This is really fascinating! I have been trying to get myself in contact with agencies or people who might be able to assist in beginning the project here at the church. Everyone I talk to at the church gets really excited by the idea. I think we'll easily have the necessary hardware to start. There seems to be no opposition to the idea of homeless youths coming to this facility. I haven't had anyone particularly try dissuade me. I can say that the worse reaction - which I do not think is anything but realistic - came in the form of advising me to consider, first, a pilot project with a few kids before expanding very far. This makes a lot of sense to me.
Where I have had difficulty is getting people to return my calls. When I get someone on the phone, I have no trouble getting them excited. However, it has been difficult to get people on the phone.
I will persevere! Anyone have any suggestions?
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Literacy: What is it? Who gets it?
I was listening to CBC Radio today - OK, I am really showing my total middle age and "un-with-it-ness. Sounds Like Canada was being broadcast from Saskatoon. Shelagh Rogers had been there for the Peter Gzowski Golf Tournament for Literacy. She interviewed two different people regarding literacy and played the speech given by the recipient of the award given by Read Saskatoon to someone who had made incredible progress in literacy development.
It reminded me that there is a mission there for us. Adult Literacy, Adolescent Literacy, literacy development - these are truly important endeavours and the radio was highlighting some of what is happening in Saskatoon.
It also hit me that we are sitting on a perfect centre, at Knox, for outreach to street youth, to those who are homeless, or to those who simply can't afford to go to school. I did my doctoral work on how literacy is enhanced by the use of technology. During our research, we learned that present technologies provide the possibilities for incredible transformations for some individuals. Unfortunately, most schools and institutions that are charged with developing literacy, view literacy only as reading and writing. Working under this narrow view has the unfortunate result of branding those who find it difficult to learn to read and write as less than acceptable (that is my euphemism for "stupid, dumb, learning-disabled, etc.). Definitely counter to what they are truly attempting to accomplish.
Paolo Frieire, an educator and revolutionary in South America, viewed literacy in much broader terms. He held that one must first be able to "read the world" before one was able to "read the word." His view of literacy included the ability to recognize one's environment, to understand its workings, and to learn how to change one's position within that context. In Frieire's sense of literacy, one could be very literate in some contexts without actually knowing how to read and write.
Using a broader sense of literacy as a base, learning literacy can involve first ascertaining how one is able to read one's world. In my work with school aged children, that meant that we had to know how each individual learned best. There was no assumption that print text was the only way to gather information. Once individuals were encouraged to gather information, process it, and share it using whatever medium one wanted, they came to view themselves as true learners. This was transformative for the non-readers that had already travelled a few years along their schooling journeys. They had come to see themselves as not quite as able as their fellow students who were readers and writers. They had come to believe the labels that I euphemistically referred to as "less than acceptable." Changing this self-definition had the effect of unleashing their curiosity. They started to pursue learning with great energy. Many previously labelled "trouble-makers" became students who preferred to stay in at lunch and recess to continue their work rather than join in the activities that previously would land them in trouble. It was wonderful to observe.
We found that there were technologies that would assist the non-reader to gather some text based information and have it read to them. The same programs allowed them to define words that they did not understand. It allowed them to keep track of where they found information on the web. It encouraged them to learn to read and write by highlighting text as it was read to them. One program even allowed them to speak their thoughts into a microphone and see it transformed into text on the screen.
So, we have a computer lab at Knox. Granted, there are only three computers. At the moment, they sit unused most of the time. This could change. I see the potential for this resource to be used to provide opportunities for those youths that live on the street to learn some of the skills the lack of which has landed them on the streets - for whatever reasons. Perhaps this is an opportunity for us to provide unthreatening environments to some of those who can not learn in traditional learning centres.
Hey, I have thirty-three years experience working with students. I don't pretend to possess all the necessary training to teach all subjects from K - 12. However, I do know how to access the needed information. I have networks that might be accessed to develop this type of environment that could respond to the needs of those who truly need it.
