When I think of diversity as an educator, I think whatever it takes. Whatever it takes to provide for that student, reach that student or inspire that student, whether it is a physical need, an emotional need or an intellectual need. We all honestly know what diversity is. What we have to consider as educators is how to provide for it. We have to ask ourselves, “What does this unique student need?” and “What does this average student need?” I consider my current classroom of twenty-seven fourth graders, a fair cross section of my school’s student body. I have many levels of diversity, which I see also as needs, among my students. I have four gifted students, two students with learning disabilities, six students with speech disabilities, five students in the Early Intervention Program, students on medication for attention problems, and students with vision problems, which require some type of modification. I have students who are white, students who are African American, and students who are mixed. But that is really just the tip of the iceberg. I have students who love to read, but struggle in Math. I have students who love Math, but struggle to read. I have students who worry about their families’ financial situation. I have students who love to draw, students who love Science or Social Studies, and some who just love PE and recess and nothing else. My point is this; ALL these students come to the Media Center! As Media Specialists we must focus on providing information and access to that information for all these types of needs that a diverse student body has. WHATEVER IT TAKES!
By Cecilia:
ReplyDeleteI applaud your desire to reach and teach every student, no matter what their learning abilities, family situation, subject preferences and skills are. I see this, too, as a parent of three children who are spaced very close together. We, as adults are vastly different, with different strengths, experiences, abilities, likes and dislikes, without rhyme or reason. Why shouldn’t young students be the same? I like your WHATEVER IT TAKES approach, and certainly use it with my own children when I coach, tutor and support them academically. But it is exhausting and all-consuming! So, too, I imagine, it is in the classroom.
The media center is uniquely placed to interest, entice and support all populations, all affinities, and all learning levels. What other area in the school can say this? After visiting a local high school last year, a comment from the media specialist really stuck with me, “Some kids come here who don’t have anywhere else to go; few friends, interests, and little support.” This really cements the idea that the media center is (among other things), a safe haven and respite for many students, no matter how different there lives are.
Great post! Diversity is made of up many different components. It is not just about a child's race. Listing all of the differences that you see in your students and then pointing out that they all visit the media center really shows why the media center needs a variety of books. If the media center provides diverse books, it is making a step toward getting every student involved in reading. I think that most students who claim to not like to read just haven't found books that interest them.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great view point, no two students are alike! The media center can be the hub of diversity in a school and should really be a place to go to find out about how to meet the needs of all learners. Every students & teacher should be using the media center & feel comfortable enough to ask for help when needed & be provided for. Media centers are having to stock pile more of the high interest low reading level books for the reluctant readers (many times in the form of graphic novels). A media center should positively impact every person in the school community. We can provide large text media, media that is read aloud, & electronic media. We should have books students can relate to & connect with.
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