In chapter 3 of Educational Psychology by Anita Woolfolk, it talks about the development of oneself. Developing the students self is very important especially in the younger grades. This will help shape the student in his or her personality. I currently have a great opportunity to see a class work with and how they have changed and grown. I have been with the 2nd graders for three years now. Remembering how they were in Kindergarten to now is a great experience. The child that cried everyday for the first two months, now comes in very proud and happy every morning, knowing he is a role model for his younger sister. This experience also showed me a different side of the girls. In Kindergarten and first grade, many of the girls would have arguments, but there is one girl who always stayed out of it. This year, the girl has a bit of an attitude. Even though the years before she was the sweetest person ever, she grunts and rolls her eyes at us.
This chapter also speaks to me on a personal level. I was recently told that I run my house as a dictatorship. Even though I kindly disagree, it did make me think about how I “run” my house. In this chapter it speaks about the different parenting styles (pg. 83). I personally believe I have an Authoritative parenting style, “ set clear limits, enforce rules, and encourage mature behavior. But they are warm with their children. They listen to concerns, gives reasons for rules, forgive mistakes, and allow more democratic decision making. There is less strict punishment and more guidance. Parents help children think through the consequences of their actions” (pg.83)
I truly believe that the way a teacher is at school is the same way she runs her household. I do see myself as sort of lenient with the children at school. For example, after Halloween a girl was crying because her mother packed some candy in her lunch bag and all the other kids were “telling” on her. I explained to her that the candy is in her pocket and I can't see it. It is okay as long as she goes back to her locker and puts it in there. I wasn't going to let her teacher know and did not “get her in trouble” over some candy.
When it comes to self identification, the adolescent years can be difficult. You can really see this in Jr. High where many of the girls are friends one minute then physically fighting the next. Even though parents don't want to admit, the peers are the ones who will influence each other the most. Even if it is in a negative way. At lunch, you are able to see the different cliques. You can tell they are cliques because “Cliques are relatively small, friendship-based groups.” When I walked into our Jr. High lunch, I was able to tell who was friends with who, and even some of their interests. Mainly the Pokemon card gave away one group, and the girls with the books were also a give away.
When my son switched baseball team this year, I was worried that he wont have any friends. He went from being comfortable with his coaches and teammates, to starting all over. The team he went into was all ready a set team. Lucky for us, everyone on the team was really nice and welcoming. They really took to Ernie and accepted him as one of their own. I really that now he is at the stage where he is just trying to find himself in the team.
I love how you talked about watching a student develop from a shy kindergartener to a fearless second grader who has no problem going to school. That must have been really cool to see! I also agree with you when you said that self identification in adolescent years can be difficult. Unfortunately cliques are everywhere in schools, but it is our job as educators to break the mold and start showing the importance of diversity in our classrooms. Each student is unique in their own way and these differences deserve to be celebrated.
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