Blog #11- Things That Stuck With Me by Dakota Amaral

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 Taking a step back and looking at all of the work we did this semester the three main things that will continue to stick with me would be; troublemakers,  Literacy with an attitude, and others people children. All three different readings genuinely impacted how I viewed society and how my own thoughts shifted. 


Troublemakers: Shalaby's troublemakers is a powerful exploration of how schools label and discipline young children who don't easily conform, often finishing instead of understanding them. Through the satires of five children, she challenges educators to see "troublemakers" with compassion and curiosity rather than control, offering a vision of justice-driven, relationship centered teaching. This reading also related a lot to me as I was suggested as the trouble maker in school because I was often overlooked by my needs because they weren't being met. I just needed extra help, but instead was thrown to the side and often in trouble. 


Literacy with an attitude: This reading explained why some students are taught to follow rules while others are taught to question them. This article stuck with me because it had me ask myself how schooling can either reproduce or resist oppression. This reading was a tool for power, agency, and social change. Finn distinguishes between domesticating literacy and liberating literacy. 


Other Peoples Children: After reading Lisa's powerful writing, one of the most striking themes in her discussion is the culture of power and how educators often fail to recognize that the way they teach reflects on the norm. Her work is a call for educators to listen to parents and communities, to ensure that students are taught in an engaging and useful way to prepare them for the world. This writing has ensured me that as a future educator I want to make is my responsibility that my students feel safe, seen, valued, and equipped for success. 



Overall this class has genuinely changed me for the better. I have learned so much that I will continue to hold with me and bring to my future classroom. I will miss everyone in this class as everyone is so open and comforting and easy to get along with!! 




Comments

  1. Derya GungorApril 29, 2025 at 3:31 PM

    Hi Dakota! I think you perfectly summed up Finn's main argument with your last sentence: the difference between domesticating literacy and liberating literacy; this relates to troublemakers as well, which I am sorry you went through this yourself, that students who dare to question anything in the school system are labeled as "troublemakers", as they are refusing to be domesticated.

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