By: Maureen Costello
November, 10, 2016
Teaching Tolerance
Link: http://www.tolerance.org/blog/what-say-kids-november-10-and-days-after
Key Points: As
a result of this “ugly and damaging” election, it is important that educators
create school environments that are safe and free of fear for students. In addition to safety, students need to be told
the truth from their parents and teachers that there is still work to do. The article breaks down some essential points
to acknowledge in regards to the election and moving forward. Some of these points include: the country is
divided, students need to see other people’s realities, and students should
turn to historians’ explanations when teachers are unable to answer questions. Also, the voting process needs to be
considered by looking at participation, voter awareness, and other barriers that
someone may face in being able to vote.
Daily citizenship is critical, protecting minority rights, individual
rights, understanding majority rule, and educating minorities.
Audience: Educators,
parents, and community members
Relevance: Educators
can model being hopeful of the future to their students. Students should be able to stand up for what
they believe in, ask questions, and express their thoughts and feelings. Also, they can be provided with opportunities
to engage in their community by serving and volunteering. This work will be important to the learning. Students should be encouraged to identify
ways that they can take part in their communities.
Amy, I like the point about making the environment safe for our students. We need to do our best to make our schools a safe place where students can come without fear. There will always be some amount of “fear” for our students, in regards to small things like peer attention and if they completed their homework. However, they should not be in fear of their physical and mental well-being. They should not need to worry about the language they speak or the color of their skin, when they enter our doors. This means there needs to be a concerted effort by everyone to create a welcoming and open environment. I also like the point about listening to others stories and understanding their realities are true for them in their lives. We need to teach our students that everyone comes from a different place, with different experience which form who we are as a person.
ReplyDeleteAmy,
ReplyDeleteThis election really shook the foundation of not only education, but our society as a whole. I attended a Staff development seminar about inclusion and it quickly turned to a discussion about our feelings as educators. As educators, we need to be advocates for our students and their rights and encourage a culture of respect within our classrooms and communities. I like that the article brought up the actual voting process. I have been asked by several students why the popular vote doesnt determine the president-elect. Discussing the process of the electoral college inspired a deep conversation on whether our system needs a reexamination. Great article choice and I think we should all do our best as educators to create an atmosphere of inclusion and respect.
Great post Amy,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to make it safe in classrooms and known that it is a process and involves a lot of other parts of the government to make things happen. I think we need to ensure students of the loyalty and devotion we have to them as their teachers. Yes we may be their educators, but we are another person in their lives that cares about them and wants them to be the best citizens they can be. I think through conversation, and respectful classrooms, our students can feel a bit better in their educational areas that we, as their teachers, are going to work together to still ensure they can get the best education possible.
I have a hard time saying how I feel to students, but that should be every educators dilemma. The fact is we as educators need to put our own thoughts aside to allow students to make unbiased ideas and thoughts of their own. We can foster the idea of free thought and an environment that is open to anyone's self expression.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, all too often, it can be easier to say, "We're just not talking about this". I see that as more commonplace than it should be at the elementary level. It is important in times like these, to prepare ourselves with the necessary tools as educators to facilitate difficult conversations with our students, not avoid them.
ReplyDeleteI agree with how Andrew responded to this article. He was correct when he said we as educators need to put our personal feelings to the side. We have to understand that for every Clinton supporter there is another student that supports Trump. We are not here to sway the opinions of our students but rather educate them best we can on issues allowing the background information to develop their own opinions and beliefs on various issues. I appreciate how this article stresses the importance of teachers maintaining a safe learning environment for all our students. We cannot control what happens to our students outside of the school’s walls, but we sure can have a strong impact on what takes place inside the school’s walls. I believe it is safe to say we have entered a time of uncertainty and what we have to keep in mind is the safety and mindset of our students. I also believe this election provided a great opportunity for us to teach our students how to communicate their beliefs in a respectable manner. I have found this beneficial in our classroom. All students have an opinion and the election results provided great teachable moments showing students they do not need to agree with everyone but we do need to respect that everyone is different may have different opinions.
ReplyDelete