Curriculum

I recently came across an article entitled ‘ Communication to Curriculum’ by Douglas Barnes. In this article he seeks to explain that curriculum cannot simply be what is planned in advance for students to learn. He says that language and learning are crucial elements of curriculum and that it is also a meeting of the minds between students and teachers that takes place within the walls of the classroom.

Sometimes we teachers believe that the curriculum is that pre-planned shopping list of goals and objectives to be achieved at all cost. It is the ‘bible’ or yardstick used to measure whether we have done what we set out to do. But is it really just that? What of the interests of our children? Do they have a say with regard to what is learned and how it is learned? Do the stakeholders in education hear and respect their voices?

Barnes postulates that curriculum is a dynamic entity. It is the talk and the body language by which meanings are explained. It is imperative that teachers encourage students to take ownership of their learning and structure learning in such a way that curriculum becomes a form of communication.

If you can’t feed a hundred people then feed just one
Mother Theresa

All About Me

I am Clevia Bedeau-Moore, a teacher with twenty years experience. Reading has always been one of my passions. I grew up in a home filled with books so reading came naturally. Sometimes it’s difficult to conceptualize the difficulties that many of our children face with regard to reading because we, as individuals, have the ability to read and do it well. These challenges faced by our learners have compelled me to search out ways to help them. Special Education training and now Reading Specialist training will definitely equip me with the skills to make a difference in the lives of my young charges. I may only be able to help one child at a time but it would mean one more young person who feels empowered to change our world.

If you can’t feed a hundred people then feed just one
Mother Theresa