The practicality of this post is what makes it powerful, Jen. You give legs to teachers wanting to get started in this important work. It fits well with just about any classroom approach that is student-centered and community-facing.
Jen, You are not the only one with questions and feelings of inadequacy. I too have those feelings. A lot of which stem from guilt and shame for just coming to this "awakening" in the last few years. I am right there with you in the "Call to action." Too many children and families have been subject to the discomfort of an inequitable system for far too long. As a white educator it is ok for me to sit in some discomfort as I work to build a better system that services all students.
Several years ago I read Sara Ahmed's "Being the Change" and was introduced to the criticality of the identity piece. I have been working to do a better job of starting the year with identity. One of my struggles is the lack of diversity, therefore the concept of "identity" is a stretch for my first graders. In the mentor texts selections above you have given me ideas for strengthening the identity work that has so far proved a bit challenging. I've appreciated learning with and from you during this book study.
Jen, I found myself also wondering how to apply this work to our youngest students. I taught kindergarten last school, so I read Muhammad's book through that lens. I completely agree that some of the beginning of the year activities are too shallow to really get to know our students. I really appreciated all of the texts and ideas that you shared. Your writing reminded me of the importance and value of learning together. We can't do this work all on our own!
The practicality of this post is what makes it powerful, Jen. You give legs to teachers wanting to get started in this important work. It fits well with just about any classroom approach that is student-centered and community-facing.
Jen, You are not the only one with questions and feelings of inadequacy. I too have those feelings. A lot of which stem from guilt and shame for just coming to this "awakening" in the last few years. I am right there with you in the "Call to action." Too many children and families have been subject to the discomfort of an inequitable system for far too long. As a white educator it is ok for me to sit in some discomfort as I work to build a better system that services all students.
Several years ago I read Sara Ahmed's "Being the Change" and was introduced to the criticality of the identity piece. I have been working to do a better job of starting the year with identity. One of my struggles is the lack of diversity, therefore the concept of "identity" is a stretch for my first graders. In the mentor texts selections above you have given me ideas for strengthening the identity work that has so far proved a bit challenging. I've appreciated learning with and from you during this book study.
Jen, I found myself also wondering how to apply this work to our youngest students. I taught kindergarten last school, so I read Muhammad's book through that lens. I completely agree that some of the beginning of the year activities are too shallow to really get to know our students. I really appreciated all of the texts and ideas that you shared. Your writing reminded me of the importance and value of learning together. We can't do this work all on our own!