Final Blog Post - Wrapping it up

I found it interesting today in class when it was stated that the syllabus was a sort of contract for things we wanted to cover throughout the semester. I felt that we kept to our contract fairly well, discussing several multicultural and diverse pieces of literature. The one area I felt we did not cover directly in class was gender. I felt that it was left out of the literature we read and the articles we discussed. Although some books touched on gender issues indirectly, I would have liked to read a book or at least a few articles about the role gender plays in adolescent and children's literature. I feel that women are still an oppressed group today in many ways and therefore I would like to see some portrayals of women in literature that would allow me to critically think about this issue of society.

I did however feel that I developed a very deep awareness and appreciation for the importance of diverse literature, especially its place in the classroom. I feel this was accomplished through the articles read, the novels read, and the discussions in class. These elements challenged my thinking about certain groups and issues. Although writing the questioning the text papers was helping in really delving into the novels and articles, the discussions are where my thinking was sometimes changed and often opened. I enjoyed hearing what others had to say about the issues and the honesty that came with sharing personal experiences. For example, during the discussion of the book Habibi, my thinking was challenged to consider the book from another groups perspective (Birmingham schools). I think without this perspective being brought up I would have missed the development of my critical thinking. I think that the movies also effected my ideas and thoughts about books, particularly the one on mascots and Native American culture. When my emotions were provoked by anothers story, my mind was opened. This openness is something that I hope to continue developing.

I think the blog space was a wonderful area for me to express some of my thoughts and ideas. Often it is difficult to express my ideas on the spot and I was able to formulate better opinions when I had time to think and write them down. The blog also allowed me to consider other people's perspectives who I might have not been able to hear in class. This form of technology for me therefore became another vehicle for my thoughts and the sharing of all students thoughts in the class.

Finally, I feel that the range of books that we were required to read gave a wonderful sample of quality literature that represents some of the underrepresented cultures in the United States. I feel that by taking this class I now know without question that I will strive to have a multicultural and diverse library in my classroom. I will always strive to choose quality pieces of literature that includes all different cultures. This class has given me more openness, more critical thinking skills, and ultimately tools that I can take with me into my classroom and into my life.