Teaching Hope: Engagement Reflection

Having seen Freedom Writer's Diary and being in the process of reading this book, it makes be wonder if it would be worth while to have a notebook in my room that students can write into while they start class. It would be a good thing to get them started and hopefully make them feel comfortable in class. Obviously some students would take it more seriously, and have more to say, than others. However, having that option to express their feelings in words knowing someone might read it and empathize with them could be a comforting and reassuring feeling.

The entry regarding the student who was so adamant about the Confederate Flag made me consider the fact that I will likely have many students who feel the same way in my classes--especially living in this area. Although I will be a math teacher, how will I teach these valuable lessons to my students? Yes, it is their right to flaunt the flag/apparel; however, I need to express the importance of respecting others and not generalizing people based on race. Although I cannot change their minds, I can set a good example and hope they follow suit.