Chapter 4 was indeed a very interesting chapter because it was fill not only interesting facts but as well as facts that were surprising. We learn all about labels and the advantages and disadvantages that come from it . Of course , we all know this by now . We see it in our surroundings almost every day . When someone labels someone else as pretty , intelligent and charismatic it makes us fill superior , proud and like we have the world at our feet . However, when those labels are the complete opposite it makes us feel not worthy and completely miserable. Yet, we keep reading and seeing magazines in witch labeling is accepted . Everyone enjoys being label positively nut what happens when we are label negatively? That's when he have conversations on how wrong something is , but then as soon as we turn our backs we label . Why ?
One things that I learn was the definition of the word Handicap ,"cap-in-hand" . I never knew were it came from and after reading the literal meaning I don't think that I will be using it in my speech .
One thing that I love learning were the different styles of how the language develops . So as we all know it all begins with languages and it goes to different transformations until we reach the emergent skill . Emergent literacy was what I found to be the most interesting skill in the reading . This is because its a skill that its usually developed in the preschool years , that are the foundations for the development of reading and writing(pg.171). I just think that this is one of the coolest skills because when the children are able to develop and master this skill then become better writers and can develop reading and writing faster .
Another fact that I found very interesting was all the advantages that a bilingual student has . Recent research on the brain and bilingualism show that people who learn two languages before the age of 5 process both languages in the same way as those who learn only languages and use the same part of the brain (p.175). I
I can speak two languages I never know everything that happened and took place in my brain while I was speaking two languages . One thing is for sure it so interesting to know how the brain functions and how a bilingual student has the power to turn any of the languages that he/she speaks off and on . To master this takes time but once you get the hold of it is a treasure that you know no-one can take away from you .
Lastly , we are all fortunate to live in a country were we are able to see diversity and culture from different parts of the world all around us . As future teachers , we know that diversity is going to be with us in every step that we take. Our job is to understand it , respect it and celebrated . I truly believe that if we are educated about diversity we are going to make our future students welcome. We know that each and every classroom right now is a canvas of diversity and nit would continue to became that . Lets embrace it and know that we are all privilege because we live in a country that was built from diverse humans .
Isela, you talk about labels and how negative ones can hurt, but what about the ones that simply give a name to something? In Illinois we have labels for certain types or categories of disabilities. Using labels allows us to know what others are talking about. It's also a way for someone to get the services they need, which can be very difficult if there isn't a label for what may be the problem.
ReplyDeleteI agree that you are very fortunate to know 2 languages. I really wish that my parents had raised me from very early on using 2 languages, but they only knew 1 too. I really think that we need to let bilingual students know what a great gift they have.
Your right labeling is a given and we can't do anything to get rid of it. But as educators and role models we need to teach our students that labels don't define us and that we create our person. They might still have those labels in their heads they will hopefully still learn from not just focusing on that.
ReplyDeleteYes! I have a switch in my head and its funny how our brain works. When Im around my parents or parents at school my spanish is great and it comes easy. But when I try to talk to my husband in Spanish I struggle to get certain words out and just go back to talking to him in English. Our brains are amazing.
Trollgeek,
ReplyDeleteI believe that there are two types of labels in the world and its simple really they are either negative or positive labels . As we know the negative labels can hurt, stress and destroy any one right ? However , there are also positive labels that can brighten our day or at least bring a smile to our faces . Also , I know that if a child is label they can get the help that they need . However , just because they have some sort of disability why must we label them ? All I am saying is that if little Paul has a diagnosis of being Bipolar we as a society dont have to bring this every five minutes right ? Yes , using labels allows us to know what other are talking about but I just wish this was brought only in meeting . Or do you think is appropriate to name the disability of a child every time an opportunity presents itself ?
I have a problem with labels when that is what defines a person. For example, one of our professors who recently retired is blind. No one had a problem saying that he was blind, and he never too offense at being called blind. Anyone who knew him, however, thought of him as an intelligent, compassionate, and funny history professor. He was blind, but that is not what defined him.
DeleteI agree there are two different categories of labels either positive or negative. Those that are positive can also be used as informative such as a handicap sticker so that the person in need can get the closer parking spot in the parking lot at stores. It was also very surprising to me where the work handicap came from. I have a cousin who is paralyzed and he does so many activities that you wouldn't believe and I admire him. He calls himself handicap able. Labeling is a very sensitive subject especially when we are talking. Where I work we always remind ourselves person first then their disability because it doesn't define there person they are.
ReplyDeleteI am also glad that I was brought up bilingual! I have heard so many times that learning two languages at the same time can cause you to fall behind in class and it is good to know there are many benefits to it!