If you are a teacher or plan on becoming one, I suggest watching or reading Freedom Writers. It is an inspirational movie/book about a group of disadvantaged students take on their social stereotypes through writing and activism. I wish I would have watched this movie awhile ago because it is so moving. Yes, movies can be sensationalized, but after reading and watching the movie it is true the teachers can make a difference in student's lives. My job as a teacher is to give students the opportunity to be successful both in and outside the classroom, it is the students job to take that opportunity and run. Some students will take advantage of the tools you give them, others won't, but those that don't can't be given up on, they need to be challenged and approached in other ways. I'll keep this story in the back of my mind as I continue to grow and learn as a teacher and hopefully I will have success like the real life teacher in the movie. http://www.freedomwritersfoundation.org
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
3 comments:
Hi, I'm Lauren from Cheryl's TE 402 class. I love this movie. It's been awhile since I watched it, but I think I'll re-watch it before my internship year. In my class right now I tend to attract to the students that do not stay on task and are uninterested. I try to give them my attention, so they feel important. Next year I won't have the luxury of spending as much individual time with students. I have a few questions if you can answer any of them I would appreciate it! How do you address students that are off task, slacking in their working, and/or talking to avoid working? Do you grade the lower achieving students at the same standard as the other students? What ideas do you have for stretching activities beyond the classroom?...A little off topic: What resources do you use to get good ideas for lesson plans?
Your blog is very helpful.
-Lauren Pate
Hi Brian,
This is not the first time that I've heard this piece of advice, which makes me think that it must be all the more true. I think movie's like this are important simply because they can give us back a passion for teaching and remind us that at the end of the day, the part that matters most is the students. I think this movie shows the great value in getting to know your students in a personal way so that you can both relate to them and tailor lesson to appeal to them.
Out of curiosity, have you had to deal with any similar situations in your classroom? For example, do any of your students have severely negative home lives? Or do they have a past of being ignored by teacher after teacher and are therefore incredibly behind in their learning?
I'm just wondering if some of the personal situations in the story have been mirrored in your teaching experiences.
Thanks!
--Ashley
Lauren and Ashley thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog, sorry I took so long to respond!
Lauren, I have had quite a bit of experience with underachieving students in my class and have a few things you can try from day one in your classroom. It is really important to establish a relationship with all of your students and give them respect before you demand respect yourself. I send home "Good News" post cards to all of my students every marking period explaining something I was impressed with. The kids love it and are so happy to see that you care. As for grading, some of my students are severely behind in their academics and struggle to keep up with their peers. I try to give them options on projects and differentiate instruction as much as possible. Giving them alternative assignments/tasks/objectives is really important. I hope that helps a little bit!
Ashley,
Like I told Lauren it is really important to establish relationships with your students (not buddy-buddy ones) but to show that you care. I started a "Student of the Week" bulletin board that allowed each student to display a talent or skill to the class that they wanted to share. Showing students you care is a great way for them to show you respect as a teacher. Attend after school activities, go to basketball games, get to know them! I do have several students that live in tougher situations and you have to understanding to that as well. Try to keep close contact with your student's parents. I created a class website and emailed parents everyday. I hope that helps!
Post a Comment