Teaching+English+Learners+Building+on+Cultural+and+Linguistic+Strengths

When reading this paper I was reminded of the discussion of deficit minded thinking that was so prevalent in Bomer article. It is obvious that programs such as head start were framed around this mindset of a deficit. Those who are the minority are considered less prepared therefore they come into school with certain deficits. Although it is a terrible mindset to have it is a reality that many students begin school with so many holes in what they need to be successful in school. It was interesting to see the reactions of the peer groups toward each other when they were speaking. Each student had their own identity and their own idea of what their language should sound like and they seemed pretty unaccepting of each others differences. It was obvious that a lot of their ideas had come from their parents and what they had heard at home. "When such larger social interactional issues go unexamined, they perpetuate a cultural deprivation model through discursive interactions." (252)

Although these students seem to have some ideas about students that speak differently from home and other school experiences the authors think that teachers can change the way students identify and see other students. "through talk and by examining the ways in which students and teachers interact (among themselves and with each other), teachers can have active roles in creating more inclusive classrooms." (P.255) I think the conversation that William had with the students on the carpet about the different languages that can be used at different times was an appropriate conversation and good example of how teachers need to be aware of the culture that is developing in their classroom. Having group discussions like this can help raise awareness of student diversity and help students better understand their differences. 