Module+2+discussion

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Professors Questions
1. What does research say about the topic? BM - Research says that reading aloud to children has always been considered important and is still considered important in growing strong readers. However, in the past parents were looked down upon when they did not provide what we considered to be the correct literacy foundation for their children. Now researchers say that even though these parents do not provide our ideal literacy foundation they are providing a literacy foundation appropriate to their home and culture. ZL- Research says that some families feel that schools are trying to impose the literacy values on them. However, a positive relationship must be developed for this to happen and for the benefit of students. NH- It is important for all children to have literacy in their home no matter what schools think is correct. Literacy foundation differs from culture to culture and should be appreciated for what it is.

2. Reconstruct ways that we can connect what we know to what we should apply. BM - Rather than continuing to be frustrated with parents who cannot or will not follow our advice on how to help us and their children we must open our minds and find new ways to help children connect their home "funds of knowledge" to the literacy instruction we provide in school. ZL-Many students are frustrated at school because of parents frustrated at home. We as educators should learn to form a relationship of trust in the classroom that brings a positive light to learn. Then in turn, students can take that home and touch the lives of their parents in a constructive manner. NH- Teachers need to be an advocate for their students in their literacy education. Teachers need to be creative in finding ways to connect with parents and students to garner more success in school.

3. Support partnerships with parents and other significant adults. BM-Again, rather than being frustrated because the parents won't do what I feel they need to do, I need to look for ways to connect home liteacy to the specific culture or home environment to the classroom. I need to find ways to make connections for the parents as learners just as I work to make connections for the children. ZL- In the world in which we live today, parents are just trying to keep the house running. Family resources are stretched for many families making the strain a very real one. When schools/teachers as well as parents see that more can be accomplished working together versus working against each other great things will happen. NH-To support partnerships with parents and other adults, schools need to flexable about the times in which parents can met and met them where they are. I think technology has made it easier to form partnerships with parents. Because of technology parents can get involved throught the web to make it easier to fit their schedules.

Personal Questions: * indicates professor answer question
NH 1. How can I implement these strategies in my own classroom? NH *2. Do teachers still believe that parents are the problem or is it lack of knowledge of what to do to help their student s? BM - I feel it is both. Yes, I want to be respectful of the families' culture and home funds of knowledge but I feel like the effort needs to come from both sides. No, the parents don't know all there is to know about reading education but if I ask them to provide some reading time at home in the evening I would like them to honor my request. We've all worked all day, gone to school at night, cooked dinner, and still squeezed in literacy for our children. It is hard but you still have to make reading a priority. ZL-I have often said as that parents can be the problem, but also can be the solution. What is important for teachers to understand is that "life happens." We are in a society of constant movement. As educators we need to see the busy society that we live in and work to make family connection with academics a success. NH 3. What is other districts doing to ensure that home literacy is getting done?

BM 1. Did I really just read about yet another item in education where the teacher is not doing enough? It makes sense but my shoulders droop at the thought that now I have one more responsibility in I must work to meet the family's funds of knowledge rather than them coming to our educational funds of knowledge. ZL:It does seem that education is always the first to get a bad wrap. Turn on the nightly news and you will see evidence of that each day. As a teacher, we must be proactive, moving forward, and understand those that are making the judgements against education are often many times very separated from the educational process. NH- I agree whole heartedly. No one likes anyone to tell them they are not doing a good job, I feel education is sometimes like eating at a restaurant, you have one bad experience and vow that all of the locations are bad. Also negatives go a lot further than positives. It upsets me because I know there are teachers out there that bend over backwards and work rediculous hours to get everything finished. What I think is funny is when I have this debate with noneducators they are always like "you are the exception," and I say NO the teacher you are talking about is the exception there are great teachers everywhere but they are not the end all be all it takes a village! runon sentence enough for a rant? :) BM 2. How specifically am I to connect these funds of knowledge that seem so inferior to what I need the child to know?
 * BM 3. If I invite a non-English speaking or a limited English speaking mother to my classroom many of whom don't read Spanish or English, what job or activity can I offer them that will benefit both the adult and the children?

ZL 1)* How did this chapter open your eyes to all the factors of having a student ready to be successful in school? NH- This chapter opened my eyes because I realize that many parents just dont know what to do and they need me to tell them. I forget not everyone went to teacher college and know what is best for their children when it comes to learning. I have to remember that I am the expert and I need to share that with parents. ZL 2) How do you interpret the term “classroom literacy?” ZL 3) How do you feel about research saying, when all is said and done the teacher makes the difference? BM - I feel like we make A difference but not THE difference. The five years of life before a child enters school is time that was either spent building pathways in the brain or not. We can work smart and hard to promote literacy but we are not THE determining factor. There are a lot of hours and experiences that happen outside the school setting. Hopefully we can provoke an internal motivation for a child to seize as many opportunities as possible.