Shifting the Paradigm

After reading this weeks article, I took away that the idea of asset-based thinking is a mindset for education that focusses on strengths rather then weaknesses. "This positive development emphasizes strengths over weaknesses, resilience over risk, and assets over deficits. The idea of asset-based thinking is a great way to make positive changes within the education system. I think this could make a huge difference, especially in the world of youth development. It is a new way for kids to think about the positives and strengths they bring, rather then always worrying about the negative, or what they need to fix. 

For my connection, I felt like I had actually related to this. When I was younger, I hated going to school and would constantly be anxious. I was a terrible test taker, never wanted to participate because of being afraid I would mess up or get the answer wrong. I have had coaches and teachers in my life who really understood that part of me. I was always thinking of the negative and how I messed up before thinking of the positives. Those adults are people I am still close with because they would always take the time and help me through those things.\ and I think there needs to be more people like that. 

Questions:

1.) How can teachers apply this idea into their lessons and make it a consistent approach with their students? 

2.) How can there be a balance of still working on what students may struggle with so that they can get better help, but also reminding them of the positives and their strengths. 

3.How differently will students feel with this idea of asset-based thinking? Will they be more confident? 

"Breathe"

 After listening to the song "Breathe" from in the heights by Lin Manuel Miranda, I realized that this song does resonate with me. This song is about a girl who is struggling and dealing with a mix of emotions as she is stepping away from college. She feels guilty that she has let people down (people in her neighborhood). One way that I can connect with that is that often times I am always afraid I could be disapointing people. I always want to make people proud and I understand the emotions she was going through at that time.

Real life connection: 

I found this article that talks about college students with imposter syndrome. It explains that so many students doubt their abilities or feel like they aren't good enough. I think this is connected to the song because Nina doubts herself and feels guilty that she is dissapointing people or letting them down. This article talks about other college students doubting their success. 

https://commonwealthtimes.org/2022/03/23/imposter-syndrome-is-real-among-college-students/

 1 quote: “ The character of a youth worker, their integrity and their willingness to act as a role model and critical friend are vital". This quote spoke to me because being a youth worker takes dedication to being that "trusted adult" or safe person for young people. You have to be able to be that role model that children look up to.

2 new ideas:

1. Skills: Having kids work with groups (social practice) and express their ideas. It not only is a way for them to be social, but also good for their communication.

2. Developing frameworks for assignemnts/ groups, also planning ahead.

3 key vocabulary:

Impact: Having a lasting effect or influence on people. Being someone that the children you are working with will remember you based on your commitment and dedication to them.

Inclusion: Making sure that when you are working with young kids, everyone feels included and welcomed into the group. Nobody gets left out and having kids work together to make sure nobody is alone.

Commitment: When becoming a youth worker, it is very important to be committed to the role. You have to be positive, energetic, welcoming, and a trusted adult that kids feel comfortable around. You must be committed to making an effect on their life.

McKamey and Restler reading

 When I was a kid...I did go to a few events after schools...especially in the summer. I also went to basketball camps all the time. The adults that were at these camps were there to make sure everyone was being safe, but also teaching us and giving us lessons/advice. The McKamey and Restler piece did resonate with me in a way. I wouldn't say I went to camps that were more education based but I will still around adults who would share life experiences with us and helped us if we needed. I know that it was helpful for my parents when I was in some of these camps, that way they were able to go to work, and get things done that they might of not been able to when I was with them. My parents would come pick me up from camp and always ask how my day was and if I had fun.

I found this article that I connected to the reading. https://wallacefoundation.org/resource/article/why-do-afterschool-systems-matter

I felt that this article related to the reading because it talks about the importance of after school programs and how it helps kids with skills like communication, problem solving, and even data has shown that it has improved their grades as well. 

 I enjoyed reading "This book is anti-racist" because I thought it delivered a very important message. It is important for people to be comfortable with who they are and I feel like that is what this reading was trying to express. In youth development, we are working with young children, who are still learning about themselves and it is important that they grow up feeling confident in who they are. 

In the real world, people can struggle with feeling like themselves or finding their true self. It is important that everyone feels included. The connection I found was a children's book called "A bad case of Stripes" this book is about a girl who is afraid of fitting in and does what everyone else does just so she feels apart of the group" 

Intro blog post

 Hi! My name is Abby. I am a Junior here at Rhode Island College and I just transferred from Southern New Hampshire University. I am on the women's basketball team and have been playing my whole life! In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends and family and also love taking naps. My favorite food is either pasta or steak. I started nannying for 3 kids this summer who I love and I love spending time with them as well!