When reading the weekly chapter, I found myself reflecting upon this quote from page 339:
"We travel to learn about other places, other people, other ways of doing things. But of course in the end, the ultimate reason - and the the ultimate reward - for travel is to learn more about oneself."
As growing up an "Army Brat" I was able to see the world by the time I was a freshman in high school. I've lived in every part of the United States, Germany, and Africa. By living overseas it gave me endless possibilities to learn about new cultures and explore new countries that people would dream their whole lives to see in person. Growing up I really did love moving to new places and seeing new things, but it was extremely difficult packing up and moving every two years. My dad, mom, brother, and I rarely got to visit our family in Hawaii and it took a lot of strength for us to be away from them for so long. But as I reflect upon my life and being able to experience the things and places I have, I feel that I was very blessed to have been able to go to different countries and study languages and culture. I think it has made me who I am today. From all of the places I have bee to, I feel that Hawaii has the most diversity and culture in one specific place. And it also has been a blessing to finally move here and be closer to all of my family.
Since there is so much diversity and culture in Hawaii, how can I bring the best possible experiences that will help children learn about their community and want to travel within it and to new places? How can I give the children in my classroom experiences that will have a positive effect? How can I make learning trips and walks in the community meaningful for children who may never get the opportunity to travel to a new place? How can I transform my classroom to represent a place where children can to travel to around the world? What can I do to help children learn about themselves by traveling to new places in the community? How can I become an advocate for children to learn about places in our world? How can I bring culture and diversity into my classroom everyday?
Hi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteAs I read your blog, I immediately thought of place-based education. Check out place-based education here -- http://www.promiseofplace.org/ -- it seems to have relevance to your discussion and experiences. How might place-based education be defined through the stories and examples in our text? How can your questions you raise in your posting be the catalyst for place-based education? Can place-based education be a means for advocacy? How might advocacy be defined through place-based education? Can deep connections between community and children better inform teaching and learning? How?
Jeanne
Hello Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you traveling is amazing, although I have never been outside if our country. (But I would love to more than anything) Culture is very important because it is how we live, what sets our norms and rules and shapes our beliefs. For instance here in Hawaii we don't wear our slippers in the house, we believe it is dirty and disrespectful; whereas in the mainland the culture is different from ours and wearing slippers (flip flops) inside of the house is a norm and acceptable. Culture is very important and exciting to teach children. One way culture could be brought into the classroom is by learning about a different culture or country each week; decorating the room and designing the curriculum or activities accordingly. Another way culture could be brought into the room is if they have a multicultural event where each child picks a culture and brings in one thing pertaining to the culture of choice for an example a famous dish of that culture. Thank you for sharing and allowing me to comment in your blog.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteHello, I really envy you Ashley, but it must be really hard for you to move to place a place every two years. You may have made good friends but had to move away from them. I think you are able to help those children’s feelings that have similar experience at your classroom. What kinds of things were hard for you? How could your teachers support you, academically and mentally??
Unlike you, Ashley, I never moved until I came here to Hawaii. I am from Japan but until high school, I never even went out from my hometown on my own. Of course my parents took me around sometimes, but mostly my father’s hometown (after hours and hours of driving to get there). However, my hometown was where an American air force was located at so I saw many American’s since I was young. I seriously thought that when I become older, I will look like them (blond hair, beautiful eyes and be able to speak an interesting language that they were speaking). But you know that never happened... I guess because of having an American air force people as my neighbors I have always wanted to know what was going on outside of Japan.
I remember when my teachers in the elementary school told us that if we go somewhere for our vacation or trip, take pictures and talk about it with the class and share the experiences. I really like to hear about my friends’ and always dreaming about what if I can go there… ;)
One of the professors at UH Manoa told to the class that if we have a chance, find cheap tickets and go around the world and take those experiences back to home and share with children in your classroom. Tell them what you saw, how you felt and let them know there are many things that they can learn, experience and see in this world. Making this experience is still hard for me and I am not sure that if I can do this, and from this perspective, I have a lot to learn even before I share with children.
Since you moved to many places and lived there, what kind of things do you think you can share with children in your classroom? What do you think do they want to know? What do you think will they be interested in?
Miwa ;)
Since I am a Navy “brat” so to speak, and having lived the majority of my life in Australia, I can relate to both the blessings and challenges you expressed in your post. I agree with your statement about there being so much diversity and culture in Hawaii, and from that simple fact, we are able to use our community to provide children with the opportunities to “travel” without leaving “home”. While children have many opportunities to experience “other” cultures within their community, the opportunity to experience “new” and “different” things are not limited to culture if educators are aware of other learning opportunities that their community can provide to children. Being out in the community can even provide children with the opportunity to see their everyday experiences in a “new” and “different” light if it is brought to their attention.
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI can relate to you Ashley, moving from places to places might be very difficult for anyone especially when it comes to children. They tend to have the most difficulty adjusting to the home environment, school, and people. But I think since you already experience those situations, you would be the person who understands those children who get into the same situation just like you in the past. You will be able to help them get though the changes in their life, advise them as well as their parents. How can you use your experience of moving to many places to support the children and family who are facing the same situation just like you?