However, I am working towards a Language Art focus to go along with my minor. Since I hope to be a Language Art teacher one day, knowing how to choice a good text is important. Thus, my reasoning behind taking a children's lit class.
So far I have learned more about literature I do like for crazy reasons but one thing I know I will never forget is look for how a culture is shown in the text. After read many books about different cultures and children in usual situations, I have created a mental list of what I look for in a book that I will keep in my classroom or teach. Since no one is alike, diversity is very important. Just today, the class read a book that I thought was completely out of this world...serious. But after thinking about the book and trying to understand how this book that didn't seem to have anything important in it could be so special? But now I see the whole point of the book is because it is not different it is something students can use for a role model. It is something students can look to for guidance.
diversity and multicultural literature does not stop with books. I believe it is done with teaching and how it is use throughout the classroom. Literature is not just only meant for story time or english hour. Using literature in other subject areas is one of the best ways to both make good use of time and incorrperate diversity throughout the school day. I feel literature needs to be part of everything. A math quote before math or a poem about science to get the students involve is one of the best way to get their attention and keep it. It is not too much work to find a piece of literature from another culture to use in other subject areas. My whole education has involved this thoery in every aspect. I believe it not because it is what I have been taught but because it is what I believe. I have so many stereotype that I grew up with that have hurt my education and made me feel dumb for believing. For example I USED TO believe that all Native Americans fill the story book tale of how they act and dress. However that is far from the truth. And to have been taught that is scary. I would never want to teach that stereotype, although I am afraid that I might teach a stereotype without knowing it. But I still have time to learn and out grow that mind frame.
I am always afraid I will fail. I worry that with everything I have learned I will not be a good teach and potentially destroy a child. Not in a physical way, but in a break down of all beliefs kind of way. My little sister had a teacher who broke her spirit and I can honestly say she has yet to recover. For my little sister, she always felt never good enough for this teach and always felt like the world was against her when she step foot in the classroom. I never want my students to feel this way. This is my biggest challenge. I do not want to intimate any children but I do want them to learn from the stereotypes around them. Another thing I fear is the parents of the child. Parents play the biggest role in what a child learns. If the parents what the child to know and believe something then they have a greater influence then me. And no book or unit can change that.
So far I have learned more about literature I do like for crazy reasons but one thing I know I will never forget is look for how a culture is shown in the text. After read many books about different cultures and children in usual situations, I have created a mental list of what I look for in a book that I will keep in my classroom or teach. Since no one is alike, diversity is very important. Just today, the class read a book that I thought was completely out of this world...serious. But after thinking about the book and trying to understand how this book that didn't seem to have anything important in it could be so special? But now I see the whole point of the book is because it is not different it is something students can use for a role model. It is something students can look to for guidance.
diversity and multicultural literature does not stop with books. I believe it is done with teaching and how it is use throughout the classroom. Literature is not just only meant for story time or english hour. Using literature in other subject areas is one of the best ways to both make good use of time and incorrperate diversity throughout the school day. I feel literature needs to be part of everything. A math quote before math or a poem about science to get the students involve is one of the best way to get their attention and keep it. It is not too much work to find a piece of literature from another culture to use in other subject areas. My whole education has involved this thoery in every aspect. I believe it not because it is what I have been taught but because it is what I believe. I have so many stereotype that I grew up with that have hurt my education and made me feel dumb for believing. For example I USED TO believe that all Native Americans fill the story book tale of how they act and dress. However that is far from the truth. And to have been taught that is scary. I would never want to teach that stereotype, although I am afraid that I might teach a stereotype without knowing it. But I still have time to learn and out grow that mind frame.
I am always afraid I will fail. I worry that with everything I have learned I will not be a good teach and potentially destroy a child. Not in a physical way, but in a break down of all beliefs kind of way. My little sister had a teacher who broke her spirit and I can honestly say she has yet to recover. For my little sister, she always felt never good enough for this teach and always felt like the world was against her when she step foot in the classroom. I never want my students to feel this way. This is my biggest challenge. I do not want to intimate any children but I do want them to learn from the stereotypes around them. Another thing I fear is the parents of the child. Parents play the biggest role in what a child learns. If the parents what the child to know and believe something then they have a greater influence then me. And no book or unit can change that.
Friday, February 22, 2008
books books and more books
Last week in TE, my lit group was assigned an award to research and bring in a few books about it. We got the Pura Beplre Award. I did my research and I looked up my books. However, being the poor college student that I am, I decided to go to the library to get the books. I had two books that the class was reading or had read but I wanted a picture book and a new book. I got to the library around noon and it was packed. I live in a town. We are talking small! So to see so many people in one place was a little scary. After waiting in line to get help to find the books, it was finally my turn. As I explained the project to the librarian, she looked at me with a smile and said, "We dont carry Hispanic books. There isnt a great need in the population for the books." I was dumbfounded. Just because there is a lower hispanic population in my area doesnt mean that people would not want to read them. The library should have more of these book just because there isnt a great population. This is how students learn. Without the books to teach them, children now have to depend on the information for other areas...other bias areas. An insider book about hispanic culture would have a better impact then a cartoon TV show.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Eye Opening
After reading Heart of a Cheif, I found that I was not effected by the book. In all honesty I hated the book. I found it confusing and it jumped around way too much. I wanted the book to have one problem and have the one and only problem solved at the end. However, with everything that was going on it the book, I had to work at keep focused on reading the book.
