Comments on Anne Greenawalt: Hey, Kids - Wanna Watch My Home Videos?

I think it's really a great idea when teachers...

2011-10-23T17:23:40.112-04:00

I think it's really a great idea when teachers share their own personal experiences in the classroom. I am one of those people that hasn't really traveled anywhere exciting, and I love hearing other people sharing their experiences. Class becomes so much easier to relate to when the teacher brings personal stories into the classroom. I think your students would love for you to share your work with them. They will be able to relate to it and make their own personal connections, which is such a key aspect in learning.

Hey Anne, I agree with Nicole. If you feel like s...

2011-10-21T18:43:28.058-04:00

Hey Anne, I agree with Nicole. If you feel like sharing your thoughts and work would better hguide your students through the process then I don't see a problem with it. As you said, you're not doing it to be conceited, but to help them. Your intentions are dead on.

When I first read Cook's article I saw the similarity with the "tourist" approach with lit, but I think in her class she made each area an experience and allowed her students to fully immerse themselves (to the best of their abilities) in the culture which allowed them to understand the author/character history, viewpoints, etc. In the tourist approach, students get a tasting.

I also found that I learn the best when I can make...

2011-10-20T19:15:56.311-04:00

I also found that I learn the best when I can make connections and hear about teachers own personal experiences. It’s almost like it sticks permanently when you hear things that way because you can relate to them. I think that by sharing your experiences with students, they learn that they have similar thoughts as you which helps to make them feel not inferior to you. I think that this helps learning thrive!

I think that sharing your own thoughts with your class would be a great idea! By incorporating bits and pieces here and there about how you went through the writing steps and what you felt at each point would really help the class connect with you and feel better about what they are experiencing. I don’t think that makes it seem like it’s all about you at all. I think that they would really benefit from it and enjoy it as well. Just make sure that you don’t talk the entire time about you, teach and connect!

In response to your question, I think that Cook's journey went into much more depth on issues than the tourist approach would take.