Reflections of Case Studies and Wordle
Personally, I don't like the wordle for this type of assignment. The words that are chosen are mostly meaningless, save a few (such as the larger ones including "students", "teacher", "culture", etc.). I think we would be better off choosing our own words to create the wordle based off of words we put in our reflections and maybe even a few extra. It picks up on words you use often in your text and makes those larger, which isn't completely foolproof for assignment such as this.
Introduction: Samantha’s story is really very touching. I think,
as a future educator, personal circumstances such as Samantha’s will arise and
it is my job to meet her needs. As the text says, it is completely out of her
control and she should not be penalized. She is obviously a gifted student and,
at her age, I believe in “extra credit” work in class to allow her to make up
points so that her grade may reflect her capabilities and love for the subject.
Even helping out her peers in a manner that may be deemed beneficial to them is
enough for me to see she cares and truly comprehends the material. I see no
reason why students with special circumstances should not be given the
opportunity to succeed as much as possible. It is far from our goal as educators
to hold them back in life, especially for something that they cannot control.
Chocolate Bar Fundraiser: Our class’s discussion on this was very interesting and I think many viewpoints can be seen. It can be tricky when a school has such a split level of socioeconomic status because those who can afford more for their children will likely want to give their children more. The fundraiser scenario is not uncommon; Trapnell is still selling candy bars for a fundraiser and it is safe to say that some students have more money in their families than others. However, it is a healthy competition and no one is forced to participate, although it is encouraged and those who do seem to enjoy the experience. I feel that as long as there is no pressure from the parents, there is nothing wrong with allowing students from all walks to participate.
Multicultural Day Parade: This one is definitely putting me between a rock and a hard place. It is arrogant to say that the “white culture” should be featured in the multicultural day because, technically, no one is really just “white”. I, for one, have very pale skin but I am not just an American by blood. This is the oldest argument in the book that is continually becoming more contemporary because even though I am predominantly French, I have no actual ties to the country or know anything about my “heritage”. My parents and I grew up in America, living the namely “white culture”. This has the ability to be viewed many ways, but I still absolutely think students should be proud of from where they come. On that same note, a soccer uniform does not represent American culture, because soccer is a universal sport and is not even considered American by nature (that would be football). Conversely, soccer may mean a lot to Emily and her family, so she may relate it to her own culture. Keisha may feel the same way about her sweatshirt and jeans. However, the teacher is not incorrect saying that it will confuse people. Although Keisha is African-American, she may also have no ties to Africa and may be a true American living that culture. That means she does not have to wear African clothing in the parade to represent what she knows and loves. Unfortunately it also means that she gets left out because she did not bring in something patriotic or “American” to represent. This issue is something the school should definitely resolve for the next year’s parade because the last thing we want is for students to feel like they cannot show off their culture in their own way, simply because they are American and do not have traditional garb from their countries of origin.
Boys Versus Girls Trivia Contest: I do not think I would go as far as to call this sexism. Especially at a younger age, most students find it thrilling to be paired against their gender’s counterpart. I used to get excited when my teacher would set up activities that were “boys versus girls”. Realistically, there are some areas where this would not be appropriate, such as an activity that requires brute strength or what have you. Equality is always our aim. In addition, we of course must be aware that not all students classify themselves as “male” or “female” and it is our job to make them feel comfortable and free to label (or not label) themselves as they choose.
A “Surprise” Fire Drill: This case makes me a little uneasy because I have a warm heart that wants to love and coddle those who need it, and a student with autism whose day can be easily ruined by something traumatic like a loud fire alarm is on my list of children for whom I want to especially care. This, of course, is a vice in itself because coddling children does not allow them to grow on their own and conditioning an autistic child to respond in a less frantic way to a fire alarm is for his own good. I would give the child a warning the first time, letting him know that it will be happening, and that he should prepare. That way, if/when it happens unannounced, he will remember what the sound means and that he should not be alarmed. This is not fool-proof, but I find it much better than removing him from the situation entirely so that when the alarm goes off unexpectedly, he is not left in panic.
Two Moms: I completely agree with the teacher who decided to read the book about two moms for her class. Family diversity is a huge reality and it is better for students to learn it earlier so they are accepting. I do think she should have sent a letter home, however, to alleviate the issue that arose because of her book. People can be judgmental and closed-minded, but I would rather spend my time making sure the diverse child in my class feels welcome than worry about homophobic parents.
Student Translator: I do not think that I would use one child as a translator in a conversation about another child with their mother. Impromptu meetings are okay, but a professional translator is much more appropriate. Considering the younger sister knows her own mother well, this was not too taboo. However, speaking about using that child for other non-English speaking parents is highly unprofessional and not something a teacher should do multiple times. Allow for planning time to meet with the parent and a professional translator.
