Upon reading Meier’s article “Why Can’t She Remember That?” I was surprised to discover that
children are a lot smarter than we give them credit for. It can even be argued
that, even at such a young age, they are smart enough to know how to manipulate
themselves into and out of different situations. For example, Meier tells us
the story about little Marisa, who changed the tone of her voice to get out of
trouble, or Lindsey, who quoted from a story her mother read to her in order to
get what she wanted. I think adults often underestimate how intellectual
children can be as children try to navigate their way through the world. While
they do go to school to learn or have parents to teach them, children are
attempting to understand their environment in a way different from adults. I can't help but wonder how we, as adults, can help children understand it a little better, if its even possible.
Meier draws on language for her
argument about children having different linguistic understandings based on
different cultural experiences. Similar to other articles we have read, this
article is teaching readers how they can engage all children, regardless of
their background. One idea is to choose books that relate to the children’s
lives. This same rule is very similar to an art education class I previously
took in which I learned that its easier to reach children and get them involved
in art if the teacher understands their background, where they come from and
allow their environment to influence their art in some way, shape or form. Diversity
Digest gives another article to help educators understand how they can engage
multicultural classrooms, as well as Penn State, (http://www.diversityweb.org/digest/f97/curriculum.html)
(http://www.personal.psu.edu/scs15/idweb/multicultural.htm).
I agree with you about your last paragraph. If teachers can engage with their students' culture and backgrounds, it is easier to connect with them and make them feel like they are involved.
ReplyDeleteDo you feel as though the children would be more willing to learn and perhaps understand more if the readings related to their lives?
ReplyDeleteI feel like art is a great way for every child to express themselves and for teachers to learn from them. While growing up and not acing all my classes, art was the only class I got a A in, because it help us express ourselves and I was good at it as a "ESL" student.
ReplyDeleteIt is extremely important that teachers focus on engaging their children during class. They need to be able to make new and exciting lessons to get their students interested in whatever they're doing in class, not just reading. Interaction is the best teaching method, especially for younger children.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your whole blog! I was surprised that these children were so smart and had the ability to get out of tough situations at such a young age! I also believe that if you incorporate their cultural backgrounds in lessons and readings they will become more engaged in class.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. Children are so much smarter than we give them credit for. They realize things and say things that go completely over our heads.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Maria. The best way to teach a child something is to also be open to their own knowledge, environment and background as well. Understanding the stories the children read or in our case the art that they make can be considered as ways of understanding the background of those children
ReplyDelete