Comments on: Culturally Responsive Teaching

By: ctyson1

ctyson1 — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:39:35 +0000

Wow! Thank you, Jon and Corey, for your comments!

By: coreyrieke

coreyrieke — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 03:32:26 +0000

“Woven into the tapestry of who they are.” I love that Charlotte! When I think of a woven tapestry, I think of something that is extremely intricate and detailed. Regardless of where we come from, we are all intricate and detailed. We come to the table with a lot of different experiences that are equally valuable and important. Recognizing and acknowledging those differences may be strange and a bit uncomfortable at times, but we have to do it in order to truly understand the culture of another.

By: jonschoening

jonschoening — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 01:28:55 +0000

Colorblindness is a myth. If you are colorblind, then make the assumption that culture has little value. We, as educators, must continue to push ourselves to learn more about other cultures and find ways to be, as you so eloquently put it, validating. The validation of ones culture is empowering and is an integral part of ones identity. Great post.

By: ctyson1

ctyson1 — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 21:26:10 +0000

Thank you, Christy!

By: christycasey

christycasey — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:09:18 +0000

I really like your last comment about freedom. I too have been one of those teachers in the past who didn’t recognize cultural differences in my classroom because of fear that I would accused of being disrespectful to the students and their families in the classroom. I tip-toed around the subject and was very cautious as to how I said things and worded conversations within my classroom. I was afraid of pointing out the little differences between students of differing cultural backgrounds. I have realized through my readings and the discussions we have in this class that it IS important to recognize cultural differences within the classroom. By doing this, your classroom will become a community of learners who appreciate one another and know that you appreciate and respect them as well. Much learning can take place in a classroom where everyone feels safe and appreciated.