A mind map digging deeper into my knowledge of content, teaching and learning, and diversity through the questions: How do I go about creating a classroom environment without biases? How can I create a positive learning environment even when a student is struggling? How is a student’s culture relative to the curriculum that I use?
How is a student's culture
relative to the curriculum that I
use?
Race
Do not take a "color blind" approach
https://www.youtube.com/user/TeachingTolerance
Create a classroom library that reflects
the race of every student in the classroom
Religion
Teach basic knowledge of the
relgions represented in the
classroom
Enough to respect students' faith
For example, select books for classroom library
on Hanukkah as well as Christmas
Home-life
Be aware of family structures
For example: Know to invite a child's father
on Mother's Day celebration if she does not
have a mother
Create a classroom library that reflects the
experiences of every student in the
classroom
More interest in books if it applies to them
Include that similarity in book
talks and book introductions
For examples: new baby siblings, parents'
deployment, family vacations, etc.
Knowledge of Teaching & Learning
How can I create a positive
learning environment even
when a student is struggling?
Patience
Wait until after completion of text to address errors
so as to not interrupt strategic activity
Prompting
used to help a reader problem solve
because he or she has stopped and
isn’t able to proceed
They remind the reader to do what he has
been taught to do to problem solve
The prompting guide gives step by step
instructions on how to prompt and
reinforce readers at different
Provides detailed and exact phrases to
model, prompt, and reinforce reading
behaviors, strategic activity, etc.
Scaffolding
support given during the learning
process in which is tailored to the
needs of the student
Tap into student's prior
knowledge
Selecting books that reader can relate to
Consider information sources student
typically refers to
If student relies too heavily on
meaning and structure, encourage
and prompt him to use visual
Grouping
Pairing students
Insight from a peer may impact student
differently than insight from a teacher
Promotes positive peer relationships
Small groups
promote classroom community
Tailor instructions to group's
ability level
Knowledge of Diversity
How do I go about creating a
classroom environment
without biases?
Cultural biases
Use social studies as a way to
educate students on various
cultures reflected throughout the
classroom
Religions and cultures other than my own
Acknowledge holidays of all
religions/cultures reflected
throughout the classroom
Behavioral biases
Start fresh every day
Praise partial correctness with struggling readers
"I noticed you said 'flower' instead of
'plant'! I liked that you used the picture
to ask 'what makes sense?' Let's go
back and look at that word again
though"
Treat difficult students
the same as you treat
the best students