Our Student's Lenses- Chapter 4

Where should we go to find text if we agree textbooks are not the answer? Starting with the lense of a student, we will want to find text that fits into the context and fits into schema the students are familiar with. We will want to provide opportunity to stretch their mind and development by starting where they are comfortable. “What kids read in school should hold up a mirror to them, by including their story, their culture, their experience” (Subjects Matter, 59). As educators, our students deserve to know their individual cultures, experiences, and lives matter. We can place value in their experiences through readings that correlate with their lives. This shows we recognize the things they have experienced. The author goes on to discuss the importance of not only reading through the students cultural lenses, but also through the cultural lenses of other groups. Incorporating reading that also brings in varying viewpoints, lifestyles, and opinions can further our students development by preparing them to be informed, open minded citizens once they leave the school.

The author also suggests we select text of various difficulties and lengths- a wide range of materials for students to access is best to fit the needs of your students. Keeping a teaching library of books across all genres, lengths, and difficulties, allows for each individual student to be accommodated to their level. In school systems, we like to pretend each child is at a similar level to the other students in their grade. The fact of the matter is, every single child is different. Every child learns differently and is at a different point, because each child has had a different experience. Our job is to level the playing field, and help each child succeed in the way we determine is best for their betterment.
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