As I wrap up this Social Justice Project, I spent some time reflecting on this experience by looking back at all my posts this past month. My biggest take away was how I felt so connected to what is going on in the world. I found myself reading or watching TV and just thinking instantly about how it related to current social justice issues. I felt that this project was similar to some of the journaling I do. I enjoyed having a place to collect all my ideas and share them. I have found myself thinking about Social Justice a lot in my lesson planning. My goal as an educator this year is to incorporate more multi-cultural art to expose my students to diversity in the art room. I believe diversity should be celebrated and Art is a great place to learn about other cultures and their traditions.
Friday, October 21, 2016
WATCH
"This is Us"
A new series on NBC directed by Dan Fogelman starring Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia, and Sterling K. Brown. This weeks episode touched a lot on what we have been talking about in class. I recorded this scene in particular because it reminded me of the White Privilege video we watched in class about the Sister in Law at the grocery store. I think its rare to see a depiction like this on network TV. It is usually only in comedies, and this show brings real situations that are being dealt with today to life. This class made me aware of my White privilege and has caused me look at life situations differently. I will use my white privilege to help benefit others if possible.
CONNECT
FOLLOWING FACEBOOK GROUP: UPWORTHY
9/22- Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Meet Stacey- Who lost her leg function from Lupus
She is hiking the 2,000 mile trail alone using her core and her hips to allow for walk-able movements with her custom made leg braces. She says she never feels alone because all the hikers treat her just like anybody else. She did not want to waste her life in a wheel chair or a hospital bed, she wants to spend it outdoors enjoying every minute she can.
Stacey's story really resonated with me. She is proof that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to, no excuses. I think it also teaches others to be thankful for their health and their ability to do everyday things. Stacey had to work hard to get to the point she is today, she didnt let Lupus get in her way, and I believe that is a lesson we all can learn and appreciate.
9/26- This School Replaced Detention with Meditation: Results are Stunning
At Robert M. Colemen Elementary they are using a holistic approach to help students who are disruptive in class. They offer Meditation in place of suspension from class or detention. They go to the "Mindful Moment Room" to cool down and refocus. They are encouraged to sit in the room and focus on breathing techniques to help them re-center. After having a mindful moment to regroup they are asked to talk through what happened. They also practice Yoga and other Relaxation exercises daily. The results have been great for the kids at school. They take home these exercises and learn to deal with lifes problems in a positive way. There have been zero suspensions since implementing this program, attendance has increased and it has been a great thing for the school.
I was really intrigued when I read this article. I know that this has become a hot topic in education and that some school districts in Wisconsin have implemented similar programs. I think it would be a great thing to try at our school and I could see how it could pair easily with PBIS. I think kids need to learn what their triggers are and how to remain calm. I have had ideas for writing a grant to create a meditation garden outside of my art room. This would be a great place for kids to work on art, or to just take a moment to calm down. I am the only one with access to this space and think it could be a great resource for art.
http://www.upworthy.com/this-school-replaced-detention-with-meditation-the-results-are-stunning?c=ufb1
10/5 These two show that love has no borders or boundaries, no matter what.
A modern Romeo and Juliet story: This is about two people, a man from Palestine and a woman from Jerusalem who met through work online, and stayed connected. Differences in their ID cards and a wall separating the two countries keeps them from seeing and living together. They will be married this coming summer and the woman will have to give up her Jerusalem ID card in order to be with her Husband. This story touched me but made me sad to think that there are places in our world that still are divided by cultures, religion, race, and differences.. I'm an idealist, I look for the positives in everything, I wish the countries could unite. Respect each religion and culture but live as 1 country. It is a great story to see two people rise above it all.
https://socialfeed.info/these-two-show-that-love-knows-no-borders-or-boundaries-no-matter-what-via-zoomintv-usa-5716857
10/9 Ben and Jerrys explain systematic Racisim in a mic-dropping statement.
“Black lives matter ... because the injustices they face steal from all of us — white people and people of color alike. They steal our very humanity."
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield make it clear that a "Better place for everyone" includes people of color. On their twitter page they posted a "Black Lives Matter" image and stated that "choosing to be silent in the face of such injustice is not an option". A few comments from the article that really stood out to me:
"They matter because they are children, brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. They matter because the injustices they face steal from all of us — white people and people of color alike. They steal our very humanity.”
“Whether Black, brown, white, or blue — our nation and our very way of life is dependent on the principle of all people being served equal justice under the law. And it’s clear, the effects of the criminal justice system are not color blind.”
