Thursday, February 17, 2011

Culturally Responsible Teaching

Culturally responsible teaching brings the cultural knowledge, prior experiences, and performance styles of diverse students into the classroom. Through culturally responsible teaching, students become more engaged and feel vested in their education. America is a melting pot of varied heritage and culture. This uniqueness and diversity should be celebrated. By encouraging students to design digital stories based on their cultural capital, they can combat negative stereotypes, educate others about their culture and develop a sense of pride about where they are from.

“Mountaineer,” a PBS documentary, investigates the stereotypes suffered by the people of West Virginia. During the documentary, students attempt to take some of the negative stereotypes and labels back. “You think we’re hillibillies? We’ll show you Hillbillies!” By developing a photo story based on the true lives of West Virginians, a genuine reflection of our heritage can be shared.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Where I am from...

I am from a patchwork quilt handmade to be used, from Carhatt bibs and Bold Orchid lipstick sold by the Avon lady.

I am from the tin roof, weathered and worn, whose soft pitter patter lulled me to sleep on rainy nights.

I am from the tall sycamore tree and the fuzzy bulbs that covered the yard.

I am from the much anticipated Christmas party and a somewhat odd yet amazing sense of humor, from Johnie and Orpha and Delpha and the Gross family.

I am from the ability to look at things from a different prospective and the knack to create something from nothing.

From “you’ll never know if you don’t try” and “let me show you how that works.”

I am from finding my God in His creations, the beauty of a sunrise, the crimson and gold crisp fall leaves and a pure white snow.

I'm from Sutton, WV and buttermilk biscuits baked in an iron skillet and Pap’s venison stew with roasted potatoes and sweet homegrown carrots.

From the walk to the chicken coop, hands clasped behind my back, the apple tree with 2 kinds of apples surrounded by yellow jackets and the stone walkway lined with touch-me-nots that popped open revealing their seeds when my little fingers could not stay away.

I am from the mismatched frames scattered throughout the house, a brick hearth’s dusty mantel, and a china cabinet stuffed with trinkets and treasures.

I am from “til death do us part”, second chances and new beginnings.

What more could a girl ask to be from…

Student Interest Inventory

Since my subject area is business, I picked an Career Interest Survey. It can be viewed by clicking here. By knowing what careers students are interested in, teachers can include activities of interest to the students.