I particularly liked that this book clearly defined the difference between "immigrant children," and the "children of immigrants," wish such detail. I also thought it was interesting to see the different considerations that need to be given to children immigrating from one country to another, the different possible scenarios, and the consequences and hardships associated with immigration and the anxiety it could cause. Chapter 3 was particularly illuminating in describing the many factors that could be at stake with a child that is moving to another country. They could be living with relatives, with a single parent, waiting back in their home country while one parent comes to the other country to work and come back for the rest of the family... the list goes on and on...
Looking at the statistics of the different scenarios, it made me think about my student teaching and what kind of students am I teaching? Maybe a student is checking out because he or she is adjusting to a new environment and new educational customs? Or they're possibly just unable to understand what's expected of them, among several other possible reasons. It makes me think again about some of my students and how they are behaving. Perhaps they have no parental unit at home, or perhaps they have just been reunited with their family. I thought it was interesting to add another layer to my understanding of students who come from other countries, and now easy it is to assume that their parents don't care, or that they themselves don't care, when either, or neither could be the case, and it could just be a matter of circumstance for them. But how do you cater a lesson plan to a student in that sort of situation without excluding them or holding back the other students? These are the dilemmas that face teachers day in and day out. Perhaps we need to take a look at what resources we could give our students before writing them off.
I think that you asking yourself those questions about your students and their backgrounds is one thing that can help you become a good teacher. Being aware of where your students are coming from can create a much more welcoming and open learning environment. I think it's impossible for teachers to know everything about each one of their students, but they at least need to show interest and ask questions in the hopes of finding out more about their students. Doing that will, hopefully, allow you to develop a more effective lesson plan.
ReplyDeleteI also liked how it emphasized the considerations that need to be taken for each student. However, I don't know if you are like me, but I was almost overwhelmed when reading this as a perspective teacher. I was overwhelmed because it made me realize just how complex the lives of each student are and it made me worry that due to this I won't be able to properly accommodate each one. I suppose the reading almost brought out one of my biggest fears as a teacher, failing my students. Overall, I agree that this book highlighted many dilemmas of teachers.
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