Cloete,+Jacqueline


 * Journal Entry #1 **



My name is Jacqui Cloete. I was born in South Africa. I grew up in Johannesburg under the Apartheid regime. I have two sisters, one now living in Australia with two of her daughters. The other is living in South Africa close to my mom. I did not grow up with a father. In my childhood I was quite unaware of the political strain our country was under. There were a few things I questioned from when I was young. It was only in my late twenties really that I started seeing the lies and propaganda that have been fed to us. I got married, but was shortly divorced and decided to visit friends in New Zealand. It is there where I obtained my Bachelor`s Degree in Education and then decided to pursue my dream of living in South America. Here in Colombia, I worked in the capital for one year. I am now living in a very unique environment at La Mina, Cerrejon. It is a very isolated place and quite removed from "reality" in many ways. I am teaching in an international school, Grade 2 for the second year. Before that I taught 4th Grade for two years here at Colegio Albania. I have learned a lot, grown a lot and being here has made me very aware of the small things to be grateful for. I live with my three fur babies. I am enjoying the single life and would like to explore some new adventures in the near future.

Conflict and Resolution/Peacable Schools Where there are people there is conflict. Schools are a target for a variety of conflicts. The obvious one would be bullying among students but this is not where conflict stops. Considering the dynamics of a school taking in account culture, personalities, backgrounds, education etc. it is no wonder that a potentially small conflict can easily be misconstrued and affect a huge part of the school community if it is not addressed in a sensitive manner. Conflict could arise between teachers, teachers and parents, admin and teachers, admin and parents, students and teachers etc. So it is important that we are equipped for this almost daily occurrence in the school community. In this course I think it would be beneficial for me to learn: I am excited to become better equipped for situations that I would rather try and avoid than approach to solve. Journal Entry #2 American X  In our discussion we seemed to agree that in this case both the brothers were nurtured into their beliefs and principles. It was clear when it began. The father was an obvious role model to his sons. He was a hero in their eyes. But he seemed to be a hateful man. He displayed this with his racist remarks and opinion about Sweeney, the principal of the school. His father showed jealousy and had the need to stand against what the principal was doing for the students in the school. He was accused of being on a “black power trip” on more than one occasion. Derek was a strong leader. He demonstrated that when he led a group in the robbery and taunting of the staff at the local supermarket. He made an impressive speech and was able to convince his fellow gangsters that their actions were justified and meaningful. Derrick was also a strong role mode to his younger brother who followed closely in his footsteps, with not only his way of thinking but also in his actions. When he was released from prison and he went to the meeting people demonstrated a great respect for him, before they knew that he had changed his ways. The school seemed to not have a lot of control when it came to bullying. In both of the scenes where there was confrontation in the bathroom. Bullying is not often easy to detect but at this major level where students move in gangs and groups, it is the school´s responsibility to monitor the movements of students to either prevent, defuse or manage these conflicts. Danny was at a very impressionable age. This meant that his role models would be seen as his guides and he unfortunately did follow the negative, hateful path of his leaders. On the night of the robbery at their house, Danny witnessed the brutal killing of their robbers. His brother In many scenes he referred to the neo-Nazi mentor and what he said and what plans they had. Danny needed a mentor and he followed these people passionately. The young prisoner that worked with him in prison had a huge influence on Derrick. His consistency of displaying a kind, caring, loving actions towards Derek was definitely the turning point for him. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">The actions of the principal (Sweaney), even since Derek was at school and now in prison, had a huge effect on how Derrick´s perception of black people were. He could only see the hate that was demonstrated through the gangs. But these two characters, the principal and the fellow prisoner, both were persistently contradictory to what Derek has always known and chose to believe. Yet, these were the two that impacted and eventually changed Derek to become a better person. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Experiences in prison for Derek had to change the course of his thinking. Being raped and having had to deal with many conflicts created room for him to be influenced and he chose to be influenced positively. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Influences are everywhere. As a youngster we often do not realise the influence people, experiences and elements have on us. One does not necessarily even realise that one has choice. So it is important that we as leaders make our students aware of being able to identify choices in their lives. <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Journal Entry # 3 <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Peaceable school or community <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">The elements of a peaceable school or community would be:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">How to defuse situations;
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Equipping ourselves with the relevant strategies to approach conflicts
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Dealing with bullying in the school
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Mediation skills
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Where to find relevant support outside the school
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">To have a common purpose or goal.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">A close trusting community who can work towards a common purpose.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Everyone is treated fairly and respectfully
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Everyone takes responsibility for their role in the community
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Everyone is committed to create an peaceful environment
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Parents are committed to work as a team with the school for the best outcome of their child.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">What would a peaceable school or community look like?
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">There would be a trust in management to have support as a student or co worker
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Open clear communication
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Professional, but caring attitude towards the situation and its participants
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">A safe place to report conflict knowing it would be dealt with in a respectful way
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Zero tolerance to bullying
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Team building workshops for students to participate in to connect
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Extra curricular activities that could promote peace and community