Any reactions?
It reminded me that there is a mission there for us. Adult Literacy, Adolescent Literacy, literacy development - these are truly important endeavours and the radio was highlighting some of what is happening in Saskatoon.
It also hit me that we are sitting on a perfect centre, at Knox, for outreach to street youth, to those who are homeless, or to those who simply can't afford to go to school. I did my doctoral work on how literacy is enhanced by the use of technology. During our research, we learned that present technologies provide the possibilities for incredible transformations for some individuals. Unfortunately, most schools and institutions that are charged with developing literacy, view literacy only as reading and writing. Working under this narrow view has the unfortunate result of branding those who find it difficult to learn to read and write as less than acceptable (that is my euphemism for "stupid, dumb, learning-disabled, etc.). Definitely counter to what they are truly attempting to accomplish.
Paolo Frieire, an educator and revolutionary in South America, viewed literacy in much broader terms. He held that one must first be able to "read the world" before one was able to "read the word." His view of literacy included the ability to recognize one's environment, to understand its workings, and to learn how to change one's position within that context. In Frieire's sense of literacy, one could be very literate in some contexts without actually knowing how to read and write.
Using a broader sense of literacy as a base, learning literacy can involve first ascertaining how one is able to read one's world. In my work with school aged children, that meant that we had to know how each individual learned best. There was no assumption that print text was the only way to gather information. Once individuals were encouraged to gather information, process it, and share it using whatever medium one wanted, they came to view themselves as true learners. This was transformative for the non-readers that had already travelled a few years along their schooling journeys. They had come to see themselves as not quite as able as their fellow students who were readers and writers. They had come to believe the labels that I euphemistically referred to as "less than acceptable." Changing this self-definition had the effect of unleashing their curiosity. They started to pursue learning with great energy. Many previously labelled "trouble-makers" became students who preferred to stay in at lunch and recess to continue their work rather than join in the activities that previously would land them in trouble. It was wonderful to observe.
We found that there were technologies that would assist the non-reader to gather some text based information and have it read to them. The same programs allowed them to define words that they did not understand. It allowed them to keep track of where they found information on the web. It encouraged them to learn to read and write by highlighting text as it was read to them. One program even allowed them to speak their thoughts into a microphone and see it transformed into text on the screen.
So, we have a computer lab at Knox. Granted, there are only three computers. At the moment, they sit unused most of the time. This could change. I see the potential for this resource to be used to provide opportunities for those youths that live on the street to learn some of the skills the lack of which has landed them on the streets - for whatever reasons. Perhaps this is an opportunity for us to provide unthreatening environments to some of those who can not learn in traditional learning centres.
Hey, I have thirty-three years experience working with students. I don't pretend to possess all the necessary training to teach all subjects from K - 12. However, I do know how to access the needed information. I have networks that might be accessed to develop this type of environment that could respond to the needs of those who truly need it.
Any reactions?
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Switchfoot
I just became aware of a music group that has some amazing songs. Switchfoot
They have three CD's that I have been loaned and, from what I find on the web, there are many more. One that has me really intrigued is "Under the Floor." I have printed the lyrics here.
Under The Floor
Under the floor
Between me and the door
There's a presence
I cannot deny
It's under the car
Between me and the stars
I see glory filling up the sky
And I'm certain that he hears me
He listens even as I sing my song
I'm emphatic that he's near me
And I can see his touch in everything here
Deep is the soul
Is the space I control
Is the one thing I can call as mine
Deeper the cold
When he's far from my soul
I surrender all of me inside
And I'm certain that he hears me
He listens even as I sing my song
I'm emphatic that he's near me
And I can see his touch in everything here
(These lyrics came from this website.)
More later. I think/hope this might lead me to some more current music. Let me know what you think, please!
They have three CD's that I have been loaned and, from what I find on the web, there are many more. One that has me really intrigued is "Under the Floor." I have printed the lyrics here.
