I hope that my essence as a teacher will be like a gourmet food store. When you walk into a gourmet grocery, the senses are almost overwhelmed by colorful fruits, vegetables, food labels, signs, and people... and that's only what you see. The scents in each section of the store are interesting and curious, whether cheeses or cured meats or wines or freshly baked breads. Perhaps my favorite part about these stores is the samples they invite shoppers to taste, only causing further intrigue about the new food. Not only do I love the layout and sights and scents and smells of gourmet food stores, I always learn something new about myself. I learn that I actually enjoy foods I did not even know existed, or that I am more adventurous with food than in any other area of my life. I learn about different cultures and languages as I discuss the differences between French chevre and Greek sheep's milk cheese with the person at the counter. I feel both excited and enlightened as I talk to more experienced "gourmands" and realize that my eyes are only just being opened to this whole new world of food.
Let me explain how this relates to teaching elementary school children, who probably have no idea what an eggplant tastes like, much less how great it tastes in Ratatouille. I hope that as a teacher, I will be filled with color and life and invite children into the boundless world of education. I want them to be taken in by all the sights, sounds, scents, and tastes of learning. If at first writing a paragraph seems like tasting an artichoke for the first time, I want to show children that they may actually enjoy and come to love writing, just like I have come to love artichokes. Just as anyone can discover treats for their tastebuds or learn from a gourmet food store about how different cultures embrace foods, I believe that every student can find subjects that they enjoy and excel at in school. I cannot wait to find that little spark in each child that makes them come alive inside and help them to feel comfortable enough to take risks in their learning. I want to help children discover that they have talents they never knew about and interests in subjects they did not know existed. Each student can also be a teacher, just as each department of the food store has its own connoisseurs that can explain to everyone else the wonders of what they know.
One of my most enlightening experiences in teaching thus far that embodies this metaphor was when I taught special ed kindergarteners in summer school this past summer. For one month, one teacher and myself were responsible for teaching four special needs children, and I loved every minute of it. I walked in a little apprehensive and nervous the first day, but my heart just melted as I received hugs, laughs, learned new games, from these children. I learned the absolute necessity of constant encouragement and its impact on children's learning, and also the arts of patience and flexibility. I learned that I myself really enjoy being around children with special needs, and that I am much more patient than I imagined when teaching these children. Every lesson had to be taught several ways from new angles, so I was constantly at work, modifying what I had planned in order to better fit each child's needs. This experience unlocked a whole new world for me of what special education is about and how precious these children are. I never thought I would learn so much from them, and though I plan to teach in a general ed classroom, I know that I will continue to seek to learn more about special education in my years as a teacher. I know that every child has special interests and talents, and is able to learn, because I saw little Brysen, still in diapers at age 6 and unable to speak, make progress in one month of summer school in his fine motor skills!
5 comments:
Your metaphor is both creatively fresh and incredibly apt for the type of teacher it seems that you are growing to be. I am particularly fascinated with the notion of pushing students to try new foods (learning styles or facts). I couldn't agree more that it is the role of the educator to not only know what a students "regular" choice from the academic menu would be, but also to find ways of serving new knowledge to that student so that he or she is neither grossed out by the current dish nor discouraged from the process of acquiring new tastes.
Your metaphor was colorful and creative. I have never viewed a grocery store as enticing and exciting as you described it, however, I am sold on your idea. This metaphor allows children to experience new things and new cultures. Experience is the key word, most of the other metaphors rely on supporting the child, but yours relies on giving the child new experiences and perspectives, but still allowing them to feel safe. I was also really impressed with your idea of having each student be a teacher. I feel as though this is critical in a child's education, because it requires the child to be able to apply and explain the knowledge he or she has acquired, therefore deepening his/her understanding of the particular subject. You are going to be a wonderful teacher, giving education a breath of fresh air (and color!)
Kaely,
I could have identified this to be your teaching metaphor without even seeing your name attached to it! It is always so encouraging to hear you so excited about providing your students with exciting and creative ways to learn. To provide a classroom as enriching and diverse and sensory as a gourmet food store is a wonderful goal to have and will be so beneficial to the development of your students. I would want to send my own children to your class because you see beyond the textbook and see learning as so much more than rote knowledge. You do a great job of recognizing the differences in students and this will help you as a teacher because students will find that “spark” at different paces and in different areas. Thank you for sharing your metaphor with us!
I really enjoyed reading your metaphor. I could visualize every red, orange, green, and yellow, as I too love food! Your passion and enthusiam for creating a fresh and inviting learning environment was evident. I particulary enjoyed reading that your hopes for students in areas such as writing will develop just as your love of artichokes have evolved. You made an excellent point in regard to students taking risks during the learning process. Its important for children to have new experiences and gain insight in areas they otherwise would not have explored. Reading your metaphor has opened my eyes to teaching in a colorful and refreshing way! You will be a great inspiration for students in your class!
Kaely-
Given that I visit my favorite gourmet food store (Feast!) at least a few times a week, I am very much drawn to your metaphor with its vivid imagery and description. The notion that teachers can spark curiosity for learning--much like those beautiful displays make us want to try new foods--is an important one to capture. And I do agree that there is much to be learned from the older, more seasoned (pardon the pun) "gourmands"--almost all of what I know about good teaching and good food, I have learned from others who have more experience than myself. It is important that we rely on these resources to help shape our thinking and our work.
Post a Comment