How can elementary teachers integrate global awareness into their classrooms more frequently?
Rationale: Growing up I was a struggling reader who was more concerned about basic needs rather than school and literacy. When it became time to decide my future, I was ready to get out, and going to college sounded the best way out. I choose to enter into the elementary education field because of my experience with children growing up, and I wanted to be that person who reached out to those who were like me, struggling with no strategies or a way to improve.
When I finished my Bachelors Degree at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, I realized that I needed to be in the classroom for any of these classes to make sense. I decided to move even farther away to North Carolina and started substitute teaching in Johnston County and eventually received a full time position at Leesville Road Elementary School. It was there that I received teaching experience and was yearning for more knowledge. While attending the National Reading Conference in Raleigh, I met Dr. Spires. She helped nudge me in the direction of the New Literacies and Global Learning cohort. I decided it was time to do more and apply to attend the Masters program at North Caroline State University.
It is in this cohort and with the experience I have had in the past ten years that have made me reflect on who I was growing up, with the person that I am today. Growing up I was isolated and only knew or cared about what was around me. When I branched out I learned that there is more that this world can offer, I just need to be open to new ideas. Today I am finishing up my masters and have a new purpose for teaching. Teaching students to be globally aware, open their minds to the new possibilities that are outside of our comfort zone.
Findings: Throughout my classes at North Carolina State University I have thought about how to incorporate global awareness more than once a year, or when someone walks into the classroom to observe. Global awareness should be thought of more, it should create a class culture that appreciates and respects all. How can educators do this with all the other duties that are required? There are many simple things that don't take much planning that can help students grasp the immensity of the cultures within our world. Showing countries around the world that pop up in readings, learning about festivals and traditions during a certain time of year, reading books about different parts of the world, introducing them to international sports, different languages and dialects within those languages, musical genres, and if possible any real time in places or virtual trips are fascinating and a great experience. With a deeper understanding of the advantages of incorporating global awareness into classrooms we can set up students to succeed and become globally active citizens.