Towell, Smilan and Hellman response

It is of great importance to educate children (of all ages) about different cultures. Once one understands more about another they are able to empathize with them. I think that using picture books is a great way to introduce students to unfamiliar cultures and can be successful if you allow them time to think and respond. It's important that students relate on a personal level, so they should be encouraged to share experiences and make connections. The article states that, "the goal of a literate society is the ability to negotiate meaning." Student's who are pushed to compare visual and verbal context will produce multiple ways of knowing, which will improve their abilities to think critically. Picture books, especially postmodern, often have more than one meaning. This leaves room for students to discuss, reflect and explore new found information brought to attention through the books.

reading analysis: two

"Your Place or Mine?"

This article suggested using multicultural children's books to kick-start the learning process for students by getting them to think critically. They broke down examination of the book into three categories: place, culture and art. The combined analysis of these three things can assist the teacher in choosing the right book for their students. It helps to create an experience for students and it allows them to make personal connections as well as learn about cultures other than their own.

reading analysis: one

I believe that the readings assigned were all quite different, but I managed to make some connection. These articles all touched on importance of expressing individuality and making personal connections in the classroom to educate students. The readings made me realize how important it is to embrace differences, not ignore them. Teachers should make school a place to educate students on a range of issues present within our society, so that we can improve the future.  We can all learn from one another. As future teachers we should be willing to let our students teach us a thing or two and take their personal interests and backgrounds into consideration while creating lessons. It is important to listen and take our students' (of any age) points of view seriously. Racism is not yet part of the past, it is built into the systems in which we work in and live. This cannot change unless we are willing to learn more about our differences, embrace them and move forward.

artist statement

To me creation is necessary to learn and grow as a person. Different mediums interest me at different times, though there is one I consistently return to. I am at (most) times an absentminded individual and I feel that this has led to my growing obsession with photography. I've chosen this as a concentration because I've not been able to set my camera down since the day i bought it. I love that it allows me to reflect on moments of the past and share that idea with others. I like to use my camera as a tool to provoke feeling in my viewer(s). I prefer photos that look less "photo realistic," if that even makes sense.. I prefer to see evidence of human contact and movement, which is often viewed as imperfection and laziness in photography.  Whatever it may be, I like it.

THE INSIDE OUT PROJECT

JR is an artist currently working on a large scale global participatory art project known as INSIDE OUT. To watch a trailer on the project click here. To learn more and/or take part click here.