Previous thoughts about care...
Before reading the article I though of care as youth workers and educators caring for their students. Caring about their well being and listening to them. Previously, the word "care" immediately made me think of helping the youth within my youth work. I did not really think too far into this word until after reading the article.
After reading the article...
While the article does include the things I had mentioned, it also dug a lot deeper into explaining the meaning of "care" within education and youth work. Care is about listening to the students and valuing their opinion/concerns. It also includes helping the youth and making sure they feel accepted. The one thing I did not think enough about was the fact that care is also shown through including material that students can relate to that have to do with their languages and cultures. One quote really stood out to me and explained this aspect of care perfectly...
"School is a foreign land to most kids, but the more distant a child's culture and language are from the culture and language of the school, the more at risk that child is" -Mary Gintey
This is very true for many students. I cannot speak for everyone but in my experience, I always connected more and felt more accepted when I could relate to things around me whether it be in the classroom or at a friends house. While I agree with this quote, I do not agree with the word choice "at risk" as I had mentioned in a previous blog.
Care is also about questioning policies in our schools that affect our students of color. These policies can sometimes harm our students and by stepping up and stating changes you believe are necessary for the well being of your students is care. Students notice when policies are unfair and none of their mentors are taking notice to it. Through taking action and reforming these policies we can show that we care for our students on a larger scale and not just inside the classroom.
Another quote that stood out for me while reading...
...""ethic of care" means a combination of respect, admiration, and rigorous standards".
I could not think of better words to describe the "ethic of care". I think they really sum up the aspects of care and demonstrate what is takes to show care for our students inside and outside of the classroom.
After reading and reflecting, I decided to look more into culturally responsive classrooms and I found this great youtube video I wanted to share...
love love your post and the video I watched the video and it was great!! I agree culture in the space is important in order to get to know the student. I loved when she mentioned the technology, using GIFS and emojies these are great examples as well that are part of culture.
ReplyDeleteI really like the first quote you chose. When I was reading, I came across that quote and it made me feel sad because I never thought about education this way. I agree that school is foreign to everyone and it is something that you just get used to over time, but I never really thought about how much harder it is for those who come from a different culture or speak a different language at home. I think that schools definitely need to work harder to ensure equality in the classroom for all students, regardless of their culture or language.
ReplyDeleteHi Christa I really loved your post I like that you put your thoughts prior to the reading in your blog and I also really liked that you put in your own video and quotes that you have used.
ReplyDeleteHi Christa! I love this post! I could not agree more. It is so important to not separate the student from their culture when in school but instead use their strengths to help them grow even more. I loved your use of quotes and the video you incorporated !
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