Women as Writers discussion on liberation

Yesterday

Carol

Hi Sharon

You analysis of Wollstonecraft disdain for a “system of law that supports and perpetuates a traditional inequality between men and women” is evidenced throughout the story. In addition, reading Wollstonecraft’s introduction to A Vindication of the Rights of Women provided a clear understanding of Wollstonecraft’s motives for describing the characters Jamina, Maria and Mr. Venerables. These descriptions give rise to a feminist movement of sorts. Maria and Jamina were able to overcome their circumstances (p.81) regardless of the oppression or laws (not sure if these laws were truly in place) by sheer determination and loyalty (p.140).  Nothing seemed to stop these women from seeking their goals...not even a "madhouse". Under such oppression could modern day woman have survived?

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  Yesterday

  Sharon S.

  Hi Carol - the laws were real--a horrific truth. Without being specific and as difficult as it is to believe, there are modern day women who are trying to live under similar restrictions, and some still echo the landlady who said, "Women must be submissive" (p. 130) because they could not survive otherwise. Wollstonecraft would be so disappointed.

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    Yesterday

    Carol

    True Sharon, there are cultures that exist to day that oppress women.  But the strength these women possess to overcome these inhumane treatments is nothing short of extraordinary. Just as in the story,the sheer tenancity of Maria to survive such maltreatment gives hope to others that these laws will be changed. I know that there are no overt protests in the story, but the fact that these women survived is a testament to their equal strength to men.

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      Yesterday

      Sharon S.

      I agree, Carol! Wollstonecraft, through her characters, both awakened her generation to needed changes and gave hope that change might follow.

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    11:45am

    Debbie

    This is an interesting point--MW's probable dismay today if she could return.

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    1:27pm

    Kim

    I also heard that if a woman was unfaithful she was to be punished by the same law that allowed a man to "seek outside fulfillment" with no repercussions.  So in essence women were shunned by society and the men were allowed to stray if needed.  I think some people still have deranged ideas that matrimony is  a way to have a house maker and a built in harlot at their beckon call.  To me it seems like slavery only in a various format.  I may be cynical but after the horror stories I still witness today from being a foster parent makes it seem like we still have some liberation to work on from our women in society.  It makes me want to scream "no its not okay to be hit, its not okay to be mentally abused, its not okay to be controlled...." but it seems this maybe similar to the thoughts Mary felt as she saw the injustice in her time period as well. 

Teaching the Language Arts

Double Entry Journal- Chapter 1:  Teaching the Language Arts

Kimberly Artman- August 25, 2012

     Pamela Farris draws our attention to the importance of language in the book Language Arts: Process, Product, and Assessment.  She introduces the typical use of language arts with the beginning teacher (pg. 1-5) that uses popular children’s’ literature to entice open ended questions.  This sparks a discussion among the children and the teacher guides the discussion to include phonemic awareness, grammar and vocabulary with a word wall supporting the book she is reading.  This whole language approach is different than years past.  In the 1800’s the teaching method of choice was lecture style with a “listen only” mentality as the teacher was the only oral participant.  In the 1900’s however phonics were introduced as well as silent reading.  Basal readers became popular in 1950’s and individual integration along with whole language learning was introduced in the 70’s and 80’s.  It wasn’t until the turn of the century that balanced reading, including phonics and comprehension came into play.  The No Child Left Behind Act was introduced and the government held schools accountable for all children to become proficient in reading and math.  This high expectation to have all children reading at grade level, frustrated teachers and new techniques, in various forms, were applied.  Farris suggests teachers use a whole language approach that includes listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and visual representation.  Farris says “As teachers we must understand each of the language arts individually so that we can better teach them in integrated fashion.” (pg. 32)

     I have been teaching for 10 years and it seems there is always a pendulum swing in styles of teaching.  Teachers are being introduced to new methods of curriculum instruction it seems on a yearly basis.  When No Child Left Behind came out in 2002, teachers were held accountable for instructing students to pass a test which heavily focused on reading and math.  All students were expected to be at grade level regardless of background, race, or cultural influence.  The expectations were set to high to not take into account all aspects of a students learning.  I teach visual arts and I did a year of student teaching in the 4^th grade classroom.  I asked the mentor teacher when I could incorporate more lessons that were visually stimulating integrating the arts to other subject area like Science, History, and Handwriting. I believed artwork would grab their attention and make learning more enjoyable.  She said the school system had adopted special books and teachers were to stick to the material. Math and reading were to take up the majority of the instructional time with little allowance for other areas.  It was if teachers were expected to follow a plan set forth by the school board and administration that allowed little diversity of the daily, scheduled routine.  I incorporated Readers Theater to add drama integrated with their daily reading.  I also incorporated journal writing and drawing into students reflections after an oral reading of a piece of literature.  I added a 3D assignment (sculpture) into the research of pit houses on a unit of Southwest Native Americans.  I have always thought that the arts were a vital aspect into any core subject area.  I love that this book believes on the integration of all styles of learning including visual representation.  Each child needs to experience lessons using all types of senses including sight, sound, and touch.  The fine arts bridge the learning style gap through music, dance, theater, singing, and visual arts.