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.5;">**What elements of communication would be included?**

 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Open communication
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Active listening skills
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Feedback to ensure message is received clearly
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Possible solutions and strategies to be presented
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Commitment from both or more parties of their responsibilities to solve issue
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Commitment from both or more parties of their responsibilities to solve issue

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.5;">**What would be tolerated and what would not be tolerated?**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Person is able to express him/herself
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Will be able to say all that needs to be said

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">No tolerance for:
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Put downs
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Physically, emotionally or verbal abuse

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.5;">**What would the rules be?**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Be respectful at all times
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">One person speaks at a time
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">We all seek a solution at the end
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">We have a mediator who can help make decisions and guide in process

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.5;">**What would the expectations be?**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">That there would be a peaceful positive outcome
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">That students as well as all participants will be committed to resolve the issue in a peaceful way.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Commitment is key to building relationships and creating peace

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 1.3em; line-height: 1.5;">**What would the responsibilities be?**
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Commitment to take up our role to solve the problem
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Be active participants in our community
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">To inform when there is conflict and to have an attitude of peace and not conflict

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">B. Do a web search for Oscar Arias (use a minimum of two sites other than wikipedia) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">[]  <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">[]  <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">C. Read the Oscar Arias speech to the international educators at the Tri-Association, found at this link. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">D. <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Post Journal Entry #3

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Class Community

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">In our classroom there is a big emphasis on a sense of belonging. Students know that the classroom belongs to us all and that we are all active participants in the classroom. Hank will be able to see that we administer respect, giving each other turns to speak and students are constantly reminded that only one person speaks at a time. We have a wall of appreciation which we post notes of thanks when someone was kind, caring or respectful. We work in groups that work for us. Hank will see that even at this young age, they are able to identify when someone is not respectful and when they are given the opportunity; they are able to give and practise strategies that show they are able to rectify some conflicts. We as a class community also have regular class meetings where we identify things that go well, things that need attention and we think of ways of how we can fix problems, issues and conflict. All students are given various opportunities to communicate any differences they may have with each other. We also have a “Kelso chart” which gives choices of how one can solve a conflict. Students are given turns to speak to talk about their experience. Each party will listen respectfully to each other´s perspective. Thereafter a solution will be discussed and each party will usually be able to find a compromise in order to move forward. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Other ways of promoting a peacable community in our class is team building with “convivencias”. Students go out for the day as a class and build relationship by sharing and participating in physical activities. There is also a time designated for the class to share some intimate experiences with each other. This is a very successful tool that our school uses to build intimacy (relationship) and respect for one another. <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Journal Entry #4 <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Waterboarding <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Watching this clip and many after, it is clear that this type of treatment is inhumane. I agree with one reporter who said that it is called enhanced interrogation techniques or torture, depending on who´s side you´re on at the time. I understand, but don´t agree, that the interrogators are trying to find ways to extract information from the enemy. They believe that they could perhaps save others by gaining certain information from their subjects. They also believe that this is a way to intimidate, disorientate and break down people in order to get the truth. However, using these methods of violence cannot be productive. In an interview, John McCain says that when people have been exposed to so much pain or torture, they would say anything to make it stop. This is not a guarantee that the truth is told. I am pleased to know that Obama agrees that this is torture and that hopefully since all these stories have been exposed, that it has truly come to an end. Peace talks, I hope would be the way forward. We can only hope… <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Journal Entry #4 <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Reflection of violence <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">When thinking about the suffering of the world, violence is always the theme that is in the forefront. The U.S. is no exception. I was interested to read the comparison between Europe and U.S. It is not a surprise to me that the U.S. is the forerunner of violence. I would say that there were just so many extra factors that contributed to the violence in the U.S. Slavery and its modelling of it to the slave owners´ successors was definitely one of the issues that the violence rate was significantly higher. Has this then also cultivated a culture of violence? According to the article, Richard Brown stated “it was natural for Americans to react to stress or provocation with violence”. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I overestimated the violence in the U.S. Lack of knowledge and involvement of the States is definitely a factor for me. Not being North American and not having experience living in the States has influenced my perception. My experience with this theme is very limited. Movies, documentaries, and selective news reports are the only exposure I have had so far. From reading the article I would say that the abolishment of slavery, less gun ownership, the judicial system, more infrastructures, a rise in convictions of crimes, advanced education etc. could influence the rate of homicide violence going down. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">According to the subjects who took the survey, violence in general is viewed as a way parties are trying to get their message across, by intimidating, causing fear, physical or emotional harm. It often is also a display of power in order to get what they want. This is an ineffective way to accomplish a desired outcome. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I think what I have learned in this lesson is very important and relevant to conflict and resolution. We need to see what the consequences are if we do not take more responsibility to be more involved participants in our community. We should prevent, manage and find solutions for conflict as much as we can in order to be the models for others. If we do not equip the future generations, by teaching peace as Oscar Arias implored on us in his Tri Association speech, we will not reach peace. <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Extra Credit: <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Shooting fighting back <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">This was a very interesting theme for me to explore. School “shooting fighting back” has provoked me to think about reality. We often see these types of scenes in movies and we can almost romanticise the fighting back. However, it is important that students and teachers are aware that these shootings are usually over in matter of minutes. There is hardly time to plan and play hero. I do think the pros for this is that students are empowered. They are given tools and strategies to deal with a situation which is very tricky. Students who are prepared are possibly able to survive more successfully than those who have never been exposed to this kind of preparation. Being prepared can make the difference between life and death. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">However, this might also evoke fear in students. Another concern for me is that students might want to be heroic and put their lives in danger unnecessarily. The Run, Hide or Fight strategy seems to be the one I would approve for students, depending on the situation. If one can get away without being hurt, then surely that would be the better option. I think if there is time to prepare and get the cans out and then fight the intruder, then that should be the last option. <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Journal Entry # 5

