What I found most inspirational about this video is how Christopher wrote and illustrated books that were relatable to children. He writes and publishes books that most kids could find relates to their own life, and that makes him an even more astounding children's author. There are always children that are struggling with the acceptance of being different. Children at a young age do not grasp the concept that it is okay to be different, because they want to follow trends and be like their friends and want to feel included with the rest of their peers. Christopher makes it known in his literature that it is okay for children to be different. This can be applied to learning how to read because it lets children know that even if they do fall behind or they take longer than others to learn and grasp a particular subject, that it is okay. I relate this to my own experiences because working with children, I notice that children do not like to be different or viewed as special. They want to be like everyone else and want to fit in. They become frustrated and aggravated when they are falling behind and are so anxious to catch up that they are unable to work to their fullest potential, because they lose site on what is important, and that is being able to get the concept of what they are learning. The more we push and expose the idea and concept that being "different" is okay, the more inspired and aspired our students can become.
What are some ways teachers, and even ourselves, can promote and instill in student's minds, that being different is okay?
I would come up with personal narratives, where students can write different stories about their personal experiences. I would have a sharing day so students can share their personal narratives with the class. I believe in doing this it gives each student a chance to share something about themselves that noone would normally know about them.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the fact that you emphasized that children see different as a problem. Some ways I would encourage students to be their own person is by asking them to bullet point ten things he or she likes about themselves, or write an essay about one quality that differentiates them from their peers. It's crucial that we think of ways to increase their self-esteem especially in an age where the majority is always trying to find ways to change the way they look.
ReplyDeleteBeing different makes us who we are and I think you bring up a very good point that in school especially being "different" is thought to be a negative thing. I think it is important to show our students that being different makes everyone who they are and that if we were all the same then things would not be as fun and things would not be the same as everyone being different and having different interests. By having the students talk about their differences amongst one another in a positive way is a great way to boost selfesteem and inspire the students to love themselves for who they are.
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