Even though we have
discussed it many times in this class and other classes, I have realized after
reading these chapters how important it is to bring every student’s cultural
background into the classroom. We have talked a lot about teaching children
about the culture around here, but also allowing them to keep their cultural
identity and share it with the class. When students begin to learn a new
language, they are learning the culture, language, the people, etc., not just
the actual language. Sometimes students feel like they are losing their
original identity and eventually lose their other culture completely. It is our
job as teachers to incorporate everyone’s culture into the classroom, so that
no one feels lost or left out.
When students are learning a second language, their
teacher is a huge influence on what they learn about that second language, the
culture, the people that speak it, etc. It is the teacher’s job to give them a non-bias
and good view as to what the culture is like. You do not want your students to
have a bad idea of what the culture is. You always want to incorporate their
culture as well, so they are learning their new culture, but do not lose their
other one. It talked about how it is important to let your students know that
their language and cultural style is unique and wonderful. We are not trying to
change their cultural background in any way; we are just introducing another
one to them. It is important to constantly let them know how important their
other cultural background is as well. Another thing the book said that I
thought was great advice for every teacher was that we should create critical
cultural consciousness among our students; it is an obligation not an option. We
are the ones teaching the children their knowledge, so while doing so we need
to do it appropriately.
Deciding what the appropriate teaching materials are to
use with your second language learners is a difficult task at hand as well.
They need to be taught in an appropriate manner, so they do not lose their
cultural background and understand how important it is to them. Also, the role
of their home language is something that needs to be considered as well. These
students are learning a second language, which can sometimes be difficult
enough and on top of that have to learn the culture behind it and other
important aspects of learning a new language. Teachers need to take into consideration
the language that is being used at home and how it may affect their learning.
Depending on how they use the language at home, how much they use it, where and
when, etc. can affect how the child is going to learn their second language.
Many of these aspects of learning need to be taken into consideration when
teaching a second language to these students.
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