The school experience of the Muskego James Bay Cree is very different than the one I had growing up. Box 1.1 of the text states that "There is no library, no cafeteria, no art room, no music room." (pg.5). I was lucky enough to have access to all of these facilities at one point or another during my childhood education. I wonder how the lack of art, music, and a library affects the socialization of each of the Attawapiskat First Nation students. The text explains that schools have a huge impact on the future of its students. "Schools are agents of socialization that shape them into the persons that they will become as adults" (pg.8). If this is true, then the students of the Attawapiskat seem to be at a disadvantage compared to children who would have access to such learning. Through my experiences I have found art and music to be fun, engaging, and effective methods of enhancing critical thinking skills, as well as important outlets for expressing strong emotion. If the appropriate space had not been given to developing these skills within the two elementary schools that I attended, I would not be the same person that I am today. Furthermore, having limited access to libraries, music and art may work against students who hope to improve their living conditions and financial situations. The textbook points out that according to some social mobility theories "it is difficult for disadvantaged youth to better their situations and that they are more likely to stay in the same social class and economic conditions into which they were born" (pg. 9).
Discussion question:
Consistently inhaling toxic fumes would most definitely effect a child's ability to learn. What sort of effect might it have had on each students school bond as well as sense of self and community worth?
No comments:
Post a Comment