The Winter Party: Religion can be a huge controversy, especially in school. I think that the situation can always be worked out with compromise and open discussion, but that requires everyone to give a little, which can be extremely difficult. Adjusting certain regulations that have been enacted can upset those who are keen on tradition, but I believe we should embrace change. The holidays are a special time of year and I think a winter party is a great idea, but I am big on inclusion and would let all cultures that celebrate winter holidays to feel included.
Chocolate Bar Fundraiser: Our class’s discussion on this was very interesting and I think many viewpoints can be seen. It can be tricky when a school has such a split level of socioeconomic status because those who can afford more for their children will likely want to give their children more. The fundraiser scenario is not uncommon; Trapnell is still selling candy bars for a fundraiser and it is safe to say that some students have more money in their families than others. However, it is a healthy competition and no one is forced to participate, although it is encouraged and those who do seem to enjoy the experience. I feel that as long as there is no pressure from the parents, there is nothing wrong with allowing students from all walks to participate.
Multicultural Day Parade: This one is definitely putting me between a rock and a hard place. It is arrogant to say that the “white culture” should be featured in the multicultural day because, technically, no one is really just “white”. I, for one, have very pale skin but I am not just an American by blood. This is the oldest argument in the book that is continually becoming more contemporary because even though I am predominantly French, I have no actual ties to the country or know anything about my “heritage”. My parents and I grew up in America, living the namely “white culture”. This has the ability to be viewed many ways, but I still absolutely think students should be proud of from where they come. On that same note, a soccer uniform does not represent American culture, because soccer is a universal sport and is not even considered American by nature (that would be football). Conversely, soccer may mean a lot to Emily and her family, so she may relate it to her own culture. Keisha may feel the same way about her sweatshirt and jeans. However, the teacher is not incorrect saying that it will confuse people. Although Keisha is African-American, she may also have no ties to Africa and may be a true American living that culture. That means she does not have to wear African clothing in the parade to represent what she knows and loves. Unfortunately it also means that she gets left out because she did not bring in something patriotic or “American” to represent. This issue is something the school should definitely resolve for the next year’s parade because the last thing we want is for students to feel like they cannot show off their culture in their own way, simply because they are American and do not have traditional garb from their countries of origin.
Boys Versus Girls Trivia Contest: I do not think I would go as far as to call this sexism. Especially at a younger age, most students find it thrilling to be paired against their gender’s counterpart. I used to get excited when my teacher would set up activities that were “boys versus girls”. Realistically, there are some areas where this would not be appropriate, such as an activity that requires brute strength or what have you. Equality is always our aim. In addition, we of course must be aware that not all students classify themselves as “male” or “female” and it is our job to make them feel comfortable and free to label (or not label) themselves as they choose.
A “Surprise” Fire Drill: This case makes me a little uneasy because I have a warm heart that wants to love and coddle those who need it, and a student with autism whose day can be easily ruined by something traumatic like a loud fire alarm is on my list of children for whom I want to especially care. This, of course, is a vice in itself because coddling children does not allow them to grow on their own and conditioning an autistic child to respond in a less frantic way to a fire alarm is for his own good. I would give the child a warning the first time, letting him know that it will be happening, and that he should prepare. That way, if/when it happens unannounced, he will remember what the sound means and that he should not be alarmed. This is not fool-proof, but I find it much better than removing him from the situation entirely so that when the alarm goes off unexpectedly, he is not left in panic.
Two Moms: I completely agree with the teacher who decided to read the book about two moms for her class. Family diversity is a huge reality and it is better for students to learn it earlier so they are accepting. I do think she should have sent a letter home, however, to alleviate the issue that arose because of her book. People can be judgmental and closed-minded, but I would rather spend my time making sure the diverse child in my class feels welcome than worry about homophobic parents.
Student Translator: I do not think that I would use one child as a translator in a conversation about another child with their mother. Impromptu meetings are okay, but a professional translator is much more appropriate. Considering the younger sister knows her own mother well, this was not too taboo. However, speaking about using that child for other non-English speaking parents is highly unprofessional and not something a teacher should do multiple times. Allow for planning time to meet with the parent and a professional translator.
The Winter Party: Religion can be a huge controversy, especially in school. I think that the situation can always be worked out with compromise and open discussion, but that requires everyone to give a little, which can be extremely difficult. Adjusting certain regulations that have been enacted can upset those who are keen on tradition, but I believe we should embrace change. The holidays are a special time of year and I think a winter party is a great idea, but I am big on inclusion and would let all cultures that celebrate winter holidays to feel included.