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Amygdala

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">This was something I experienced personally. I was with a friend at a traffic light. Another car came past us and skipped the light crashing into a minibus with at least 15 people in it. The minivan flipped over making a summersault. Some people were flung out of the van, others were stuck in it. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">What happened… I jumped out and ran towards the minibus and started shouting and ordering people to do things. I got some men to lift the bus at it had fallen onto a little boy about 4 years old. I ordered a local shop keeper to call emergency services. I got people to sit on the sidewalk so they were safe from traffic and ensured that others were out of danger. All I remember is that I was praying out loud and the image of the boy has always been imprinted in my memory. My friend who was with me at the time told me that I had completely taken over the scene. I do not actually recall much of what happened in that time. But I do remember that afterwards, when we left the scene, I was in shock and was crying uncontrollably. <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Journal Entry # 5: <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Body Language <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">This TED clip was a reminder of how important it is to be aware of what you say with merely your body movements and posture. I do not usually like to generalise but in this case I can almost always say that the examples that were used in the talk was spot on when it came to witnessing the level of confidence people had displayed and how they managed to convince others of this confidence. Whether they were faking it or not, the body language displayed definitely can portray a certain amount of confidence. I was really impressed with the testosterone test that was taken and how it changed by changing ones´ body language. I have notices in my own life too that at the times when I felt confident, how I carry myself. And then at times when I did not feel so confident, or even unmotivated, how I would communicate this with my own body language. This has inspired me to try and test the “fake it till I make it” the next time I am not feeling too confident in a situation. I do believe that with this a more motivated, positive thinking person can derive from merely taking up a different position. <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Journal Entry # 6:

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">This assignment has 2 parts. A & B

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Define:

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> What is a conflict? <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">According to the Cambridge Dictionary Online <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> “Conflict is an active disagreement between people between people with opposing opinions or principles. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">or <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">fighting between two or more groups of people or countries."

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Conflict is sometimes a power struggle and parties involved are not prepared to listen or see each others´ perspective.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> What is conflict resolution? (Texts, Web and personal observations are permitted.) <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">According to the BusinessDictionary.com <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"Interventions aimed at alleviating or eliminating discord through conciliationParties involved are working towards a common goal of solving a problem. Listening to each other is a very important part of attaining resolution."

