Where to begin...well let us start with the counselors panel. The first thing that I learned from the panel is that I want my class to know and utilize the counseling services provided by the school. I want my students to feel close enough to not only me but our school counselor and to know that both of us are their for them no matter what they need. A lot of people view counselors just as someone who puts students schedules together and is only there if need be. Well that is definitely not true, counselors are placed in schools for way more then just that. Counselors are great because when you are teaching and you know that one of your students is having a tough time and you do all that you can, but you still have to teach the rest of the class. Well that is a great opportunity to call in the counselor so that student can have someone there with their undivided attention. Yes as an educator I want to be there for each and every single one of my kids but it is not realistic I can only do so much. But that is why the school systems are set up for to have multiple resources for the students and teachers. All this can also be applied to paraprofessionals as well. Both paras and counselors are wonderful resources and as future educators we should definitely be grateful for them in our classrooms and schools.
Okay now onto Shelby, first of all loved his talked second of all he is way too funny! But honest at the same time which I think we all needed with the foster care subject. Its a tough situation for the kids, the foster parents and teachers. I liked how Shelby told it like it was and did not hold back. He admitted that ya its hard and you have kids you hate and that have bad attitudes. But on the other hand you have kids you adore and eventually make your very own one day. I think to build community with foster kids you need to let them know the truth. Admit that you do not know how they feel exactly and you do not know what the are going through, but you are there for them to listen to them and be whatever person they need you to be at that moment in time. I truly believe you need to know and address that student's particular situation, not to the whole class but let the student know that you know what is going on and will be there for them. I think that will give that particular student a comfort and trust with you and will allow bond to form with not only you but the class as a whole. Which in return forms a community!
ED460 Personal and Social Well Being is a course taken by college students in education during their student teaching semester. Topics covered include: poverty, child abuse, bullying, drugs, alcohol, and tobacco, counselors' role in school, adolescents and choices, and the use of technology.
Shelby's talk was quite helpful. I knew a family who took in foster children (2 & 3 yr olds), but I have never actually had personal experience with a foster child. His talk about his experiences really put things in perspective for me. I think as a teacher, I will certainly build a relationship with those students (just as I will with every other student in my classes). Also, I think it will be important to let those students know that I still expect them to work hard in my class like the other students. I think it is important for foster students to know that their teachers expect greatness from them as well. Expecting good things from them will give them a goal to shoot for and help build their self-confidence.
ReplyDeleteLindsey, I love what you wrote about students in foster care. Building positive relationships with them is so important! They need to build their confidence and regain their self-worth and self-concept (if lost). It is our job to help them get to that point. And, why not build community while we are at it? Thank you for making the point that the whole class needs to be involved in welcoming and befriending a new student (student in foster care) and reiterating that it is important for the teacher to continue to bond with all students.
ReplyDeleteI would just like to say that when I first read your blog, it was really hard to see my name and remember that you weren't talking about me! Haha! I really liked Shelby's talk, though. That was seriously one of the most entertaining talks I have witnessed in a long long time...maybe ever. It was more than entertaining, though. I loved how REAL he was. He had what seemed like a great interpretation of reality and how it applied to his kids and the students at the school. I think we need to try to understand our own reality and how it affects those around us. In this way, we can come to know the reality of others and truly...wait for it...LIVE IN COMMUNITY!!!!
ReplyDeleteI liked your insight about helping our students to utilize the the counselors and paras in the building. I don't remember even knowing about the counselors in my school and I tended to equate counselors with finding a college when I was in high school. Until the counselors panel I had no idea how much they deal with and that they really are a bridge between the students who are struggling and their parents and teachers. What a gift they are to a school! They help us to focus on teaching and the difficulties that the children are facing can be the focus of the counselors.
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