Ben and Jerrys has been a long time supporter/promoter of social injustice. Instead of cowering, they are giving those who cant be heard a platform of support to help make positive change. I enjoy that they are fearless and are not afraid of protest or discrimination against their company. This helps make other companies, celebrities, politicians, businesses become upstanders and not bystanders. They are successful and are spreading a positive message. We are all humans and we should treat each other all the same way.
http://www.upworthy.com/ben-jerrys-just-explained-systemic-racism-in-a-mic-dropping-statement?c=ufb1
10/13 A Short Comic gives the simplest, most perfect explanation of priveledge
http://www.upworthy.com/a-short-comic-gives-the-simplest-most-perfect-explanation-of-privilege-ive-ever-seen?c=ufb5
I loved this visual because we have read a lot about "privilege" in class, but this was a way for someone to understand it by reading and looking at pictures. I thought this was moving, and although I did not understand that I had "white privilege" prior to taking this course, I am looking at life through a new lens and realizing that I do have an opportunity to help make change.
9/26- This School Replaced Detention with Meditation: Results are Stunning
At Robert M. Colemen Elementary they are using a holistic approach to help students who are disruptive in class. They offer Meditation in place of suspension from class or detention. They go to the "Mindful Moment Room" to cool down and refocus. They are encouraged to sit in the room and focus on breathing techniques to help them re-center. After having a mindful moment to regroup they are asked to talk through what happened. They also practice Yoga and other Relaxation exercises daily. The results have been great for the kids at school. They take home these exercises and learn to deal with lifes problems in a positive way. There have been zero suspensions since implementing this program, attendance has increased and it has been a great thing for the school.
I was really intrigued when I read this article. I know that this has become a hot topic in education and that some school districts in Wisconsin have implemented similar programs. I think it would be a great thing to try at our school and I could see how it could pair easily with PBIS. I think kids need to learn what their triggers are and how to remain calm. I have had ideas for writing a grant to create a meditation garden outside of my art room. This would be a great place for kids to work on art, or to just take a moment to calm down. I am the only one with access to this space and think it could be a great resource for art.
http://www.upworthy.com/this-school-replaced-detention-with-meditation-the-results-are-stunning?c=ufb1
10/5 These two show that love has no borders or boundaries, no matter what.
A modern Romeo and Juliet story: This is about two people, a man from Palestine and a woman from Jerusalem who met through work online, and stayed connected. Differences in their ID cards and a wall separating the two countries keeps them from seeing and living together. They will be married this coming summer and the woman will have to give up her Jerusalem ID card in order to be with her Husband. This story touched me but made me sad to think that there are places in our world that still are divided by cultures, religion, race, and differences.. I'm an idealist, I look for the positives in everything, I wish the countries could unite. Respect each religion and culture but live as 1 country. It is a great story to see two people rise above it all.
https://socialfeed.info/these-two-show-that-love-knows-no-borders-or-boundaries-no-matter-what-via-zoomintv-usa-5716857
10/9 Ben and Jerrys explain systematic Racisim in a mic-dropping statement.
“Black lives matter ... because the injustices they face steal from all of us — white people and people of color alike. They steal our very humanity."
Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield make it clear that a "Better place for everyone" includes people of color. On their twitter page they posted a "Black Lives Matter" image and stated that "choosing to be silent in the face of such injustice is not an option". A few comments from the article that really stood out to me:
"They matter because they are children, brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. They matter because the injustices they face steal from all of us — white people and people of color alike. They steal our very humanity.”
“Whether Black, brown, white, or blue — our nation and our very way of life is dependent on the principle of all people being served equal justice under the law. And it’s clear, the effects of the criminal justice system are not color blind.”
Ben and Jerrys has been a long time supporter/promoter of social injustice. Instead of cowering, they are giving those who cant be heard a platform of support to help make positive change. I enjoy that they are fearless and are not afraid of protest or discrimination against their company. This helps make other companies, celebrities, politicians, businesses become upstanders and not bystanders. They are successful and are spreading a positive message. We are all humans and we should treat each other all the same way.
http://www.upworthy.com/ben-jerrys-just-explained-systemic-racism-in-a-mic-dropping-statement?c=ufb1
10/13 A Short Comic gives the simplest, most perfect explanation of priveledge
http://www.upworthy.com/a-short-comic-gives-the-simplest-most-perfect-explanation-of-privilege-ive-ever-seen?c=ufb5
I loved this visual because we have read a lot about "privilege" in class, but this was a way for someone to understand it by reading and looking at pictures. I thought this was moving, and although I did not understand that I had "white privilege" prior to taking this course, I am looking at life through a new lens and realizing that I do have an opportunity to help make change.
