WebLog 7

The article Education in a Multicultural Society: Our Future’s Greatest Challenge by Lisa Delpit was a very interesting and useful article for a future educator. As I read the article, I took note of things that I found interesting.
While reading the article, I never realized that African American children are more likely to obey the first directive and ignore the second implied directive. This recognition of the importance of teacher intent is crucial in order for teachers to be effective. Also, I never realized that African American boys start interactions with peers in the classroom in performing assigned tasks, so it is important for a teacher to allow for greater movement and interaction in the classroom. I found it interesting that differences in cultural language patterns make inappropriate assessments ordinary, such as the fact that often Latino girls have difficulty speaking out in a gender-mixed setting, and the prohibition against speaking for someone else in Native American communities.
I also found the stereotyping section of the article to be interesting, such as the stereotype that African American girls are excellent nurturers, and the “nonverbal Indian child.”
I can use one part of this article in my annotated bibliography because it involves a critique of the book White Teacher. Delpit disagrees with the statement that Vivian Paley makes, “I don’t see color, I only see children.” Delpit suggests that if one does not see color, then one does not really see children. She states that children made invisible find it hard to see themselves worthy of notice.

WebLog 6

Crossing Over To Canaan- Chapters 3-5
I believe that when a teacher is trying to ensure that all of students are learning, it is important to relate the curriculum to real life. The book includes some great examples, such as the recycling unit and the AIDS unit. When I am teacher, I hope to tie my curriculum to real life in order to engage and motivate all of my students.
Cultural competence includes the ability of students to grow in understanding of their own cultures. In the book, it mentions that students of color are often alienated if they are academically successful. As a result, many of them struggle to be “cool,” not smart. In the first grade classroom that I am currently observing, the teacher pointed out a few students of color and said that those children are already trying to be “cool” by rejecting their academics. I was surprised that children are trying to be “cool” at such a young age.
In order for cultural competence to occur in classrooms, it is important for teachers to understand culture and its role in education. I believe it is important for teachers to recognize their own cultural perspectives and biases, and I am hoping that this class (ED 350) will help me to do so.
The third part of culturally relevant teaching is sociopolitical consciousness. I think that it is important for teachers to know about the social and political issues in which they live. Also, I believe it is important for teachers to plan and have experiences that connect students to the larger social context. During my grade school and high school years, I didn’t have many academic experiences that connected me to the larger social context. When I am a teacher, I want to be able to give my students this opportunity because it is very important.