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Journal Entry #6A

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I witnessed a woman and her partner arguing about why he left (moved out) the apartment while she was away for a weekend with her sister (a prize she had won and he didn´t want to go with her). It started with her asking quietly why, crying. He then started insulting her with words that she was a bad person (name calling and accusing her that she was with someone else). The more she tried to be nice the worse the man became and then suddenly the woman suddenly lost it and screamed and physically pushed the man out of her way.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">It was as if out of desperation and exhaustion she snapped. It is asif something came over her. A sudden rage came over her. I would guess, she felt unheard and misunderstood. – this was the point of Amygdala as the woman was not able to control her anxiety in the argument. I do not think that this was the only element that hindered the conflict. The continuous taunting of the partner, his arrogance and his inability to listen were further obstacles for this conflict to not be resolved and to have escalated to that extend.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Question: Do the involvement of emotions and the Amygdala always hinder conflict resolution?

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Emotions are always involved in conflict. I would say that how we manage those emotions will depend on how much they can hinder conflict resolution. I believe that these emotions involved can be managed, depending on one´s emotional intelligence. Rehearsing and training our emotions and perhaps predicting the outcome may be some strategies we could use in order to work reach a resolution. It is important that we are aware of these elements in order to act appropriately. An important factor would be that both parties have a common goal… to resolve a conflict and not to prove one or the other party wrong.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">In this article the writer suggested that swearing should be used in the social or private context and best kept out of the workplace as it may offend some.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">[] <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I enjoyed this blogger´s comments and opinions about swearing. I tend to agree with her on much of her thinking. The responses on this blog were very interesting and varied. I tend to lean towards the intent of the swearing. See reflection below. <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Journal <span style="color: #fc0e1d; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Entry #6 B.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Swearing <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">There are many perspectives on swearing. Some people who do not flinch to say God or Jesus could find other swear words offensive or in my case vice versa. I guess I am a selective, hypocritical swearer. For example I find words like the c word very offensive but I personally use the f word very frequently and when others do too, I find some form of “comradery” in them. I agree with the ones saying that it is expressive and the darn or oops just does not cut it for me when I stub my toe or head on something. Swearing has intent. When used in an aggressive or conflictive situation, it has the intent to scare and intimidate. Name calling and swearing at someone directly has the same intent. This is verbal abuse. I am not a fan of using other words instead of swearing, e.g. fudge instead of fuck, because it is the intent of the heart. I am a firm believer to be true and real. However, it is important to be respectful of those who do find swearing offensive. Some people feel uncomfortable when profanity is used. Personally I try not to swear in front of new acquaintances or in front of my boss. People who are offended need to establish their boundaries to express how they feel about swearing as some swear words just don´t carry the same weight it may to others. <span style="color: #fc0e1d; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Just for fun – if you are not offended by the word “fuck” <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">[]

<span style="color: #fc0e1d; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Just for fun: Very similar to the video <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Why Fuck is the Best Word in the English Language... by Who the Fuck Knows <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Perhaps one of the most interesting and colorful words in the English language today is the word "fuck". <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">It is a magical word which, just by its sound can describe pain, pleasure, love, and hate. In language, "fuck" falls into many grammatical categories. <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">It can be used as a verb both transitive (John fucked Mary) and intransitive (Mary was fucked by John). <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">It can be an action verb (John really gives a fuck), <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">a passive verb (Mary really doesn't give a fuck), <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">and adverb (Mary is fucking interested in John), <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">or as a noun (Mary is a terrific fuck). <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">It can also be used as an interjection (Fuck! I'm late for my date with Mary). <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">It can even be used as a conjunction (Mary is easy, fuck she's also stupid). <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">As you can see there are very few words with the overall versatility of the word fuck. <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Aside from its sexual connotations, this word can be used to describe many situations: <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">10.Disbelief..............."Unfuckingbelievable!" <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">11.Retaliation............."Up your fucking ass!" <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">12.Apathy................."Who really gives a fuck?" <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">13.Suspicion............."Who the fuck are you?" <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">14.Directions.............."Fuck off." <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">15.It can be maternal........"Motherfucker!" <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">16.It can be used to tell time......."It's four fucking twenty!" <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">17.It can be used as an anatomical description............."He's a fucking asshole." <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Lastly, it has been used by many notable people throughout history: <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"What the fuck was that?" -Mayor of Hiroshima <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"That's not a real fucking gun." -John Lennon <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"Where the fuck is all this water coming from?" -Captain of the Titanic <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"Who the fuck is gonna find out?" -Richard Nixon <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"Heads are gonna fucking roll." -Anne Boleyn <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"Any fucking idiot could answer that." -Albert Einstein <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"It does so fucking look like her!" -Picasso <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"You want what on the fucking ceiling?" -Michaelangelo <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"Fuck a duck." -Walt Disney <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">"Houston, we have a big fucking problem." - The crew of Apollo 13 <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">- written by McCutcheon
 * 1) <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">1.Greetings........."How the fuck are ya?"
 * 2) <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">2.Fraud..............."I got fucked by the car dealer."
 * 3) <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">3.Resignation......."Oh, fuck it!"
 * 4) <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">4.Trouble............."I guess I'm fucked now."
 * 5) <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">5.Aggression........."Fuck you!"
 * 6) <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">6.Disgust................"Fuck me."
 * 7) <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">7.Confusion............." What the fuck....?"
 * 8) <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">8.Displeasure............"Fucking shit man..."
 * 9) <span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">9.Lost........................"Where the fuck are we?"

