CONCLUSION
To most, diversity is seen to define a large range of different people due to culture, exceptionalities, family, gender, health, religion, status and so on. When it comes down to it, diversity can be so incredibly diverse that there are those who would find it less exhausting and more beneficial just to ignore it. However, it is important to remember, that everyone has certain uniqueness about them and that these special traits need to be acknowledged. Everyone years to be recognized for who they are individually and that is why it is paramount that teachers implement the idea of diversity into the thoughts of students at a young age. This way, students can better understand the worlds and lives of others, instead of just their own. We are all special, so we should be special together; instead of being special on our own.
To have a true knowledge and understanding of the diversities that they are to learn about, students must have the right approach to the subject matter. Respect, acceptance and tolerance for what is shown to them are of great importance. Without this approach, students may not see the meaning or purpose in what they are learning. Critical Literacy will help create such an atmosphere that instills these qualities into the student. Before taking on such topics about diversity, students will be taught certain skills that will help their approach to a text or form of media relevant to the subject matter. It is the hope that Critical Literacy will result in the students diving deeper into the text and asking more in depth questions. Students will be comfortable and willing to share their thoughts and opinions on the texts with original and thought provoking notions.
Teachers need to be aware of what they feel each of their students can endure in a classroom and not give anyone anything that they cannot handle. Making sure to have a discussion of anything that is new or odd to them is very important so that they understand exactly what happened and why. The use of picture books is also very helpful for this reason. These books are meant to celebrate diversity above all else, and to promote social justice and what can be done in different situations that involve a certain issue or theme.
To better reflect on these books or events similar, Critical Literacy has four dimensions. It is first important to gain an understanding of what is happening and the perspective of whoever it is happening to. Interrogating multiple viewpoints by pretending to be in their position will help in this. Focussing next on who is in power or what can be done with the power shown helps students understand what they might be able to a situation like this, or what ought to be by the people involved. Once they get an idea of what can be done, it is important that they learn what would be bring justice, and what would not. This way of thinking can be applied to more than just the text they are referring to at that time, and that is what makes the approach of Critical Literacy so paramount for a student in the long run.
To have the class sitting in a close knit circle with everyone prepared to share and listen, with the teacher as the facilitator, will ensure a cooperative and productive discussion. The ability to ask for clarification, add to another’s idea, encourage new topics and new voices, are all ways in which a student will learn more, not just about the subject matter, but about how to behave in social or academic discussions. Journals, group work, media texts, perspective representations and experience sharing will also aid the students in their approach to diversity.
There are many ways in which students can be influenced and taught to dissect a text. In the act of implementing such skills and traits into students, institutions such as “Teaching Peace Initiative,” “Characters for Character” and “Brain Wise” have excited students about education, taught them about self awareness and open mindedness, and ave stressed the importance of a non-violent community. Such companies, with these approaches, have been able to set up children to be kind and considerate individuals, not only in the classroom during discussions about diversity, but on a daily basis in any social situations. As mentioned, respect, acceptance and tolerance within the students will help the class deal with new and odd topics. The Tribes approach allows students to speak their mind without worrying about what others think, but are also free to keep their opinions to themselves. This freedom and sense of value in their contribution to a discussion will help students develop into great debaters and questioner in their later years.
The way our world shares information with itself today makes it no longer appropriate to believe that such things as diversity should not be discussed with children. It is of great importance that these students learn of these issues and themes from those who can support and discuss them in a positive and understanding manner. If children are shown certain things and are not given a reason as to why there are so, they will make up reasons for themselves and this will misguide them through a great deal of social situations. It is the duty of teachers to get to the students first and show them how life can really be before they start to get motivated by the wrong influences.
The themes and issues of diversity are growing things, so even if it does not seem like Critical Literacy is necessary in your classroom or your community, you can believe that one day, everyone will deal with some sort of diversity, and if they are not prepared or familiar with what they see, they may suffer for it. Students prepare year round for fires using fire drills. Some kids may never ever be in a fire, but the fact that they are ready for it makes the prospect much less daunting. The same can be said with social situations. If one knows how to handle all types of issues and themes of diversity, they will be better off for it, every day of their life. Critical Literacy will do that for any student that has the approach of respect, acceptance and tolerance.
