As a teacher, it is not a good idea to go into these conversations or topics with our own agenda. We have to be neutral and we have to be positive. We quite possibly could have a variety of students who are Muslim, Christian, Atheist, Homosexual, African American, Buddhist, Republican and Democrat etc... Their families may be of any of these categories as well. So how we talk about these topics or how we bring them into the discussion can be tricky, but doable and can not be neglected. Students are GOING to ask about these things. So we need to at least educate them (as thoroughly as we are allowed of course) without being prejudiced to our own beliefs. This doesn't mean we have to totally forgo our own beliefs and values. It just means that our opinion/beliefs can not a deciding factor of how our students make their decisions. In this case we may just say I can't really talk about how I believe (philosophically) or ask them what they think is right. We can give them both sides of the topic and allow them to decide. But allowing any type of bigotry or hate for any culture, sexuality or nationality can not be tolerated in the classroom. These are some of the bigger issues we are faced with but it extends to bullying, exclusion of others because the way they dress or look and so on.
In my classroom, I plan on learning different ways to help bring in this aspect of Global Awareness. Obviously Social Studies is a great place to start, but we can also incorporate ELA reading and writing assignments into this as well! Topics are going to come up and we need to know how to handle them. My idea is to bring a broad topic into class each month or even look into another culture. Something to broaden the world view of all students. Now of course, you may possibly have certain parents who are not excited about this idea, that is why we should try to steer clear of any "hot topics". You can be the judge of that, just be mindful of your school policy and views. Thinking from a local perspective or even in the home, we can teach students what they can do to be great friends, siblings, sons/daughters and neighbors in their home. Get students to think about doing the right thing or even using the principle of the Golden Rule (Do unto others as you would want them to do to you) etc. I would love to increase awareness of hunger and poverty, not only in other countries but even in our own communities. The list goes on from Women's rights to the environment and societies' environmental impact (garden club anyone?) to poverty and on and on. There are many possibilities. Here are a few websites to help you in the classroom and in your own life:
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/
https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2012/nov/09/global-citizenship-10-teaching-tips
These offer a little insight into how or why these issues need to be addressed.
I would connect this to standard:
IIa •
- Teachers encourage an environment that is inviting, respectful, supportive, inclusive, and flexible.
Global Citizenship is something we are all responsible for. As an educator, we have a responsibility to promote this mindset in our students to help them develop a better understanding of the world around us. We may be the only glimpse into the world around them period. It is easy for students as well as adults to have a small and limited view of our world. I know personally, I am reminded of this when I turn on the news or read an article of someone in another country who is oppressed or starving. We are all aware in some way of the negativity or issues our country and Global societies face, so it is up to us as teachers to introduce and educate the next generation to make a difference. This is why I wanted to become a teacher, and this is one area of our profession I hope to make an impact and build a legacy. How about you? What will you do to promote Global Citizenship?
Resources:
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/
https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2012/nov/09/global-citizenship-10-teaching-tips
Ben,
ReplyDeleteGreat Share! Global awareness has been on my mind a lot recently. My CE and I met with the university supervisor that will be grading and observing some of us next semester. She shared that global awareness and its promotion is something that she looks for when observing us and reading our lessons next semester. I have found myself thinking about ways to tie global awareness into specific subject areas as I have observed my CE this past week. I like the suggestions you have of introducing two sided topics and letting your fourth graders make their own decision. I think this could also be an example for students of how to respectfully share opinions without bashing the views and opinions of others.
Ben,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a good topic of conversation following such an eventful and controversial election. Our job as teachers is to ensure those outside events do not negatively affect the classroom. It is great to use it to supplement instruction, but it should not interfere. I've talked with my university supervisor, as well as my principal, on how I can deliberately show global awareness in my classroom. Good read!
Ben,
ReplyDeleteThis speaks volumes to me because I have had to deal with this scenario various times already this semester. I have had to redirect their attention to the appropriate manner and steer clear of opinionated conversations. My third graders are invested in the current events going on, such as the election results and are willing to share their opinions in the classroom. I have had to have several conversations with them that this is not the place to state their political opinions and guide them on how to discuss those topics within the classroom. Great post!! Thanks for the share!
Ben,
ReplyDeleteGlobal Awareness is such a great topic to be talked about right now! I know that in my classroom there is already so much talk about the election, and that was going on even before the election happened. We are not allowed to state any of our opinions in our classroom, much like every other classroom, but it is very hard to keep 2nd graders quiet about stuff like that. I love that you mentioned the idea of bringing up two-sided arguments or ideas when talking about global awareness in the classroom. This way, every opinion is shard and no one gets their feelings hurt. Keep up the good work! We are almost there!