Sticks and stones may break my bones, but stereotypes can kill me. There is some truth to this statement, but I'm hoping that stereotyping is on its way out. Personally, I could have been stereotyped growing up. I came from a poor family in a small community. My dad had a 5th grade education, but my mom was a high school graduate. My way older (15 and 13 years older) siblings did not like school, but my younger sister and I excelled. Looking back, I think people might have felt sorry for my younger sister and me because we didn't have the cool things and didn't get to go anywhere. We gained self-confidence through church, singing, reading, and cheerleading. Most people would have predicted or stereotyped us as girls that would marry a hometown boy and remain in the community.We broke the stereotype by going off to college.
I feel a teacher is a coach and vice versa.
The more times you touch a student with a smile, kind look, conversation, or any other form of communication you connect with that student. An administrator must take the time to connect if you want your students to achieve.
I appreciate you honest reflection on your upbringing. I also look back at mine with similarities. We overcame our circumstances and accomplished much. This helps us to see through the misconceptions and prejudices in our students. We know they can achieve if they believe and are willing. A message we should all keep preaching to all our students.
ReplyDeleteI too, grew up in a small, rural community but my family's expectation was a college education in a field that I could support my family. Many of my classmates married their high school sweethearts and are still happily married today. I can remember my parents wondering if my friends who were marrying early, were "in the family way" or having a "shotgun wedding". Some were expecting and some weren't. Now, young people don't feel the pressure to marry if she is expecting-most are excited with no thought for the responsibility ahead of them.
ReplyDeleteA stereotype from the past.
Chapter 4-6
ReplyDeleteChapter 4
How can you encourage students to “change” their associations?
Associations are built up from desires, life events, and values. They are learned over a period of
time. The first step is to recognize that a change is needed and you want to change. Take a real interest and try to relate, understand, connect, share and communicate with students.
How do we help students change their values and self-worth?
“If you criticize your child as being lazy, your child will believe not only that he is lazy, but that his failures come from permanent and unchangeable influence
Students need clear-cut values and goals to measure success against; they need opportunities to explore and master new tasks; they need the ability to overcome failure and disappointment. And they need all of this in the context of healthy friendship to supportive caregivers who are concerned enough to set clear limits and boundaries that define acceptable behavior.
Chapter 5
Give a brief example of how coaching and teaching can be related and used to help students?
Coaching and teaching improve students’ self-esteem, and develop their self-actualization. Both provide structure and guidance and they are presented with collaborative skills that will help them when they become adults. They both focus on teaching, learning, and ways to improve student outcomes.
Who was your “advocate” and how have they affected you?
My son, Jason Smoots, is my supporter, backer, cheerleader, and friend. He constantly reminds me to remember my purpose for being here. We talk almost every day and the first thing I hear is always: “What’s going on ma? How did your day go?” When I want to throw in the towel I can hear his voice saying, “‘Nah, you don't want to do that because it's not about you it is about the kids. You are there for a reason because God put you there and he will decide when it's time for you to give it up. Remember burdens come along with blessings.”
Chapter 6
What are some ways educators/admins can insure students are connected to you at school?
As an educator and administrator I have learned to observe the whole child. I listen to the voice of concern, angry, pain, and happiness. I notices the presentation of hurt, shame, humility, and troubled. Open the door and walk in with greeting of love, compassion, respect, and create an appetite of enthusiasm for learning. Demonstrate, explain and put in place role models, provide the best education and resources within reach. I assure you, you will touch some hearts. I have witnessed it with the programs at the alternative school.
What does “more is caught rather than taught mean to you?
More is caught than taught. Think about the way you treat yourself and the way you live. Hearing the phrase served as a reminder of the kind of person I want to be. I want to lead by example. My parents discussed right and wrong with me and I’m a decent person because they led by example. They were good people and did the right thing. I caught a whole lot more from watching them live. This phrase really has me focusing on living my life in hopes that students will “catch” it.
The statement about burdens come along with blessings really stood out to me. In life, we have our fair share of burdens. However, I am learning to respond in a different manner. For example, I now look at obstacles/burdens as an opportunity to recreate another outcome in my life. I enjoyed reading your responses.
DeleteThanks! Just think about it, you buy a bigger house the more you have to clean. LOL!
DeleteYes.. you must look at the individual child... it may be difficult... wish I could go back and raise my kids.. I would do a better job looking at their individual needs... I do so in the differences of my grandkids... all students are the same way... must find a way to "try" and teach to their individual differences...
DeleteHow can you encourage students to "change" their associations?
ReplyDeleteWe must teach our students to foresee consequences of their actions. Learn to consider how your choices affect your future. I tell my own boys...take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves. The life of Tupac did not occur overnight. He chose his pathway by making one bad decision after another. We have more influence that what we sometimes realize as educators. Our students need us to guide them not only academically but socially as well. We see things that parents do not...who they hang out with...how they act when parents are not around. The extend of our influence is far reaching and we have to be willing to wear many hats.