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A Look at Literacy: Transcending Cultural Differences Training Takeaway
by SF Ed Fund on
We had a spectacular turnout for our “Transcending Cultural Differences Training” on Tuesday. Thanks to those of who turned out for the event!In case you missed it, Jessica Blundell — a Literacy Specialist at Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School — lead a discussion among Ed Fund volunteers about working with diverse student populations.
We began by asking ourselves why — why are we volunteers? For me, the answer is simple. I love reading and working with kids. And, as our Literacy Volunteer coordinator, I want on-the-ground experience to better relate to my volunteers.
From there, we explored different forms of privilege, including some that we as volunteers may benefit from, including skin color, sexual orientation, gender, physical abilities, socioeconomic status and citizenship. We’re more aware of some privileges than others, depending on the context and our own self-awareness. But when interacting with others who don’t enjoy the same privilege, it becomes more apparent.
So what’s the key to connecting with students from different backgrounds? Ms. Blundell says it’s about being genuine, compassionate and empathetic. Some of the ways in which we benefit from privilege seem inconsequential, but each creates a barrier (protective shield, if you will) from harm/discrimination and increases one’s opportunities to succeed or get ahead. But students often lack these protective barriers. Each cultural disadvantage deems a student more vulnerable and less likely to effectively navigate “the system.” Those who are privileged become the authority and the “norm” for what is “right.” Minorities are excluded.Ms. Blundell compares culture to an iceberg. Culture informs how we interact with each other and with the world. Its variables are endlessly complicated and difficult to unpack, and cultural differences can be uncomfortable to talk about. This analogy, however, allows us to reflect upon how much of our culture exists below the surface and the ways culture can shape our identity, behaviors and values.
We notice what’s obvious: food, dress, music, language, etc., but so much more exists below the surface, such as nonverbal communication, notions of leadership, attitudes toward elders and concept of self. For many of us, the takeaway was finding ways to use our growing awareness of culture and privilege to inform our tutoring practice. On Wednesday after the training, I felt more prepared for navigating culturally sensitive topics or situations. I’ll remember to be me (to speak from my heart and my own experience), that little kids are fact-seekers (that it’s sometimes more developmentally appropriate to describe things in plain terms) and that compassion and empathy are the keys to connecting with my students.Attendees, what was the takeaway for you?For more on transcending cultural differences, check out these resources:Web resources:http://www.timwise.org/http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/http://www.rethinkingschools.org/index.shtmlhttp://www.ted.com/talks/nadine_burke_harris_how_childhood_trauma_affects_health_across_a_lifetime?share=19391661a0Text:Why do All the Black Kids Sit Together in the Cafeteria?, by Beverley Daniel TatumThe Change Handbook, by Peggy HolmanWhite Teacher, by Vivian Gussin Paley