Other Childrens People by Lisa Delpit

"Other Peopole's Children," by Lisa Delpit was very powerful, just like Johnson's piece. Delpit speaks her minds and talks from her heart. There are many sections throughtout this article, where people of different races talk about their personal experiences dealing with white people who are also in the school system. These help you get in the head, outside of your personal box, and understand something from somebody elses point of you. Whenever you read something, as Johnson said, you should keep an open mind. This allows you to better understand everybody else's point of view, and you may find out that you actually agree with them.

Delpit says many times throughtout this article that (white) people, want things to be their way. They dont care to listen to your side or your view since they are convinced that their view is the only correct way of seeing something. When they do "listen" they arent actually listening. They just nod as if its going in one ear and out the other. "They listen, but they dont hear" (pg.21). I agree with this. With personal experiences, when trying to let somebody understand where im coming from, they just nod and pretend to agree. But once our conversation is over, they forget about what you said and just focus on their own beliefs. How is that allowing yourself to grow? You should understand everybodys point of view, wiether you agree with it or not. As Johnson said, you shouldnt fear the unknown, but rather you should fear what you think you know. People think that they know everything about everybody but in reality they dont. Instead, they should get to know the person for who they are on the inside. Not dismiss them due to their race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and so forth.

When teaching in the classroom, Delpit stressed many issues such as direct instruction, allowing students to feel as though they're "experts", giving children a voice in the classroom, and so forth. These issues all fall under her 'culture or power' theme. In classrooms the issue of power needs to be addressed, rules for participating with that power, and rules of culture. If your not familiar with that culture the teacher should tell you the rules of that culture so you dont feel uncomfortable or left out. Those who are in power need to know that they are since often they dont. Usually those who know who have the power, are those who have the short end of the stick and are powerless.

Teachers shouldnt teach in a way that students feel as though the teacher is a drill sergent or boss. Rather, the teacher should teach in a manor that students feel as though s/he is more of a coach. A teacher can do this by, helping students one on one, having group work where the teacher goes around from group to group coaching them on what to do if they are struggling. Creating lesson plans where students are dealing with hand on activites, that way students arent getting lectured all class. Allow the students to talk and feel as though they have a voice and belonging in the classroom. Teachers shouldnt just hand out worksheets and assignments to children. More teahers need to make learning fun! Make students want to learn. Its all in the way you teach.