I've been up and down regarding what I would like to complete my CAP on, and finally realized what I would like to do with my time. I would like to study (at an elementary level) what influence extracurricular activities have on kids in urban settings. Part of my reasoning for this is that many of the Title I schools I am familiar with only have academic "clubs" (read: tutoring). There is very little motivation for students to go to these activities because in reality, it's just more work.
What are the benefits of having cultural and recreational opportunities provided in schools for students? First off, I feel like having lots of opportunities would really inspire lifelong hobbies for students. Recently, I had a student transfer to my class from the school I used to work at. The mother could not stop going on and on about how many opportunities there are at our school now and how her daughter wants to sign up for EVERYTHING. Her child is excited to go to school again! For our dance club, some of our students who have the means to do so now also attend out of school dance classes. Our orchestra club has students performing inside and outside of school. Odyssey of the Mind stems out into several areas and has encouraged kids in my school to start acting classes. While the clubs within our school may not be the do-all-end-all for that child's opportunities, they serve as a spark for interest in all sorts of areas.
Secondly, this is something that holds students accountable. I feel that all too often, a lot of our students are coddled and aren't challenged enough with conflict resolution. Although introducing activities like this shouldn't be motivated by how we can take it away if the students misbehave, I feel as though students will simply STOP misbehaving because they now have a new outlet.
These clubs work because there are teachers who donate time, materials, and love into these projects. It's not mandated by the principal that they host these clubs, it's simply something that the teacher enjoys and would like to introduce their students to. With this type of motivation, I really believe this is an easily availabe resource to use.
Danica~
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a deep passion for teaching beyond academics. This is a very crucial quality for any urban teacher. I know a few urban teachers, and the reason they are successful is because their students know that they care.
I will be interested to hear about how your practical and clinical research goes with this CAP project. Good luck!
Danica,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great topic. In urban schools it's very easy to just concentrate on academics because of the big achievement gap, but you are so right that is important in giving kids the "time to be kids". I can attest to the stress and anxiety my students go through with testing, especially during FCAT time and they need a time and place to release that tension.
I look forward to reading about your CAP project!