Becoming Something Different: Learning from Esmé 

Connections: 

I could connect this reading to two others that we have discussed in class. The first, is "The Silenced Dialogue, because that reading talks about teaching methods that do not work for students and their voices being silenced. Esmé had to be put into reading classes, that at some point in her education she didn't need to be in. When they discuss her time in sixth grade, she says that one of her teachers explained the assignment to her but she still did't understand. Her questions, were silenced in a way because the teacher assumed she understood even though she did not. The teaching methods, need to be altered obviously if these children are not understanding and failing major tests that they need in order to graduate. Esmé was silenced when she was in middle school, because she didn't have to resources to change anything. In high school, she was able to get into classes that she was comfortable in, but that was only after she learned how to find and use resources, such as her friends. 

The second text that this reminded me of was "Aria", because it was about a similar situation. Both people came from spanish speaking homes, and it was hard for them to adjust to learning english in schools. Esmé had and easier time than Richard, but the fact is, that the teachers and schools didn't make it any easier for them to adjust or learn by the schools standards. It is sad that a person has to hide their culture or language in order to learn english and be educated here in the United States. I think that embracing ones culture and language should be valued in schools, because that is the only way to keep language and traditions alive. I intend to be a Spanish teacher, and hopefully one day I will be able to teach spanish speaking students and not only teach them, but also learn from them. In this way, they can feel appreciated in the classroom, instead of feeling lost or confused about what is being taught. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17hvPhRf9ik

talking point:

The link above, is about a school in Texas, whose principal banned the students from speaking spanish. They said that the language was causing disruptions.  I found it ridiculous because half of the students speak spanish as a first language. I think that is basically taking away human rights, because how does anyone have the authority to dictate what a person can or can not say? The country is in for a rude awakening if schools start to ban any other language other than english. English is not the only dominant language in this country anymore, and everyone should be able to speak whatever language they choose to.