Why We Read-Ch 3

When we read we open up a whole new universe. We expose ourselves and others to various cultures, influences, people, places and so much more. Reading is a way to connect and encounter words and concepts that we would have never been exposed to. Comprehension is the main purpose that we should develop when we read. Our backgrounds, cultures and values influence the way that we comprehend what we have read, and the way that we infer it. In my home we are active readers, reading to bring together family time and our culture. We as a culture of teachers and educators must encourage critical thinking and not push our views on our students. I hope that I can get in thirty minutes of reading and comprehension every night.

Culturally Responsive Classrooms Such A Touchy Subject!!

Well the world is changing and we have to be diverse enough to change with the world. Culture is such a broad subject that has to be examined from all aspects, such as educators, parents, and most of all the children themselves. It is so much easier to examine someone from our first perception, but we must go outside the box an make an exploration of character in order to incorporate what is best for each child and the classroom as a whole, without leaving any one particular group/person out or making them stand out. As educators it is our responsibility to ensure that we are not pressing our values/beliefs on our children so that we are meeting the needs of all learners. We need to ensure that we are aware of all the cultural backgrounds and are open to our students because this opens the door to learning for the educator, parents, and again the children.