week 8

It always amazes me that in our country where we are so advanced in so many ways, that there still is such a level of racism that permeates throughout.  My level of awareness has expanded since the start of this course.  The one issue that really stokes my professional passion is the disparity of funding and education that still exists in our country.  Racism and prejudice are running rampart in our cities.  Many people don't realize that they have lived a life of privilege.  They believe that because they don't have the latest iPod or many luxuries that their lives are deficit.  Until reviewing the resources in this course my perspective on privilege was limited as well.  People's perspective are embedded in their own parameters.   I now realize that my life has been one of privilege.   I would like to learn more about the effects of the ism's that resonate through our country, the effects and the consequences on the individuals they affect.  I would like to take all of this researched information and implement processes to counteract the negative consequences and effects that many people are experiencing.  When I finish this program and obtain my masters I would like to open a world school Pre K - 3 in North Philadelphia.  My goal is to be able to access grants, private and federal funding in order to develop a non-bias program that would cater to needs of each individual student.   

Thank you all for taking the time to read my thoughts.  I wish everyone a happy holiday season and look forward to working with many of you again.  

week 7

I am a kindergarten teacher with a new student arriving next week from France.  I do not speak a word of French but want the student and his family to feel welcome. 
The first thing I would do is welcome his family to the school and ensure that there is an interpreter to ease communication .  During this initial meeting I would have the interpreter gather all pertinent information on the student and the family.  I would invite the parents to come as guests to the classroom and make sure that they understand all of the accomodations that have been put into to place for their child.  The student would be working with an ESOL teacher and preparations would be made to send a copy of all work home.  This will help to instill a sense of collaboration between school and home.  It will also set the tone of "family learning".  When an individual feels important and senses he belongs it helps to solidify overall development.  This not only benefits the child, their families but the overall climate of the classroom. 

week 6

There are many memories that I have in which I have experienced prejudice.  Growing up Jewish in a predominately non Jewish neighborhood was not an easy feat.  I was the only one in my class that didn't celebrate Christmas.  I remember at the holiday chorus concerts in elementary school there were never any Chanukah songs.  One year I decided that I was going to confront the music teacher and ask her if I could sing the dreidal song.  To my surprise I was told no, that no one would know that song.  I remember feeling so alone and so sad.   Instead of embracing my moment of declaration, I was insulted and made to feel that there was something wrong with my families beliefs.  The only way that this situation could of been turned into a great opportunity was to allow me to sing the dreidal song.  This could of opened the channels of communication and in turn educate and incorporate diversified perspectives.