Judson Teacher Talk

Computationsl Knowledge Engine

2010-11-16T12:49:00.002-06:00

"My Evaluation"

2010-08-07T15:55:00.002-05:00

August 7, 2010

"My Evaluation"

Having read Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu's book entitled: 100+ Educational Strategies To Teach Childen of Color, and discussed it with several colleagues, my overall judgment is based on the following 3 reasons why I like this publication:

1. Dr. Kunjufu uses carefully crafted vocabulary which makes the book easy to understand. He devotes 12 detailed chapters based on his 35 year experience in providing school in-service workshops, and gives us the benefit of his experience.

2. Granted, more dialogue could be utilized, more references to high school applications could be made, but he clearly makes the point that teachers should care about all students and make a difference in their lives.

3. I like the fact that many of the techniques he presented are already being used by our teachers, especially in the last chapter on pedagogy, where he gives test-taking techniques.

Annie Walker (Judson Middle School)

"Comment by a Colleague"

2010-07-30T18:48:00.002-05:00

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"

2010-07-26T18:16:00.002-05:00

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"

2010-07-22T18:46:00.004-05:00

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"

2010-07-22T18:32:00.004-05:00

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

2010-07-19T19:29:00.003-05:00

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

2010-07-13T13:46:00.002-05:00

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!!!

100+

2010-06-29T10:49:00.003-05:00

3 things caught my attention:
#11 - Share the good news! Parents love it and it opens communication for the future. I have also sent home good reports on post cards that I had printed. Would you like to have some printed and available?
#96 - Rule 555: This is simply true and the very reason that we have to set the foundation for your classroom during the first week of school and stick to your guns. I know you get tired of hearing it but bell to bell is important. Plan your work and worj your plan every day and remember to over plan......
#38 - ATTITUDE!!! I think there is nothing more inportant in this book than #38. A sour attitude gets you the same in return. Everyday will not be great. Every child will not act right. Every parent will not be happy with your decision. I will upset a staff member before the year is over and someone on staff will upset me. There will be personal wins and tragedy in our lives. These are all given but the way we respond - our attitude - will make the difference. We count on each other and support each other at Judson and I am always thankful for each of you. I also hear a lot of negative grumbling at times, and even grumble myself, and I can't help wonder what good comes from it? Remember the little train and we move forward - be positive! I think I can! I think I can!
I pray each of you have a GREAT summer!
BKasper

I like the Wall of African Americans

2010-06-05T22:48:00.003-05:00

My new room at Mozelle has a large bullitin board and I like the idea of placing African American portraits in different careers. Since I am a computer junkie, I believe I will locate numerous pictures with bios and change them out on a regular basis. I like the idea of also putting my students pictures on the bullitin board as students of the week along side the other photos. This book had lots of great ideas.

2010-06-04T14:29:00.002-05:00

I like the different posters that the book talks about making for the walls. There are several that I want to incorporate into my classroom. One is the different amounts of pay for levels of education. Another is the one about life of a drug dealer.

Where did he get those statistics?

2010-06-04T11:28:00.002-05:00

I noticed the author stated many different statistics. An example would be the number of hours students of different races spend watching TV and studying. I would like to know what his sources were. Some of the statistics were, in my mind, questionable. You can find statistics to back up anything you want, the question is are they valid? Before I make my posters I would like to check the numbers. Any ideas on how I can find out his sources?

2010-06-04T10:53:00.002-05:00

While reading 100+ Educational Strategies to Teach Children of Color, I found a few things that I already do and a few things that I would like to do. I like the idea of teaching life strategies. I don't think we do enough of that. I like the order of success poster and the which brain do you want poster. Also, I will put more of an effort into teaching test taking skills. I am looking forward to the day when we are all just American and not sub-divided into groups.

2010-06-04T10:09:00.002-05:00

I think that it is very important to try to instill in our students that the reasonable order to success is to graduate from high school and then go on to college with intentions of establishing a career and then planning for a family. So my students can keep this in mind, I plan to post the order of success.

2010-06-04T10:00:00.002-05:00

I think it is a good idea to have your most challenging student serve as an important teacher assistant. This student's added responsibilities help to keep him or her on task and in return will help everything run more smoothly.

"Gifted and Talented" Area

2010-06-04T09:45:00.002-05:00

Chapter 3: Decor-- In classes where students work at a varied pace when doing indepedent class assignments, I like the idea of adding the "Gifted and Talented" area. This will give those students who work at a faster pace the opportunity to go to this area and engage in various activities the teacher has provided.

Chapter 1: Framework

2010-06-04T09:31:00.002-05:00

In my opinion, Chapter 1: Framwork, sets the stage for teaching. I believe, as the author stated, that "you have to like children to teach children". Why would anyone put themself in the position to impact the lifes of our future by working with children if they can honestly say they "don't even like kids".

One of my classroom rules is if you want respect from others you must be respectful of them. In other words, "you must show respect to get respect". This is not a race issue, it's a human issue. If teachers respect their students they are much more likely to have their respect in return. I feel this means the student will more likely to want to please the teacher by being cooperative and supportive in and out of the classroom.

Student Goals

2010-06-04T09:00:00.002-05:00

In Chapter 2: Bonding, I like strategy #3. I think that by finding out what student goals, dreams, and desires are you can use them as a motivator when they do something that demonstrates a quest to reach their goal. On the other hand, they may also be used as reminders when a student seems to be getting off task or exhibiting behaviors that don't contribute to attaining their goals, dreams, and/or desires.

Home Visits -- Sheri Peery

2010-06-03T17:02:00.004-05:00

I have always wanted to be able to visit each of my students' homes. A lofty notion, I know. However, after reading this book, I see the importance of this endeavor. I want to rekindle that hope and try to make it happen.

I can understand the importance of students seeing relationships being built. I know that this task will be difficult, but home connection will not only get the students on my side, but also the parents. Once connections are made, I like the idea presented by Kunjufu about having monthly, or maybe by semester, classroom potluck dinners to keep the parents informed and answer questions they may have.

Desk -- Sheri Peery

2010-06-03T15:26:00.005-05:00

One strategy that I intend to employ will be placing my desk in the middle of the classroom. I really haven't thought through the logistics yet, but it stands to reason that if I am amidst the students that misconduct can be deterred. Anyone with ideas?

2010-06-03T10:03:00.002-05:00

I feel that Chapter 4 : Motivation is the key to reaching all students. If we can convince students that learning is important, they will welcome the learning activities.

100+ Educational Strategies

2010-06-01T12:07:00.000-05:00

After reading just the first chapter I had to laugh because I can identify several teachers for each of the teacher types discussed. I think this will be an excellent book to read because not only will it help us be better teachers of children of color but it will also give us insights into ourselves and our preconceived ideas about the different races that we encounter. I know people like to say "I am not prejudiced" but that is ludicrous because we all have prejudices of some kind. It is the nature of the beast called man.