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> Assignment #7 – I messages

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Comments I used in the classroom with my 2nd Graders

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Today I noticed that most of you had all your materials ready before class. This saves a lot of time. I am excited to see how we will continue throughout this lesson!

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I like the way you waited your turn at the door. This means we were very respectful and we got organised much quicker. I am proud of you, well done.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Students were genuinely happy and pleased. Even some body language changed. Sitting up straight or some looking at each other smiling.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Please can you stop interrupting when others are talking. You frustrate me and we can´t hear what the person is saying.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">A frown came upon student´s face.

<span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">This is Journal Entry #7.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Negative: You always go through my stuff this is disrespectful and you make me angry. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">When you go through our belongings, it invades our privacy and we feel disrespected.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> Gigi, when you come into the house, especially when we are not there, our privacy is being invaded when you go through our belongings, and we feel disrespected. It would be much nicer anyway to see you when you come around and we can share quality time together.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Gigi it is so great now that you come over when we are there. We get to see you and we feel that you are more respectful of our space and belongings.

<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Journal Entry # 8

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Bullying

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> These articles that were given to us to read and their links were very informative and valuable to me. The parts that most impacted my perspective are that bullying is not only an immediate problem. The obvious is that the victim will often have further psychological issues much further down the line. But so will the Bully. This has really affected me. This has also suddenly increased my sense of responsibility to not only support the victim but the bully. Bullying is a mere symptom of what is going on behind the scenes. More often than not bullying is a cry for help, probably in the most negative way possible i.e. at the expense of others. Although I do not condone bullying, I believe that all educators, adults and whoever is involved, need to find the root of the problem while trying to stop the obvious destructive behaviour. It is important to identify that bullying is not conflict. However, according to the article on the Edutopia website, unresolved, repetitive conflict can become bullying. This has been observed in many cases in my workplace. I agree with the approach of “compassionate communication”. This is a place where the bully could start finding a place of trust if we, as the adult, mediator or counsellor “Make an observation without judgment; identify feelings; explain needs and state the request”. These articles have forced me to confront my fear of conflict and my responsibility as a teacher to get involved with these issues. Being better equipped for these situations will not also be growth for me, but also help the victim become empowered and hopefully the bully become aware of the root of his manifestations of abusive behaviour. Setting up a safe place for both parties and using the “compassionate communication” approach is where I would start. We already have a team who deal with bullying at our school. But I do think that it is important that we all as a faculty need to revisit the Bullying theme and share our research and experience in order to equip each other further. Small step can go a long way. I have not been ignoring bullying, but I have certainly been apprehensive in dealing with the issues myself and have preferred to pass the cases on to our psychologist. I do think however building trust with the students will further able them to share more confidently what they need, victim or bully. <span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Journal Entry # 9

