During this week I overheard a conversation that was taking place in the hallway within a group of children. There were two little white girls (1st grade) and a little Hispanic girl named Josenia. (also 1st grade). Josenia was coming back from speech therapy and the two little white girls noticed she had a pink toy in her hand. They walked over to her and began asking her questions about the toy and where she had gotten it. Josenia was very shy acting and as she lowered her head, I heard her mumble something. The speech therapist was just a couple steps ahead and she stopped and looked back at Josenia. I could tell the speech teacher was listening in on the conversation and then I heard one of the other little girls ask her why she went with that teacher. I truly believe that these little girls were unintentional and meant no harm in anything they said, but Josenia sure looked scared.
I felt scared and nervous for Josenia as I know that she speaks some English as I have some interaction with her in the bus room, but her English is somewhat limited. I think she really was not sure what to say to them.
I can see after reading and learning about microaggressions that this is something that happens very frequently, sometimes unintentionally and sometimes intentionally.
Did the speech teacher intervene to help Josenia? Do you think it is her job to teach Josenia how to act and fit in with the other students? Or do you think the girls should have left Josenia alone and knew that she was too shy? I believe it is never too early to talk to the students about difference in behaviors when you come from different cultures, and also that some students need more help in some areas than others.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
Deletei could tell that the speech teacher was really listening in and I do know that she spoke to the group of girls, but I am not sure what she said to them. She did stay in very close proximity with them. I think that it is good that she did not just jump in and take control of the conversation, but that she was right there where Josenia could look to her for help if she needed it. Thanks for the comment!
Amy McCoig
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI agree that microaggressions are done intentionally as well as unintentionally. This week's assignments have made realize how more aware I need to be when interacting with families and students I serve. I enjoyed your post. Thanks for sharing.
Amy
Hello Amy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Josenia really was not sure what to say to them. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteI was scared and nervous for Josenia too. I think you are correct when you say they are unintentional and sometimes intentional. This week has opened my eyes to how frequent situations like this really occur and with all ages. Thanks for sharing your story.