Unpacking Education Archives
EDU Trending: The passing of Eric Carle, May 23, 2021
Eric Carle died this week at his summer studio in Northampton, MA. He was 91 and beloved by children and adults everywhere. For more than 50 years, in more than 70 books with over 170 million copies sold world-wide, Carle kept opening the door to wonder, fun, hope, and the lesson that – just like the very hungry caterpillar – we have the power to make things turn out right and wonderful.
“A child once called me a picture writer, and that’s a good way to describe me,” Carle shared https://eric-carle.com/. He was that rare combination: A picture writer whose beautiful collage illustrations and stories drew his young readers into an exciting and memorable experience of nature and the world around them.
Please enjoy Eric Carle reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXHScpo_Vv8
Cultural Competence, Cultural Relevance, and Educational Equity
For more than 30 years, Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings has been an innovative and respected voice for diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. Specifically, she has taught and written about how to achieve these goals through cultural competence, cultural relevance, and educational equity. In the wake of COVID-19 and the inflection point of George Floyd’s murder, now may be the time that cultural relevance in education intersects with and embodies diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Ladson-Billings is asking us to teach by incorporating what kids want to know to make classroom lessons relevant, engaging, and motivating to students whatever their race, religion, or socio-economic status. The success of Manhattan’s S.T.A.R. Academy (Students Taking Active Roles) demonstrates the merits of Ladson-Billing’s pedagogical approach. Once rated a failing school, today this pre-K to 5 learning environment in New York City’s East Village is a gold standard for culturally-responsive and relevant learning. Students are thriving. Watch and listen to the children in the video https://www.staracademyps63.com/. See more about perspectives on and suggestions for best practices in 21st century education at: https://www.merleschell.com/blog/whats-next.
News and Views: What is 21st Century Education?
In the post COVID world of education, three things are true. First is a revived and urgent interest in teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with an emphasis on racial and social justice. Second is the recognition that social and emotional well-being are critical for academic and personal growth. Third are the nationally decreasing enrollment in traditional public schools and increasing enrollments in charter schools, technical high schools, and homeschooling.
What is the connection between these truths? How will they influence pedagogy plus teaching and learning for 21st century education? What must we - educators and parents - understand in order to build and sustain a comprehensive learning environment that encourages proactive student participation? How can learning include options and opportunities that appeal to our kids and offer the potential for stable, satisfying, and financially rewarding careers?
For some answers to these questions and a personal perspective, check out my blog titled: “21st Century Education: What’s Next?”.
21st Century Education: What’s Next…
In the post COVID world of education, three things are true. First is a revived and urgent interest in teaching diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with an emphasis on racial and social justi
Then, join the conversation. Your ideas are important. If you want to share your views, please submit an article to https://merleschell.com/in-your-own-words Thank you.
Question of the Day:
Among the books he wrote, Eric Carle had two favorites. Which one is listed below?
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
Do You Want to Be My Friend?
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
My Very First Book of Motion
The Grouchy Ladybug
For the answer, go to https://www.merleschell.com/reflections
From Me to You:
If you like murder mysteries, if you like love stories, I recommend We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker. Emotionally intense with characters you will love, this novel of heartbreak still has room for hope. The surprising twists will leave you breathless. The story is unforgettable, and so is the fierce young woman at its core.
If you are a book lover like me, check out https://www.merleschell.com/taking-care-of-you and the article Book Power for a random list of some books and authors I recommend.