(no subject)
I've decided to reflect here, for one, because even if my computer crashes, my thoughts will still be here, and for two, because I've yet to give up the hope that somewhere in the universe, someone reads such things and considers them gravely.
I am hip deep in TfA pre-institute homework and I need to take some time to reflect on the diversity training information. For one, I am in love with the idea of a mother pausing to reflect critically with her preschool and early learners on social issues displayed (or missing) from their picture books. I want to be aware enough to say-look there, what is wrong with this image? and yet I am aware that I do not want a critical and fault finding consciousness to mar my relationship with texts that bring me comfort and joy.
Critical thinking and world awareness are important skills for everyone to have. Like cooperative and collaborative communication, as well as malleable intelligence and ability to foster change, these skills figure highly in my ideal world, not the least because I am lacking or deficient in them! My problem is that the list of important things gets longer and longer and nowhere in my training manual have the instructors yet covered how to prioritize the things that do not appear on the state skills tests. It is perfectly all right to prioritize reading and writing, but how does interest in discovering/accumulating new information or ability to cope with shifts in cultural strata or linear perspective of forethought fit in? My colleagues are considering manners. I am swamped with philosophy! Aren't the underpinning most important? With underpinnings, one may continue in the face of disaster and derailment on a fairly parallel track and have the ability to return to the correct topic eventually with little or no stress. Without, the details mean less than nothing and the scope is a blank map with a tiny dot saying "you are here." I need more. I need an overview.
I will return to this topic after a small break to read, eat, live, and generally cram while packing.
I am hip deep in TfA pre-institute homework and I need to take some time to reflect on the diversity training information. For one, I am in love with the idea of a mother pausing to reflect critically with her preschool and early learners on social issues displayed (or missing) from their picture books. I want to be aware enough to say-look there, what is wrong with this image? and yet I am aware that I do not want a critical and fault finding consciousness to mar my relationship with texts that bring me comfort and joy.
Critical thinking and world awareness are important skills for everyone to have. Like cooperative and collaborative communication, as well as malleable intelligence and ability to foster change, these skills figure highly in my ideal world, not the least because I am lacking or deficient in them! My problem is that the list of important things gets longer and longer and nowhere in my training manual have the instructors yet covered how to prioritize the things that do not appear on the state skills tests. It is perfectly all right to prioritize reading and writing, but how does interest in discovering/accumulating new information or ability to cope with shifts in cultural strata or linear perspective of forethought fit in? My colleagues are considering manners. I am swamped with philosophy! Aren't the underpinning most important? With underpinnings, one may continue in the face of disaster and derailment on a fairly parallel track and have the ability to return to the correct topic eventually with little or no stress. Without, the details mean less than nothing and the scope is a blank map with a tiny dot saying "you are here." I need more. I need an overview.
I will return to this topic after a small break to read, eat, live, and generally cram while packing.