Building a Sense of Pride
5/18/2018
As technology makes the world smaller by developing apps like Skype to make communication across continents possible, softwares like Rosetta Stone to make learning a new language with just a computer, and digital maps like Google Maps to see places virtually. This technological evolution also makes competition in the real world tougher. We need to prepare students to be globally competitive in this increasingly complex and evolving world. In third grade, students are encouraged to respect other people's beliefs, opinion, and culture. They experienced talking to other third graders in other states and country via Skype. The books read in class introduced them to different children with different socio-economic status. They were taught to write their opinion on things that matter to them. They were given a chance to listen to other kids' opinion and to how to give their feedback respectfully. All these things help them see the world, beyond our classroom walls. However, we don't just want them to be globally competitive. We also want them to be locally engaged.
The most important question asked by one of the students was "How can a third grader help the community?" Mayor responded eloquently, he explained to the kids that our city will become what they want it to be, depending on the choices they make. They can start by being kind to their friends and by not leaving trash on the street. The kids learned more about what comprised the local government and most of all, they learned that our mayor is just within reach. Third graders also went to Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the Alaskan people and culture. As important as it is to teacher students about other cultures, they also have to celebrate their own culture. Being Alaskan kids, learning about Alaskan culture does not only give them the opportunity to understand and celebrate where they live but it also gives them a cultural base that they can take with them as they grow up in a diverse country. Culture plays an important role in shaping our principles and beliefs. Hearing about Alaska's rich history, its different languages, and ways of living help us discover new things and realize Alaska's uniqueness. As these third graders learn to appreciate Alaska's beauty, its wilderness and rich culture, they have also begun to build a sense of pride.
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Jessica GrahamMs. Graham graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, and is currently working on her master's in reading. She enjoys hiking, traveling, arts & crafts, and playing the ukulele. Archives
April 2021
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