Under The Floor
Under the floor
Between me and the door
There's a presence
I cannot deny
It's under the car
Between me and the stars
I see glory filling up the sky
And I'm certain that he hears me
He listens even as I sing my song
I'm emphatic that he's near me
And I can see his touch in everything here
Deep is the soul
Is the space I control
Is the one thing I can call as mine
Deeper the cold
When he's far from my soul
I surrender all of me inside
And I'm certain that he hears me
He listens even as I sing my song
I'm emphatic that he's near me
And I can see his touch in everything here
(These lyrics came from this website.)
More later. I think/hope this might lead me to some more current music. Let me know what you think, please!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Where do I get help if I need it in Calgary?
I was just looking at the Calgary Children's Initiative site on the web to try to see what they are about. Without commenting on what I learned, I did find that they list available services and links to them on their site. The page where the links are listed in alphabetical order is here.
Some of the ones listed have me confused as to why they are there, but someone obviously thought they would be useful to SOMEONE. Others will take you to the home page of an organization and then you will have to find what you are looking for within the site. All the same, I figured that it is important to know where to go for help if you want it. Being healthy, having some level of sanity, and being able to find your own support are helpful if you want to develop a sense of spirituality.
I am still trying to get this conversation out to those who might want to join. I am going to send it out to the mailing list I developed here at my work. This is SO LIMITED, that I hope any visitors will help spread the word and send the link to their friends. Feel free to do so!
Namaste!
Some of the ones listed have me confused as to why they are there, but someone obviously thought they would be useful to SOMEONE. Others will take you to the home page of an organization and then you will have to find what you are looking for within the site. All the same, I figured that it is important to know where to go for help if you want it. Being healthy, having some level of sanity, and being able to find your own support are helpful if you want to develop a sense of spirituality.
I am still trying to get this conversation out to those who might want to join. I am going to send it out to the mailing list I developed here at my work. This is SO LIMITED, that I hope any visitors will help spread the word and send the link to their friends. Feel free to do so!
Namaste!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Music
Some of the feedback I have received regards music at our church not really being relevant to youth. It isn't current, it is played traditionally, and the hymns are perceived as "archaic." I am trying to incorporate some more current music into my aspect of the worship service. My problem is that I am no longer as current with music as I once was. I have found certain types of music speak to me and my growing spirituality more than others. One of my favourites (Into the Mystic written by Van Morrison and recently covered by Colin James) is becoming a part of this Sunday's worship service. It certainly is different from what is normally a part of the worship service, but I also realize that it is "my music" not what youth would see as "current."
So what is out there that you find relevant? I am looking for anything that feeds you, that gives you that sense of being a part of it. What is the music that infiltrates your cells? That is what I find spiritually nurturing. Music that enters my body and becomes part of me while I hear it or perform it. Music that I seem to enter and become part of at the same time.
I'd love to share some of that!
So what is out there that you find relevant? I am looking for anything that feeds you, that gives you that sense of being a part of it. What is the music that infiltrates your cells? That is what I find spiritually nurturing. Music that enters my body and becomes part of me while I hear it or perform it. Music that I seem to enter and become part of at the same time.
I'd love to share some of that!
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
In the beginning.....
In the beginning, I wish there had been more light!
I am just beginning my new job as child and youth coordinator here at Knox United Church in Calgary. I have been a member of this church for about 20 years. I have found it a wonderful home in which I can explore and develop my sense of spirituality. At the same time, I have watched children grow and leave the congregation - at least leave the activity they once exercised within this community. I am aware of some of the reasons and will try to respond to what I have been told as well as try to figure out whether my hypotheses are accurate.
What this is will hopefully help respond to some of those concerns. I am hoping that this blog can gather some of the people who might come to Knox, but who are not yet coming, or who have changed from this place. I invite you to participate. Perhaps we can use this to start a conversation and an exploration into how we can make this church more responsive to youth. The church should be a place where youth feel safe, feel at home, feel like they are valued, honoured, respected, and where they have a voice.
If you are wondering about the "Huda Hakawi" aspect of this.....
