Today's Core Ideals

Such a great list has been presented before us. So hard to chose just three things that are so important to me. I decided to take three quotes that resonate quite strongly with me and explain why.

#1 Before I can use those methods with integrity and with effectiveness, I must understand the fear within my students' hearts - and the fear that is in my own. (The Student from Hell)

I feel that so many of our actions based on discrimination and stereotypes are based on our fears and ignorance of other people and cultures. I feel that it isn't until we really get to know the fears that come into our classrooms, hidden behind shy smiles and play on the playground as well as within our own very skin, can we effectively incorporate these theories and ideas into our program. We truly need to understand and know the families and the students and their backgrounds to do a good job, without that, we will just be banking and not truly connecting with our students the way they need to build confidence and acceptance.

#2 It is not differences in themselves that cause the problems, but how people respond to differences. (Rethinking ECE)

Isn't this the truth? It goes back to what Einstein said, for every action there is a reaction. The actions happen one way or another, things happen. What makes situations and people stand out from there is the reaction to that. We need to make sure that when situations arise in our classrooms that we respond with love, understanding and patience. Not just with race, sex or background, but with core curriculum as well as everything else in the classroom. The teacher's response to situations is what will determine the safe feeling in the classroom for everyone involved.


#3 Commit to the ideal that all people have the right to a secure, healthy, comfortable, and sustainable life and that everyone must equitably share the resources of the earth and collaboratively care for them. (Rethinking ECE)

I think the key word here is "Commit." It really makes me think that when we go into a situation see it through. Don't just do it when it is convenient and easy, if it matters to you, then fight for it, own it, make it happen. It also touches on a different topic as well as sex, class, race and that is of environmentalism. A concept that is going to be very big in my classrooms. As much as we fight to accept and respect others, I think that a mutual respect for our planet is seriously lacking as well. Classrooms should be a safe place for students, teachers and Earth alike. It is our job to make sure that students are ready to face the world and take care of it at the same time.

Well, that's my list for this week. Talk to me again next week.