Reflection: Teaching on Poverty

Each member of my group contributed to the overall lesson that we presented to our class. We tried to make it as interactive as possible and to avoid lecturing. Looking at the national statistic for those living in poverty made me feel sad because it was so high in 2013. Idaho was at 47% and most of the states were just as high, if not higher.

From this experience, I want to make personal application. Brother Cloward gave us the challenge of finding a small way we can combat poverty and help the public school systems. My first pledge is to never take away a recess from any student because I believe there is value and learning that takes place when we are outside, playing games in an unstructured fashion. I also want to become involved in my community as I have children and to be involved in their classrooms.

Poverty usually stems from a lack of financial security and can affect things as much as cognitive, physical, social and emotional development. Another way I hope to help my students is by creating an environment that is safe from judgement and where they can feel comfortable learning, growing and making mistakes. Part of the teaching I want to focus on is what is morally right when we are working with other classmates. It isn't right to exclude others or tear them down. We need to build each other up and recognize the positive characteristics of each other.

I know I can't take away world hunger or even provide food for all of the students in my class, but I can focus on the circle of influence that I have and try and make an overall better environment for my students within my classroom as well as the students attending the school.