ENGAGE
"What No Bedtime Stories Mean"-Shirley Brice Heath
9/21/16
Today I met with four colleagues in my grad class to discuss this article. We met in Jackie Hill's room after school. One of the main topics of our discussion was a connection of hidden rules with Payne's Framework, and helping students with reading, literacy, and social skills. A question that came up related to the Trackton scenario; How, as teachers do we address this with parents who don't recognize the value of partnership in education between school and home. Another thought was, what about the hidden rules of that culture? Perhaps they have grown up generationally with a "learn for yourself" mentality.
The Maintown scenario with children growing up in a household with a educator as a family member was interesting to all of us as well. We discussed how many students who have teachers as immediate family always seem to do well in school. Is this because teachers understand the value of reading before bed time?
We could not help but discuss our personal experiences growing up. I can remember my mom and dad reading to me every night before bed. I looked forward to it, and valued it. We talked about how we all remembered learning to follow along and begin pronouncing words and phrases. I remember as I got older my Dad would make me read the pages or we would take turns reading the page. We all feel this is so important in the child's mental and social development.
The Maintown scenario with children growing up in a household with a educator as a family member was interesting to all of us as well. We discussed how many students who have teachers as immediate family always seem to do well in school. Is this because teachers understand the value of reading before bed time?
We could not help but discuss our personal experiences growing up. I can remember my mom and dad reading to me every night before bed. I looked forward to it, and valued it. We talked about how we all remembered learning to follow along and begin pronouncing words and phrases. I remember as I got older my Dad would make me read the pages or we would take turns reading the page. We all feel this is so important in the child's mental and social development.
Notes from our Discussion:
-hidden rules- if it is not a part of their culture do we cross that line? not open to our help-we dont know how to help, can we help/suggest early reading- generations of families who came from generations of raising children the same way-page 68- aggressive kids (second to last paragraph)
-Art with books
-Oral Story Telling-page 70
"Ways of Taking"- not understanding at first--"What happens next?"
-solutions
-teacher kids-more successful-behaviors have good reason
-start early
-reading with children-- personal experiences--
-a culture of people who do not know how to raise children
CONNECT
A online network dedicated to art, culture, and social justice.
"To change systems, people need to work together in new ways"
I joined this network to receive their weekly newsletter. I was inspired by their blog to see artists all over the world who are using their talents to help communicate ideas on social justice. One of the stories on the blog I found interesting was called, Rural Arts and Cultures: Powerful forces for Positive Change. The article highlighted urban and rural communities and their similarities and differences. It also talked about collaboration between rural and urban communities to help impact positive change. This was interesting to me considering that I teach in a rural community but live in the city of Appleton-not necessarily "urban.
ACT
Dia De Los Muertos
2nd Grade
2nd Grade
The skeleton is a popular symbol for the celebration and many people dress up and paint their faces to look like skeletons. The celebration includes parades, face painting, dancing and lots of food. They create altars to celebrate loved ones who have passed and light up their homes. We created these works of art to celebrate their culture.
After I introduced the lesson I had a 2nd grade boy come up to me with tears in his eyes. He told me he was not comfortable doing the lesson because his dad had passed away from a snowmobiling accident. I felt terrible because I had no idea, I was so impressed that he was able to communicate how he was feeling and advocate for himself. I allowed him to have a free draw day in place of the project. A few other students took notice that hew as not doing the project and became curious and the topic of "being fair" came up. I told the students to worry about their work and that the student and I had talked and it was between him and I. Young children know equality even at their age. It is important to be fair in teaching, but I believe that this was an appropriate example of making exceptions. The student eventually sat down and drew a skeleton after taking time to process his emotions. I reminded him that Dia De Los Muertos was a celebration of the life of loved ones.
Friday, October 14, 2016
ACT
October 7, 2016
For this lesson my 4th grade students learned about Japan and their use of the traditional Kimono. We learned how to pronounce and say japanese words and some of the items worn with the Kimono, such as the Geta (Japanese clogs), Obi (sash worn under the Kimono) and Eri (the belt). We also learned that the word "Ki" means wear and "Mono" means thing. Kimono translates as something to wear. We read the book, Suki's Kimono by Chieri Uegaki to introduce the lesson. This book had other traditional Japanese words that the students learned. The book was great because it focuses on a young girl in elementary school who wears a Kimono to school and shares stories about her traditions to her class. In the book some students in her class laugh at because of her Kimono and stories, the story shows students how to be respectful of all cultures. The teacher in the story handles the situation appropriatly and the class cheers and claps for Suki. For this reason, I had students do Self-Portrait of themselves in a Kimono. We used coffee filers to create the look for the kimono. In this lesson I also got to talk about skin tones and why our skin color is different. We had a great conversation in class. I am thrilled with how they turned out and the students loved this project!
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