can you HEAR me?

"We do not really see through our eyes or hear through our ears, but through our beliefs. To put our beliefs on hold is to cease to exist as ourselves for a moment-and that is not easy."(46)

This quote from Other People's Children really resonates with me because I find it so true. No matter how much one tries to keep an open mind and an open lens to new ideas and perspectives we all come to the discussion or topic with certain biases. I'm making an assumption that all of us at this point, have a pretty strong sense of our values and beliefs. It is difficult but important to come to into a discussion willing to not only listen but to hear others ideas and thought processes. And, really create the dialogue necessary to come to a mutual understanding. I know that I can be stubborn in my beliefs, but I see the necessity of stepping outside of myself to exchange ideas to create a better whole. Although this is an uncomfortable task it is an important one to best enrich our community. And, as Delphit writes on the next page, it is especially important to exchange dialogue with people whose perspectives may differ most from your own.(p.47)
I really think that Lisa Delphit wants us to question the teaching methods that we are learning. I believe that she wants us to realize that their is not a one size fits all approach to education. Also, I feel that Delphit wants us to understand that we live in a society that still has many prejudices. And, as uncomfortable as it may be to raise attention to issues surround diversity it is important to. It is important to raise questions which allows the classroom to flow in harmony and the best way to do this is not from the bottom up, but from the top down.(40) We cannot be afraid to say what we notice and bring attention the differences that we see. Maybe someday the gate will be open to all, but until that day it is our job to force the doors open by questioning the status quo.
I will definitely try to look at each child as an individual. I will definitely try to make sure that I am truly hearing others' points of view. I will definitely try to learn as much about the cultures of my students as possible in order to ensure best teaching methods.