If Britt Wall Makes a Quilt...

So I have this assignment.

And I haven't had time to blog for awhile.

And I LOVE multi-tasking.

So, here it goes.

I have this professor who has asked us to relate to her what we have taken from her course. I thought that maybe it would be inappropriate to tell her through a blog because I am well known for my VERY serious intellect on here...
But then again, I think I am onto something.

Plus Britt told me she is making a quilt to display her idea and that was my other idea, so blog it is.

Sherry is going to read this with an open mind.
Because that is what the Aboriginal perspectives promotes.

Seriously though, I would like to state that in taking this course on Aboriginal Education, I have made some valuable connections to my real life and to my educational philosophy - and making those sorts of connections is what enables learning and retention:

1) Integrating Aboriginal perspectives into my future classroom is not going to be difficult. In fact, it is happening already in modern classes without teachers even knowing or understanding the implications of what they are planning and doing: We have a more child centered learning focus, we acknowledge that students retain information better when they can move. So let's get outside. Let's dance. Let's sing.

Literally. The kids just cranked some crazy Chipmunk dance tunes. I am dancing and typing.

2) The Universal Design: What is good for some students can be good for all. Shouldn't all children be motivated intrinsically? If we want this to happen, shouldn't we make it possible by offering them hands on experiences that are relevant to their way of life?  There is no better way to help make key connections between curriculum and real life than in a natural setting.

"One of the traditional beliefs of many Aboriginal peoples is that all people, regardless of age, have gifts that can be shared with others and it is necessary to respect, accept and appreciate these gifts for what they can bring the community" (Aboriginal Perspectives p. 16).

Without even realizing it, my own education philosophy was formulated with the same ideas in mind. In a fast paced world where our children must learn to think creatively for the betterment of our Earth's future, I think the holistic worldview of the Aboriginal people had better find a way into every classroom! We need to teach all children that the land is a giver of life - and needs to be cared for and respected. We need to show every student that they have something valuable to offer this land.

I quoted from the Aboriginal Perspectives document because my professor helped write it.

I am not above being a teacher's pet.

And finally...

I realized that a blog is a great place to write such a reflection because the Aboriginal perspectives embrace humor and laughter in learning.

And really...if more of us could remember to laugh more often...we would all be a lot less stressed out...especially over learning logs.