If I were teacher of this classroom I am sure that there would be many challenges I would have to face. Since there are some students within Mrs. Rose’s classroom that do speak Spanish, whether it be as a first language or a second, they are still experiencing a completely different culture from that of the classroom. While I can in no means speak Spanish fluently, I speak it somewhat and I do have a large knowledge of Spanish culture and traditions. If I were the teacher of this classroom I would somehow bring in aspects of their Spanish culture or whatever their culture may be. Whether it be teaching the kids vocabulary words in Spanish and English, or having a day where we celebrate their culture. I personally feel as if it would be unfair to not incorporate their culture. A persons culture should never be forgotten, only widely embraced. I’m sure that I would face some difficulties if the parents of the children were Spanish speaking since I can’t speak Spanish fluently. I feel like if I hired a translator the personal connection between the parent and I would be lost. Maybe the key would be to learn Spanish as a second language.
This prompt can be directly related to Lisa Delpit and her article “The Silenced Dialogue”. Delpit emphasizes the importance of a parent and teacher relationship. The work of the teacher can only be carried out effectively if at home the parents are carrying on that work. Delpit believes that teachers should adapt to their students culture and somehow bring that culture into the classroom. Within “The Silenced Dialogue”, Delpit talks about something known as the culture of power. This is the idea that as a classroom and as a teacher we do not get to decide what we get to teach our students, the culture of power does, this being the white middle class. Within the culture of power students are expected to just conform to it and accept it. When in reality they shouldn't be just accepting everything that they are taught, they should be questioning it, they should be questioning the culture of power. Instead of forcing these kids into the culture of power, we should be integrating their own culture. Hopefully in the future more schools can look to Lisa Delpit to stand up against the culture of power and embrace the many different ethnicities and culture that make up the melting pot of America.
Hi Chelsea,
ReplyDeleteYou are correct that Delpit believes that heritage cultures should be recognized and integrated into the classroom. You are also correct that Delpit does not think we should simply accept the culture of power as inevitable. Missing from your discussion, however, is a main part of her argument: all students should be invested with the culture of power. Otherwise, we are simply perpetuating the status quo.
Keep thinking on these things,
Dr. August