6-11-2019; Response to Deep Culture in the Elementary School
This week we are going over how to -teach- young kids about other cultures. This seems like a Very Large task, yet one that has the opportunity to be fun - if only I can figure out a way how!
Professor Ivers shared some thoughts about the benefits of having understanding of more than just your own culture. Since each culture has distinct traits and ways of thinking, learning to think with more than one point of view can jump start creativity and innovation. For example, think of the different styles of body decoration favored by different cultures in different locations. Some places worked metal to make jewelry, other places used shells, bone, fibrous textiles, and even scars on the skin to decorate the body. None of these items is inherently good or bad, just different from each other. Imagine then, what happened when various cultures interacted- what might a textile using culture think to do with metal? Probably something quite different from the original decorations.
Working from this example, what innovations and ideas can come from learning about the thought processes, mannerisms, technology usage and other aspects of another culture ? It seems obvious that the more access to information and experiences would seed more and better ideas.
The other part of our lesson is much involved with something called "Common core standards for reading, writing, etc." Based on my few hours of contemplation, I now understand why every teacher I know dislikes Common Core... It seems unnecessarily officious and round-about when direct language and goals would be more useful. Nevertheless, it is required, so must be faced.
With my zero experience I will attempt a lesson plan that will meet the Common Core standards ...and hopefully manage to still be interesting to children !
Professor Ivers shared some thoughts about the benefits of having understanding of more than just your own culture. Since each culture has distinct traits and ways of thinking, learning to think with more than one point of view can jump start creativity and innovation. For example, think of the different styles of body decoration favored by different cultures in different locations. Some places worked metal to make jewelry, other places used shells, bone, fibrous textiles, and even scars on the skin to decorate the body. None of these items is inherently good or bad, just different from each other. Imagine then, what happened when various cultures interacted- what might a textile using culture think to do with metal? Probably something quite different from the original decorations.
Working from this example, what innovations and ideas can come from learning about the thought processes, mannerisms, technology usage and other aspects of another culture ? It seems obvious that the more access to information and experiences would seed more and better ideas.
The other part of our lesson is much involved with something called "Common core standards for reading, writing, etc." Based on my few hours of contemplation, I now understand why every teacher I know dislikes Common Core... It seems unnecessarily officious and round-about when direct language and goals would be more useful. Nevertheless, it is required, so must be faced.
With my zero experience I will attempt a lesson plan that will meet the Common Core standards ...and hopefully manage to still be interesting to children !
I think I like the idea of sharing stories and personal experiences with other cultures. It can maintain attention in class depending on how a teacher delivers the lesson. I also like the suggestion of having a discussion of foreign culture, but as you said it can be an overwhelming task, but fun. I thought about some activities that would appeal to the learning styles of the students. I might be bringing a real object in class or some visual aids, hmmmm....surely it has to be interesting enough for young learners.
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