To most, diversity is seen to define a large range of different people due to culture, exceptionalities, family, gender, health, religion, status and so on. When it comes down to it, diversity can be so incredibly diverse that there are those who would find it less exhausting and more beneficial just to ignore it. However, it is important to remember, that everyone has certain uniqueness about them and that these special traits need to be acknowledged. Everyone years to be recognized for who they are individually and that is why it is paramount that teachers implement the idea of diversity into the thoughts of students at a young age. This way, students can better understand the worlds and lives of others, instead of just their own. We are all special, so we should be special together; instead of being special on our own.
To have a true knowledge and understanding of the diversities that they are to learn about, students must have the right approach to the subject matter. Respect, acceptance and tolerance for what is shown to them are of great importance. Without this approach, students may not see the meaning or purpose in what they are learning. Critical Literacy will help create such an atmosphere that instills these qualities into the student. Before taking on such topics about diversity, students will be taught certain skills that will help their approach to a text or form of media relevant to the subject matter. It is the hope that Critical Literacy will result in the students diving deeper into the text and asking more in depth questions. Students will be comfortable and willing to share their thoughts and opinions on the texts with original and thought provoking notions.
Teachers need to be aware of what they feel each of their students can endure in a classroom and not give anyone anything that they cannot handle. Making sure to have a discussion of anything that is new or odd to them is very important so that they understand exactly what happened and why. The use of picture books is also very helpful for this reason. These books are meant to celebrate diversity above all else, and to promote social justice and what can be done in different situations that involve a certain issue or theme.
To better reflect on these books or events similar, Critical Literacy has four dimensions. It is first important to gain an understanding of what is happening and the perspective of whoever it is happening to. Interrogating multiple viewpoints by pretending to be in their position will help in this. Focussing next on who is in power or what can be done with the power shown helps students understand what they might be able to a situation like this, or what ought to be by the people involved. Once they get an idea of what can be done, it is important that they learn what would be bring justice, and what would not. This way of thinking can be applied to more than just the text they are referring to at that time, and that is what makes the approach of Critical Literacy so paramount for a student in the long run.
To have the class sitting in a close knit circle with everyone prepared to share and listen, with the teacher as the facilitator, will ensure a cooperative and productive discussion. The ability to ask for clarification, add to another’s idea, encourage new topics and new voices, are all ways in which a student will learn more, not just about the subject matter, but about how to behave in social or academic discussions. Journals, group work, media texts, perspective representations and experience sharing will also aid the students in their approach to diversity.
There are many ways in which students can be influenced and taught to dissect a text. In the act of implementing such skills and traits into students, institutions such as “Teaching Peace Initiative,” “Characters for Character” and “Brain Wise” have excited students about education, taught them about self awareness and open mindedness, and ave stressed the importance of a non-violent community. Such companies, with these approaches, have been able to set up children to be kind and considerate individuals, not only in the classroom during discussions about diversity, but on a daily basis in any social situations. As mentioned, respect, acceptance and tolerance within the students will help the class deal with new and odd topics. The Tribes approach allows students to speak their mind without worrying about what others think, but are also free to keep their opinions to themselves. This freedom and sense of value in their contribution to a discussion will help students develop into great debaters and questioner in their later years.
The way our world shares information with itself today makes it no longer appropriate to believe that such things as diversity should not be discussed with children. It is of great importance that these students learn of these issues and themes from those who can support and discuss them in a positive and understanding manner. If children are shown certain things and are not given a reason as to why there are so, they will make up reasons for themselves and this will misguide them through a great deal of social situations. It is the duty of teachers to get to the students first and show them how life can really be before they start to get motivated by the wrong influences.
The themes and issues of diversity are growing things, so even if it does not seem like Critical Literacy is necessary in your classroom or your community, you can believe that one day, everyone will deal with some sort of diversity, and if they are not prepared or familiar with what they see, they may suffer for it. Students prepare year round for fires using fire drills. Some kids may never ever be in a fire, but the fact that they are ready for it makes the prospect much less daunting. The same can be said with social situations. If one knows how to handle all types of issues and themes of diversity, they will be better off for it, every day of their life. Critical Literacy will do that for any student that has the approach of respect, acceptance and tolerance.