January+31,+2012+-+HALR+Ch+4+reflection

Reflections on Chapter 4 – HALR “Contexts for Adolescent Literacy”

This chapter contained a wealth of information that would truly help the schools that are wondering what they need to do to reach their underperforming students. There isn’t a simplistic fix, but there is a strong theme of COLLABORATION throughout the pages. It was interesting to see that in thriving schools, parents and community are welcomed into the classrooms, and are seen as a resource to support student learning. This welcome approach tears down the walls between a student’s home and education. The more positive interactions students witness between educators and their community members, the more they realize that everyone takes an active role to help and support them. At our school we have a program called Capturing Kid’s Hearts by Flip Flippen, which teaches us how important our school and classroom cultures are in the success of our students. The students look forward to being greeted by their teachers, especially in the morning. That seems to be the time when we catch the body language, if they are having a bad day or family issues. We have a clearer understanding of what might be on their mind when they seem detached in class. It also helps them know that someone cares about what is going on in their life. Originally, we always greeted them with a handshake or fist pump. Now, I try to make sure that I greet each one individually and ask at least one question relating to their interests. It doesn’t guarantee that we will reach every student, but it has made a difference overall. This welcoming and caring culture spills over into the classroom where students see their work displayed on the walls. I consider my classroom walls to be similar to their refrigerator at home where their work might be proudly displayed for all to see.