I think one of the greatest diversity issues at our school is students being able to accept other people's differences. The middle school years are a difficult time for all students, as many are insecure about themselves. I think this factor contributes to the reason why some really struggle with accepting kids who are different - weigh more, dress differently, don't wear their hair the same... Sometimes an insecure student finds it easier to pick on someone else who is different, so his/her differences don't stand out.
I do not know how to stop the hurtful comments that students make, but I believe it is our job as educators to "sweat the small stuff." We must not act like we didn't hear a rude remark, but instead take the time to talk to the students making them. After watching the news about a recent school shooting I see an even more urgent need to take the time to build community and meet students' need to belong, be acknowledged, and be accepted. I believe that making time to meet these needs contributes to students accepting each other and students enjoying school. If students enjoy school they will want to come to school, therefore improving student attendance and therefore improve student learning.
I still feel that it may be difficult to accept others for our differences even as adults. But definetly hard for middle school students. Your comment in regard to "sweat the small stuff" was a theme during our responsive classroom training this past summer. The trainer encouraged us to "crack the whip" and not let small things go unnoticed. Just as in building community and teaching things to our students, we need to address many of the problems that occur involving differences and social justice. Sometimes not easy to do as we want to get through today's lesson and addressing these issues takes time.
ReplyDeleteBuilding community helps but how can we motivate students to take these thoughts and ideas home and teach them to their parents or families? Often times children will take things to school from what they hear on tv as well as in their homes.