"Comment by a Colleague"

Continued
July 30, 2010

100+Educational Strategies to Teach Children of Color

"Comments by a Colleague"

It should not be ignored by white teachers who may have their own ideas about expectations from students of color. I think this book will help them better understand the significant cultural differences and similarities as they attempt to teach the students and the content; however, the most important message from Dr. Kunjufu to all teachers is that we have to respect and care about students in general, especially students of color.

Annie Walker (Judson Middle School)

"Comments by a Colleague"

Continued........
July 26, 210

100+Educational Strategies to Teach Children of Color

"Comments by a Colleague"

Getting to know the student and his or her learning style is the first step toward effective instructions where those students are concerned. Dr. Kunjufu comments should not be ignored by teachers of color who sometimes themselves are caught up in the perils of their own mis-education regarding educational pedagogy.

To be continued.......

By: Annie Walker (Judson Middle School)

"Comments by a Colleage"

July 22, 2010

100+ Educational Strategies to Teach Children of Color

"Comments by a Colleage"

I believe it is okay to disagree with some of the things Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu is saying, or the hard-driving manner in which he expresses them. I think more importantly, that he is purging us to get in touch with our own feelings, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors toward the students we teach, especially African American students.

To be continued.......

by: Annie Walker (Judson Middle School)

"Comments by a Colleague"

July 22, 2010

100+ Educational Strategies to Teache Children of Color

"Comments by a Colleague"

I believe it is okay to disagree with some of the things Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu is saying, or the hard -driving manner in which he expresses them. I think more importantly, that he is purging us to get in touch with our own feelings, attitudes, beliefs and behaviors toward the students we teach, especially African American students.

To be continued.....................

By: Annie Walker (Judson Middle School)

100 ways to teach

Once I got past the first few pages that made me really upset, I started to enjoy what ideas he suggested. I already do some of the things he said like #11 - I try to call at least one parent (I will try for more this year) every six weeks with good news. It really surprises some parents especially when they tell you they have never gotten a good call about their son/daughter. I also have tried playing some different kinds of music like classical or just piano music for them to work and listen to - it really seems to calm some students down, but others just like to complain. I like his #22 - having a gifted and talented area in the classroom - I will try to have some interesting and fun activities for those who finish their assignment first or early. I was somewhat surprised about TV time on #24 and noticed he did not include Indians (like from India). I think I might make some kind of poster about #29 on earnings per hour depending on how much school is finished or not. Also, #33 is sorta of on my student information form I have the students fill out at the beginning of the year to try to get to know them better - I think I might work on this for next year. Also, #47 - about the stock market would be interesting to see what stock they pick and to watch it and see what happens. One more suggestion that finally has a name for me is his #64 - school talk and street talk. I always try to remind them to speak correctly but now I have a way to say exactly what I mean so that they can be reminded why I am correcting them. By the way, I am doing physical therapy and trying to get stronger with each day. Thanks to those who prayed for me. Susan Mosley

I really appreciate the ideas for male students

Last year, I had what seemed a bigger male to female student ratio overall. And it also seemed that most of the issues I had with students involved males. I definitely agree with strategy 85. I went to a workshop at region VII at the end of the semester and it was there that I first heard this. It says that exercise is crucial and that students should exercise on the hour. With me teaching a block class period, the kids either get restless or tired and I did try it once after I went to the workshop last year and it really did help. I noticed the students were getting tired(it was right after lunch) so I stopped in the middle of what we were discussing and made everyone stand up and do some simple exercises with me. They thought I was crazy at first but I think it really got them going again. Also its really good for those that can't sit still....they love the chance to get up and move whenever they can. The other strategy that I particularly liked was strategy 84 which states let the guys stand up behind their desks to do their work. I found I related to this because I had several students that could just not sit still and were always getting up. So instead of making them sit while they work on daily work, I think giving them the option to stand and work might help with this battle. This strategy also talks about giving this same males that can't sit or stay still a fidget toy, something that is non distracting to others but keeps the person at hand relaxed and calm. An example might be a rubber frog or a rubber ball...something quiet obviously but that they can play with in their non writing hand that will keep that student from getting to stir crazy while class is going on. The third strategy that I want to try next year has to do with motivation. I found way to often last year that a lot of the kiddos do not think much of themselves whether it be they think that they are not smart or not popular enough or not pretty, basically self esteem and confidence issues. I know most children and even adults suffer with this and I think that strategy 36 which says state positive attributes of your other classmates. I think that having each student write two or three positive attributes about each student in their class would do a world of a difference for each person in the room. Then I could give each student all the positive comments that were made about them. I just think it might lift some of them up and give each one a boost and they might learn something about themselves that they have but really didn't recognize. Ok so that was my spill, I actually liked this book. Hope your summers are going great! Bella is getting so big!!!