After reading through my peers' blogs, one that really stood out to me was blog entry number 4 by Amanda Fox. Amanda Fox FA22 601 Literacy Blog (amandafoxfa22litblog.blogspot.com) Her entry really resonated with me that week because she talks about how it is important as an educator to focus on what the students can do and not what they are unable to do. I found this idea important because the students I work with need opportunity and resources in order to be successful, and most of the time I need to meet them where they are at. I do focus on their level of need or goals in each area (Math, reading, writing); however, I do not try to get them to do something that they have been struggling with. This is true not only in academics, but in behavior management as well. When a student is having a hard time, sometimes I have to address them from where they are at. For example, they might be laying on the floor out in the hallway. I might then decide to bring an activity out in the hall and have them work out there until they are ready to come back to the classroom or are back at baseline.
Another thought that Amanda focused on in her entry was the idea of eliminating stressors for our students and focusing on trauma-informed care. This was also very important to me given the population of students I work with. Amanda brought up the importance of eliminating stressors for our students and trying to rewire their brains so that they can be successful. I found this idea crucial for students who have experienced trauma, and how it has an effect on their learning. Amanda mentioned how letting go of our biases, being trauma-informed, and culturally responsive can help our students learn to their full capacity. I connected with this comment because in my current position, the biggest tool I have in my toolbox is the relationships I build with my students. This also goes along with knowing your students well. I believe that these tools can help teachers overcome many obstacles they may experience with their students. I think Amanda's comment about being informed and letting go of biases can help to create meaningful relationships, experiences, and teaching opportunities for the students.
Amanda's entry touched on what I think are the most important attributes of being a teacher are. Knowing your students and their needs, building relationships, and letting go of all biases and being culturally responsive. I think her entry was well written because she mentioned some of the most important ways teachers can help their students to be successful.
Amanda, you did a great job of identifying the key insights Amanda F offered and why you agreed with them. I couldn't help but wonder if revisiting these ideas from week #4 helped you to also gain deeper insights or to ask yourself new questions about how exactly you might change or enhance your own practices?
ReplyDelete