On the other hand, after attenting class on Wed. the new book Habbi was much better at keeping my attention and focus. But I missed the message completly. I did not realize that the love interest of the main character was Jewish. For a Middle Eastern woman to be interested in someone completely different was a major break through. I was in culture shock from this new concept. I live in an area that is open to most differences, so to see two different cultures coming together was no big deal for me. However, for a young student who has not see this it is a good learning experiance.
On the other hand, after attenting class on Wed. the new book Habbi was much better at keeping my attention and focus. But I missed the message completly. I did not realize that the love interest of the main character was Jewish. For a Middle Eastern woman to be interested in someone completely different was a major break through. I was in culture shock from this new concept. I live in an area that is open to most differences, so to see two different cultures coming together was no big deal for me. However, for a young student who has not see this it is a good learning experiance.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
are you In or are you Out?
The difference between an insider and an oustider is like mixing oil and water. No matter how hard you shake them, sooner or later they seperate again. Over the past few weeks, I have been stuggling with the concept of what an insider and what is an outsider. I have not come to a complete conclusion. What I have figured out is that they are hard to explain. Something completely different, yet related at times. From my point of view, an insider is a person who has insider knowledge on a topic. For example, I have insider knowledge of what it would be a girl or a college student. An outsider is the complete oppsite of an insider. An ousider has little to no knowledge of a topic. These terms come in handy when writing and researching book topics. Researching a topic is where the lines of an insider and an outsider blur. The novel The Heart of a Chief gave the reader a good understanding of what it would be like to be Native American in this generation. However, what could be debated is how realistic and closly connected the topic is to what it really is like. While the author maybe Native American and know about the topic he is writing about, some authors choose to write freely on topics they know nothing about or do not research completely. This makes the material harder to believe and learn from because the facts might not be completely correct. For students, the books they read will be windows in to ideas and places I will not be able to teach them. If they do not know if what they are reading is true or not, then does that help their learning? To learn broken pieces of information is worse then learning nothing at all. Children build off of what they learn each year. Building off of incorrect information leads to major misconceptions later in life. Learning what information is factual and what is not, is the most important part in chosing a book. A book may have the most beautiful cover and words, but if it is filled with lies then what good is it?
Thus, the search for an insider and an outsider defination continues....
Thus, the search for an insider and an outsider defination continues....
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
a little more me
Hey fellow bloggers...
It is time for a little more me on this blog. I am a college student at a big ten university. I am studying to be a teacher with a focus in English. I may be the only English teacher out there with the worst spelling and grammar...but I could be wrong.
This blog was set for my last English course as a way of exploring new technologies. Mostly I would use this as a way to responded to discussions and readings. I am a random person and sometimes I might not make sense at first...but give it time and it will all come together.
One of the important aspects of the class is to understand diverse literature. I have taken the first part of the class two years ago. In the beginning, I thought the underlining meanings of childhood books I adored was more then I could understand. I never looked at any of the books the same way again. This time around I am interested in looking for books that have the WOW effect on me. I understand how to look at books with another view point, but I want books that make the students think. I want to be able to give a students a book that is about another culture and have them understand what it is like for others students. I am interested in this type of material and understand because I never had it as a student. I read about children who were just like me and going through the same things. It was not until high school that I learn about another culture. I do not want my students to have to do this too. I want to start them young with their questioning.
A few questions I would have would be:
Well that's it for now....Thanks for visiting my blog!
*b.
It is time for a little more me on this blog. I am a college student at a big ten university. I am studying to be a teacher with a focus in English. I may be the only English teacher out there with the worst spelling and grammar...but I could be wrong.
This blog was set for my last English course as a way of exploring new technologies. Mostly I would use this as a way to responded to discussions and readings. I am a random person and sometimes I might not make sense at first...but give it time and it will all come together.
One of the important aspects of the class is to understand diverse literature. I have taken the first part of the class two years ago. In the beginning, I thought the underlining meanings of childhood books I adored was more then I could understand. I never looked at any of the books the same way again. This time around I am interested in looking for books that have the WOW effect on me. I understand how to look at books with another view point, but I want books that make the students think. I want to be able to give a students a book that is about another culture and have them understand what it is like for others students. I am interested in this type of material and understand because I never had it as a student. I read about children who were just like me and going through the same things. It was not until high school that I learn about another culture. I do not want my students to have to do this too. I want to start them young with their questioning.
A few questions I would have would be:
- How do I know what a good book would be for my classroom?
- Should I take a risk and bring in a book I know will cause trouble but is still good?
- What do I do if none of the students want to read about other cultures?
- How do I get them involved?
Well that's it for now....Thanks for visiting my blog!
*b.
Friday, January 18, 2008
ONE of many
YAY! I made my first real blog. Other social sites have blogging on it. But this, my friends, is my first REAL blog. The hardest thing...picking a backgroud. Well now that creating my blog is done...I guess I should move on to the rest of my very long list of homework...two weeks down...13 more to go until graduation
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