Literacy Narrative...
-Developing my own auto-ethnography has not only opened my eyes to my history in education, but also my own. Being able to bring out old assignments, notes, and memories that formed a map to explaining why I am the way I am. The purpose of this literacy narrative is to put my discoveries in one place to remind myself of the English teacher I want, or do not want to be. Through this site, I am able to share my own experiences with others knowing that my writing will affect at least one other person in the world. I know that through my writing, I have learned and crusaded through my challenges. These experiences have molded me into the person I am today.
The beginning of the road in education did not look so bright for my parents. I was born in Royal Oak, MI and spent my childhood in Warren, MI. In preschool, I attended a private school until my family decided it was time to move to Rochester Hills. Before our move, my preschool teacher had some concerns about my education:
“Chelsea seems to struggle in my class. I am concerned about how she will do in a public school setting because her development and social skills seem to be a little behind the rest of the class.” -Preschool teacher
"Chelsea's imagination lacks, as well as her personality." -Preschool teacher
When my mother told me about this as I got older, I almost didn't believe her. It baffled my mind that any teacher would be ignorant enough to tell my parents these things. Although I didn't remember all of preschool, I did remember one incident. When I colored my self-portrait I decided to color my hair green...
Preschool teacher: "Chelsea, you do not have green hair"
Me: "But, I want to have green hair!"
And I have no imagination? This is exactly the teacher I strive NOT to be.
Of course my parents would not listen to this teacher and it had no impact on my transition into public school. My parents, although concerned for the future believed in my imagination before I could even say the word.
This is what I will strive to do for my students. To believe in them, no matter what.
The beginning of the road in education did not look so bright for my parents. I was born in Royal Oak, MI and spent my childhood in Warren, MI. In preschool, I attended a private school until my family decided it was time to move to Rochester Hills. Before our move, my preschool teacher had some concerns about my education:
“Chelsea seems to struggle in my class. I am concerned about how she will do in a public school setting because her development and social skills seem to be a little behind the rest of the class.” -Preschool teacher
"Chelsea's imagination lacks, as well as her personality." -Preschool teacher
When my mother told me about this as I got older, I almost didn't believe her. It baffled my mind that any teacher would be ignorant enough to tell my parents these things. Although I didn't remember all of preschool, I did remember one incident. When I colored my self-portrait I decided to color my hair green...
Preschool teacher: "Chelsea, you do not have green hair"
Me: "But, I want to have green hair!"
And I have no imagination? This is exactly the teacher I strive NOT to be.
Of course my parents would not listen to this teacher and it had no impact on my transition into public school. My parents, although concerned for the future believed in my imagination before I could even say the word.
This is what I will strive to do for my students. To believe in them, no matter what.