The Red Shoe starts out by explaining how as a student, Linda Webb was called “nasty” by her teacher for tying her shoe with her mouth. The teacher did not know that Linda’s mom was born with no hands and that was how she learned to tie shoes. This article is a good example of why we need to get to know about students as people. We need to know about their families and how things may be done at home. There is no place in the classroom for teachers who call their student’s names. Linda grew up to become a teacher and there was a student in her class that all the other teachers talked bad about. After getting to know this student, Linda Webb found out that the girl had to make sure her younger sister got to prekindergarten on time. This was going to always make her late for Ms. Webb’s class. Ms. Webb worked with the student, who was an A and B student, by not counting her tardy to class because she was helping take care of her family.
Why Is That Child So Rude?, is also about getting to know your students and the situations some may have at home. I liked how the article asked the questions but then gave you examples of them in the classroom. Knowing where your students come from and finding ways to help them all be successful in the classroom is an important part of teaching. I liked the idea of giving students time before and/or after school to help them complete their homework. I have seen too many teachers say, “Homework should be done at home.” Teachers need have a new perspective about the type of students they may end up with in their classroom.
I have worked in a Title 1 school before so I have seen all types of students come into the classroom. Now, at the Boys and Girls Club, I feel that that experience has helped me understand some of their situations better. As stated in both articles, I am taking the time to get to know some of the students better and find their interests. I think back to The Red Shoe when I hear things some of the students are saying or doing. I am trying my best not to make judgements of the students I am working with while being there. Like in the article Why Is This Child So Rude?, I have seen some students come to the club with dirty clothes that are a little too small or too big. I know what it is like to have clothes that are most likely hand-me downs or purchased in a second-hand shop. It is nice to see that none of the other students seem to notice what the other students are wearing. I know how mean children can be. One of the schools that comes to the club is required to wear uniforms. I am really looking forward to working with these students this semester.