This blog is formatted to allow for discussion of Eric Jensen's book on poverty. Each participant may enter reflections in the comment section of Chapter 1, then on the following three headings found in chapters 2-6: 1) Theory & Research 2) Action Steps 3) High Poverty Schools Making it Happen, in the comment sections of each chapter.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Chapter 2 How Poverty Affects Behavior and Academic Performance
Emotional and Social Challenges (pgs 12 - 22) Theory and research regarding emotional and social challenges show that children growing up in poverty lack necessary relationship building skills that affect their ability to regulate their emotions. Providing opportunities that allow students to "develop feelings of self-worth, confidence, and independence...ultimately predict their success and happiness in relationships and in life in general" (pg 17). We should expect to see inappropriate behavior and "avoid labeling, demaning, or blaming students" (pg 19). Rather than demanding change, we should be on hand to help them change it by teaching them stronger social and emotional skills until the social conditions [at Crestview] make it more attractive not to do those things" (pg 19). Infants are born with the innate ability to express feelings of joy, anger, surprise, disgust, sadness and fear; all other emotions "must be taught" (pg 19).
There are three relational forces that drive behavior in schools (pg 20): 1 - relationships with someone reliable 2 - academic success must be culturally acceptable 3 - students sense their social status has something to do with better grades as well as good behavior
"When students feel socialized and accepted, they perform better academically...pushing students harder and harder into performing well acadmenically may conflict with social/relational success" (pg 20).
Action Steps (pg 21): Embody respect (demonstrate this with students) Embed social skills (strengthen social and emotional skills) Be inclusive ("our school"..."our class"...)
The ideas for providing health related services really interested me. I remember that being one of the biggest challenges for my family as I was growing up because we had no insurance and no money. Maybe we could approach past and current parents who are doctors about setting up a walk-in clinic for CV families once a week in the evenings. I have no idea how to make this a reality, but I am sure we can find a school that has made this work and use them as our model.
Emotional and Social Challenges (pgs 12 - 22)
ReplyDeleteTheory and research regarding emotional and social challenges show that children growing up in poverty lack necessary relationship building skills that affect their ability to regulate their emotions.
Providing opportunities that allow students to "develop feelings of self-worth, confidence, and independence...ultimately predict their success and happiness in relationships and in life in general" (pg 17).
We should expect to see inappropriate behavior and "avoid labeling, demaning, or blaming students" (pg 19). Rather than demanding change, we should be on hand to help them change it by teaching them stronger social and emotional skills until the social conditions [at Crestview] make it more attractive not to do those things" (pg 19).
Infants are born with the innate ability to express feelings of joy, anger, surprise, disgust, sadness and fear; all other emotions "must be taught" (pg 19).
There are three relational forces that drive behavior in schools (pg 20):
1 - relationships with someone reliable
2 - academic success must be culturally acceptable
3 - students sense their social status has something to do with better
grades as well as good behavior
"When students feel socialized and accepted, they perform better academically...pushing students harder and harder into performing well acadmenically may conflict with social/relational success" (pg 20).
Action Steps (pg 21):
Embody respect (demonstrate this with students)
Embed social skills (strengthen social and emotional skills)
Be inclusive ("our school"..."our class"...)
The ideas for providing health related services really interested me. I remember that being one of the biggest challenges for my family as I was growing up because we had no insurance and no money. Maybe we could approach past and current parents who are doctors about setting up a walk-in clinic for CV families once a week in the evenings. I have no idea how to make this a reality, but I am sure we can find a school that has made this work and use them as our model.
ReplyDelete