I hated the idea of going to "Sunday School" when I was a child. I rejected it even more strongly as an adolescent. This is why I refuse to see my job as a director of Sunday School.
When I was an adolescent, I was far more involved with trying to figure out who I was, what I believed, where I was going, and what I wanted to do in my future. There were few places for me to go to explore that. I was lucky. I met some very radical thinkers. These people were also people of ACTION. Incidentally, they were involved with my church. They were NOT, however, people who "preached" to me or my friends. They were not, what we referred to as "bible thumpers." They did challenge us to think and feel.
I am hoping to be more like these mentors of my past. So "Huda Hakawi" is what I am trying to establish as a child and youth program at Knox. Huda Hakawi is simply "Who the heck are we?" written to seem like something else. It does, however, signal people that my aim is to take direction from the youth or children who become a part of what we do.
So:
Who are you?
Who do you want to be?
How do you want to become those people?
What role do you want?
What do you want to do?
I open the conversation to anyone who wants to participate. You don't need to be connected to our church or any church. You don't need to actually come to be physically present. I only ask you to join in the discussion. Let's see where it leads.
Who am I targeting?
So, Who am I?
I am just beginning my new job as child and youth coordinator here at Knox United Church in Calgary. I have been a member of this church for about 20 years. I have found it a wonderful home in which I can explore and develop my sense of spirituality. At the same time, I have watched children grow and leave the congregation - at least leave the activity they once exercised within this community. I am aware of some of the reasons and will try to respond to what I have been told as well as try to figure out whether my hypotheses are accurate.
What this is will hopefully help respond to some of those concerns. I am hoping that this blog can gather some of the people who might come to Knox, but who are not yet coming, or who have changed from this place. I invite you to participate. Perhaps we can use this to start a conversation and an exploration into how we can make this church more responsive to youth. The church should be a place where youth feel safe, feel at home, feel like they are valued, honoured, respected, and where they have a voice.
If you are wondering about the "Huda Hakawi" aspect of this.....
I hated the idea of going to "Sunday School" when I was a child. I rejected it even more strongly as an adolescent. This is why I refuse to see my job as a director of Sunday School.
When I was an adolescent, I was far more involved with trying to figure out who I was, what I believed, where I was going, and what I wanted to do in my future. There were few places for me to go to explore that. I was lucky. I met some very radical thinkers. These people were also people of ACTION. Incidentally, they were involved with my church. They were NOT, however, people who "preached" to me or my friends. They were not, what we referred to as "bible thumpers." They did challenge us to think and feel.
I am hoping to be more like these mentors of my past. So "Huda Hakawi" is what I am trying to establish as a child and youth program at Knox. Huda Hakawi is simply "Who the heck are we?" written to seem like something else. It does, however, signal people that my aim is to take direction from the youth or children who become a part of what we do.
So:
Who are you?
Who do you want to be?
How do you want to become those people?
What role do you want?
What do you want to do?
I open the conversation to anyone who wants to participate. You don't need to be connected to our church or any church. You don't need to actually come to be physically present. I only ask you to join in the discussion. Let's see where it leads.
Who am I targeting?
- Youth: 13 - 25.
- Preferably near Calgary Alberta, but you don't have to be to engage in this discussion.
- You likely are Christian or your family is so, but let's not limit this space to those who are Christian. Let's share who we are and get to know more about the diversity of the world. My daughter describes herself as not believing in anything. I would not close her from this conversation. She might have the questions and comments that stimulate real thought and growth.
- Someone who is exploring their spirituality. Someone who wants to grow in her/his spirituality. Someone who wants to know themselves as a spiritual being.
- Someone who doesn't mind "being in the process of growing".
So, Who am I?
- Staff Associate coordinating Children and Youth at Knox United Church.
- Part of Knox United Church in Calgary Alberta
- A former teacher and public school administrator
- a father of two
- Dr. Dan (this link will take you to my facebook page. You can get lots of info - likely more than you want.)
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