Curriculum as Narrative and Community

While reading the ten assigned stories in my “New Teacher Book,” I was continuously reminded of one word. That word is Acceptance. Even though each story has a diverse plot and problems, the underlying message is that people should be accepted for who they are. I find this message to be especially prevalent in stories such as “The Brown Kids Can’t Be In Our Club,” “Framing the Family Tree,” and “Heather’s Moms Got Married.” In all of these stories, students are faced with situations that cause them to be outside of the supposed norm. Whether their situations are based on skin color, family life, or sexual orientation of parents, it would be common for these students to become the victims of racism, judgment, or discrimination. However, good teachers know and understand that these differences are not what form the individuals. While these differences might contribute to their individual personalities, they are not the only things. These students deserve to have their differences accepted, and it is up to the teacher to realize and teach others that we are all made and shaped by an assortment of traits and experiences.

My views on the importance of acceptance are what inspired my visual representation. People should be treated equally regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Celebration of individuality is crucial when teaching, as long as students are not treated any lesser based on their individuality. This visual representation exemplifies the importance of seeing someone as a whole person made up of an unlimited number of components, rather than just judging based on one component of his or her make up.