I've been teaching for a long time and have always accepted the "old" school of thought where the teacher knew best and school came first, even when the school day was over with. These first two chapters opened my eyes that I had been looking at students family life with blinders. I always assumed there was a quiet place to study, parents that are able and willing to help, time for the child to spend studying, and supplies and materials available to them, including a computer of late. I always thought that if students did not get their homework finished its because they were lazy and just didn't want to do it. I still have a hard time dismissing that belief.
These chapters made me realize that there are many expectations and demands on the students from the moment school is out. Some have jobs, some have parents that work late so the student goes to a relative or friends house until mom or dad come home, some live with their grandparents, some must babysit their younger siblings, some have chores or work around the house and just don't have the time to spend on homework until late and then they are so exhausted or tired they can't think clearly to do the work properly.
There is a change occuring in the parent-school relationship where more power is being taken by the parent and the school having less control. In my experience I just had been teaching my music classes to have the students perform in concerts and festivals and not realizing the changes that have been taking place. As a result of reading these first two chapters I am questioning my own reasons for doing what I am doing in the classroom, what is it that the students should learn in my areas that will help them be more complete human beings and contribute to a better society and life for themselves and others. I am looking forward to being encouraged and challenged in this book as well as what other colleagues will be writing.
This is my first hurtle to get over because I have never done or even looked at blogs before. I just hope this will go where it is suppose to go when I hit publish.
Written by Daryl Wissink