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Personality Profile

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I love taking these types of tests! I am not sure if it is just that I “need to know” what I am like, as I do not have a clear positive opinion about myself or perhaps I could find a new characteristic about myself in these tests. But on the other hand I can be quite sceptical too because I want to believe we are diverse and that we cannot be boxed in. I want to believe that if we are one way or another that we can work and develop skills and parts of ourselves to become more than just a description from a textbook. However, after taking the test and read the prototype I scored the highest in, I was astounded at how precisely I was described. As a People Person I was able to completely relate to the description. I do have parts of the other prototypes but certainly the table was spot on. So in this case I do agree with the personality profile from the test I took. I do think it is important to approach these tests with caution and that when we do identify with these descriptions, we should always reflect and take responsibility for how we interact and conduct ourselves. What I mean is that we can not and should not use our personality profile as an excuse not to change things where need be. For instance, I am really not a very organised person. I cannot keep saying “Well that´s just the way I am”, which is true. But I need to make the necessary changes in order to be more affective in my workplace. I cannot go around showing my personality profile to my boss and say, this is why… <span style="color: #ff0000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Journal entry # 10 <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Comparing American X and October Sky <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;"> 1. The role of nurture by the families of the two main characters, Derrick and Homer.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Homer – Homer lives in a mining community where people have very old fashioned views. They basically live without any global perspective or goals. It is as if they are prisoners in this community and that there was not really any “way out”. He has a stable home with a strong support system. He is taught to do the right thing and be “proper”. In the movie he gave up school to do the right thing after his father almost lost his eye, to financially support his family. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Derek – Derek lives in a suburb but with his mother, brother and sister. His father had a strong influence on him before he died. The nurturing of his father was negative, hateful and racist. When they were sitting around the table his father referred to black people and how the principal (who was black) was trying to manipulate him (Derek).

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">2. The role of the mother in the development of each of the two main characters Derrick and Homer. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Homer´s mother was quiet but I thought she had a strong silent presence. She often “communicated” her support and approval by not saying anything. Yet, she allowed the boys to work in the basement and she would give the father glances to communicate to let issues go etc. She finally spoke out and threatened to leave her husband if he was not prepared to help Homer. This was a very brave and daring thing to do as she really had not other place to go if the father did not agree to do what she asked. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I really felt that Derek´s mom was passive and a victim of the loss of her husband. She was always in bed and came across weak. The only time she was not in a “state” was when Murray came over for dinner. But I do not feel that she was a mother that was present even though she was in the same house as Derek and the other siblings. Derek seemed to have been the leader of the house and the mom just trying to cope with life.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">3. The role of the teacher Murray in Derrick’s life and the role of Miss Reilly in Homer’s life. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Miss Reilly was someone who inspired learning. Who supported the boys with their dream and their project. She stuck out her neck for them on more than one occasion. The time she spoke up to the principal and almost demanded that he give them a chance to prove they can build the rocket.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Murray however was a person who did not necessarily empathise with students. He was trying to get the boys into trouble rather than support them or guide them to learn about different perspectives. Murray did not have a personal interest in Derek, but he did however have a personal interest in the mother, which would automatically provoke further stress, since he was a Jew and not welcomed by Derek.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">4. The role of the two principals in the lives of Derrick and Homer.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Homer´s principal had no faith in the boys´ ability to achieve. He would rather believe the negative than the positive from the boys. He was not willing to give them an opportunity to try and reach their goal, which was going to the Science fair. When the fire was pinned on them, he did not defend or support them. Only when they were able to prove that they were not responsible for the fire did he finally get on board with supporting their dream to go to the fair. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Sweany, Derek´s principal was a kind, loving, caring man who wanted the best for Derek. He did not only counsel him when he was at school. But he also went to visit and support him in prison, even after the horrific things he had done to the people (a racist act) who were killed outside his house. Ultimately it was the principal´s unconditional love that changed Derek´s ways <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;">.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">5. The role of the community in the lives of Derrick and Homer.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Homer´s community were very supportive of their project and dream. They came to see him launch the rocket and some people even put their jobs at stake to help him out to make some parts for the rocket. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">The community in which Derek lived seemed to have been entrapped in their hatred for other races. Even though they looked out for each other, the community was split and did not have the same comradery feel to it, as with Homer´s community. At the end the same people who would have supported Derek, have now turned on him, even his own girlfriend. <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">I felt that both the communities were entrapped in their small minded thinking. Homer´s community could not seem to think that there was a life beyond the mine. Derek´s community as mentioned before was entrapped in their small minded thinking of racism and hatred.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Conclusion <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Both these movies had a redemptive outcome. In both these movies tragedy had to happen before there was a shift for the characters to realise that if they do not take control of their lives, then they would be doomed in the same prison as their fathers.