Sunday, January 29, 2012

Worst. Book. Ever.


I went to my Children's Literacy class today and we talked about Critical Literacy. In Critical Literacy, the reader questions the accuracy, agenda, motives, etc of a book. Often times, we think about if a book is showing diversity in ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. This book is probably the worst offender I have ever seen. Needless to say, it was $2 in the bargain bin. Don't forget to read the text on each page. 



Not so bad so far. A little stereotypical.



Yep, Legos. Ground breaking creativity.



I know it's blurry, but note the "children's artwork" on the wall that is clearly made my adults.



That's right. Children are like cats. So treat them as such. "See children, this shiny thing...that's a pear. A...PEAR...FOR EATING!"



Child: "You mean an apple?"
Teacher: "No...it's a PEAR!"




Yes, as teachers, we want to emphasize the importance of getting the right answer. 



I guess it's easy to feel like an individual when you live in a world where you go to school based on your racial background. Up til now, it would appear all white children are taught by white teachers, Asian children by Asian teachers, and so on...



I'm sorry, but this may not have been the best choice of words when this woman bears such a close resemblance to Mary Kay Letournaeu.



Hooray! When the teacher is one of us, there's no authority figure!



Oh, wait...it's a male teacher! He must be teaching physical education...in a private session. Hope she doesn't make any "mistakes."



That's right, because the idea that they COULD do everything will be squashed when they smash their fingers, and/or drill their eyes out. No need for protective eye gear here!

*Rolls eyes*

While each photo on it's own isn't the worst thing in the world, taken as a whole book, claiming to teach children what it's like to be a teacher, this is an abomination. *sigh* 

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Birthday Dress



Yesterday was my 27th birthday. I went to work, then came home and had delicious desserts that the boyfriend bought for me. He's so sweet. :)

Anyway, I woke up this morning, thinking about what I could possibly wear to my birthday dinner, and decided to finally make a dress I have been meaning to make for quite some time. It is a simple A-line dress, unlined, with circle-ruffle straps. Took about 2.5 hours. 



It finally snowed here in MA, so I wore the dress with brown leggings, brown boots and a bright blue sweater. I love patterns...they make choosing accessories a lot easier! We had a great dinner in Boston's North End. Yum!


I love the way the straps turned out...this will be great for spring!




I also made bread for the first time last weekend with my new KitchenAid mixer...*squeal* It was glorious! I'm afraid there won't be much more industriousness until the semester is over (it starts Monday). :(
Happy Saturday everyone!