Authenticity

• Real. Genuine. Truthful. These are all words that come to mind when I think of authenticity. While being authentic is important, there are also limits to being authentic. When being authentic one must be original but not too original. Now while that sounds silly, but basically what it comes down too is your authenticity cannot effect other people in the process. Especially in a school setting there are lots of opportunities for children to be authentic. However, there are also many chances for children to not be authentic by cheating, bulling, and other malicious activities.

Teachers also need to limit their authenticity by staying true to themselves. What I mean by this is that teachers should never force authenticity. They should never do all sorts of original and crazy activities or learning methods just to say that they did. It needs to come naturally and should never seem fake.


Which leads into the next question that should be addressed. What are the ramifications for learning if a teacher is seen as a "fake" or not authentic with students? There are a lot of ramifications when it comes to learning. If a students feels like their teacher is not being genuine, then the students learning will be effected. The student will shut down mentally and it will put the child's learning in jeopardy.


I remember one time in the fifth grade, my teacher Mr. Strobbe was not genuine to our class. He was trying to discipline a couple of kids who were caught making fun of another classmate. However, while Mr. Strobbe was trying to discipline the students who were putting small x's on people's hands to protect them from this other student, Mr. Strobbe was not taking the situation seriously enough. I remember him joking with the young boys about their cult against. He was constantly making jokes about the situation but still trying to make these kids apology to the class.


From then on this girl, I just remember this girl having more and more problems in school. While this girl was already social awkward to begin with but after this incident when Mr. Strobbe did not show authenticity things for her seemed to go downhill and she eventually left our school district. 


Since then I have always wondered what happened to Kimberly Council. I wonder what would of happen if Mr. Strobbe would of took the bulling more seriously or if I would of stood up for what was right. 


All in all, authenticity is important in our schools but like everything else in the world, it is good in moderation and should be done with caution. 

T0-GET-HER

"Compassion is contempt with a human face." John McCarthy

I have seen compassion make a difference not only in my life but in the lives of others. However, if it wasn't for one compassionate teacher in my life, I don't know where I would be today.

Early on in my childhood, I was a free-spirited kid who loved being myself. I was extremely out going and exceptionally bright for my age. I did anything and everything my first grade teacher, Mrs. Langtom, wanted me to do. If she wanted me to add numbers, I did it... no problem.  If she wanted me to follow directions... piece of cake. If she wanted me to color inside the lines...sure thing but if she wanted me to read words on a page, eh boy. Houston we have a problem. 

Back then reading for me hard. I remember getting flustered easily when trying to learn how to read. It just didn't make much sense to me then. There were so many rules on how the words sounded that it all became too much for me. Until one day my teacher noticed that I was struggling. Instead of having me try to read out loud in front of the class, she asked me to come to her desk during S.S.R. aka. sustained silent reading. 

I remember her explaining to me that reading takes practice. The way she explained how reading worked made me feel more as ease. Finally, for the first time I felt like someone understood what I was going through and that I wasn't alone. That night I read book after book with my mom. Keep in mind I was still struggling over almost every word, but I kept plugging away. I kept practicing and practicing until reading became effortless.   

Now a days I love reading. I love the way words compliment each other and how when you read words they have a sort of essence about them. Maybe I appreciate reading more now because I know what it feels like not being able to read well. Maybe I appreciate it more because I have been through the struggles or maybe I appreciate it because I value the use of words more than the average person.

Whatever the reason may be, I learned how to read because of the compassion my first grade teacher shared for me. All I know is that without Mrs. Langtom's compassion, I would not have the ambition to want to exert my compassion.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Aretha Franklin did her best trying to explain what respect means but like Franklin references in her song, respect is all about actions. Respect can be defined in many different ways. However, it mostly involves taking into consideration someone's feelings, needs, thoughts, and ideas as well as showing value. One can show value by listening to others, being truthful, and accepting people's different individualities. 


All of these things can and should be shown in the classroom. It is important for not only teachers to show respect but also students. A healthy and successful environment in the classroom relies and thrives on respect. Respect in the classroom looks and feels orderly and sincere. The impact that respect plays in a classroom is huge! If a student or teacher for that matter is acting disrespectfully, it can make or break the success of the classroom. 


Respect is a very important component of learning. The best learning takes place when respect is given and reciprocated.  The best way to show success in the classroom is by showing respect through behavior. Actions speak louder than words so it is important to act with consideration towards others.


Teachers need to show respect by letting the students take control of their own learning and valuing what the students say whether it is right or wrong. Students should also show respect by doing the same thing in return. They should listen to their peers and act in a manner that is acceptable in a public setting. 


So all I'm askin' is for a little respect when you come into the classroom!