Book Reflection for “Being The Change”

Book Reflection for “Being The Change” By Sara Ahmed

Lily Dashiell

Chesapeake College

EDU 101: Foundations of Education

Dr. Deanna Reinard

October 3, 2021

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“Being The Change'' by Sara Ahmed was such an interesting and informative read.

Ahmed goes into such detail of her findings in teaching children. She used this book as

a platform to spread what she learned and her different methods of teaching. Going into

this book, I thought I wouldnt find anything in this book helpful. I figured it would be

another book that tells you to be assertive and take charge in a classroom. Ahmed

totally blew away those standards. Before the first chapter even begins, the introduction

gives an insight to how the book will change your thinking surrounding children's

learning. She shows how kids pick up on everything we say, from politics to social

change in the world. She discusses what she hears 6th graders talking about, “I'm

confused. Why would anyone bomb a school,hospital or library?” says one of the kids,

these are topics we as adults discuss. We don't expect kids to have the capacity to

understand these difficult issues, or want to speak about them. Ahmed explains to us

how kids really do have this ability to pick up these major topics and talk about them.

Chapter one went even further into this topic. I love that she went into how important

forming connections with your students is. You can start so simple with the exercise she

gave about the identity webs. It allows for really open discussion to form. Doing this in

class really opened my eyes to how truly important this is. It allows for connections to be

made not only between the teacher and their students but also among students.

Friendships can form just from this one simple activity, and friendships in these early

years are so important to kids. These identity webs can start a conversation about

something simple like hobbies and interests, and pathe the way for more important

issues to come up. Such as culture, gender, race and so much more. This really allows

kids to have a place to have these important discussions, and not feel judged or looked

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down upon by adults who think their opinions aren't important. Ahmed said it allows the

kids to “affirm who they are,” this is such an important thing to establish at an early age.

It allows for growth and good morals to form. Going into chapter two Ahmed continues

to express the importance of listening and talking. She makes it clear that this process

is in no way easy. I think it's so important to say this so people don't get the wrong idea,

knowing it's a difficult path and will take work. Having conversations when world issues

come up is an interesting way to get these topics out and create a better understanding.

Another exercise is brought up, about sharing your own news. Everyone has different

things going on in their lives. These can be major parts of our lives and need to be

talked about sometimes. Having these talks at the beginning of class makes it so there's

an easier flow into the day. These topics are weighing on their minds while trying to take

in knowledge. Talking skills and listening skills are very important things to have in your

later life and I'm sure your students will be very grateful to have these experiences. I

love how much Ahmed tries to spread positivity and love throughout her classroom. She

starts the year off so well with these different exercises and discussions. Your

classroom should always be a safe space for your students, it should always allow them

to be themselves. Ahmed said, “there is an immediate sense of family in that

classroom.” I hope that one day Ill be able to say that about my own classroom. I also

really liked how much Ahmed took responsibility for the state of her classroom. She

went into how you have to be an example for your students. How we have to show what

respect is, and practice it in the classroom. She explains the importance of simply

listening. She calls it listening with love, allowing for communication to be present,

before trying to jump into an issue. So many issues can be prevented so easily, by just

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listening to people. Not trying to jump into a problem and get it over with. But really

trying to understand it and empathize. It's also important to stress that these topics are

not easy. Learning to listen and understand is not an easy task, there will be discomfort

and unease, but that's normal and okay to happen. Ahmed goes into the importance of

making connections in the chapter ‘Being Candid”. She explains how drawing from

these experiences, and having these backgrounds on your students allows you to really

understand them. Again she describes this sincerity and openness to be difficult. It can

be uncomfortable, but in the long run it will be worth it. It really allows you to move

forward together, in a safe and comforting environment. Also, forming these connections

makes it so when more difficult topics come up, it allows for an easier and more

understanding talk to occur. Students won't be afraid to bring up important topics. They

will feel heard. And after all, teaching shouldn't be a profession where the goal is to

“make money and do the bare minimum”. This is the next generation where teaching

makes a difference is such an important thing.Finally, reading through the last chapter

you get to put all these practices together and form a new and better environment.

Ahmed claims it will allow you to become better informed. If we have teachers who use

these skills, we will have students who grow to be respectful and intelligent humans.

Understanding your own and other people's identities is a huge step into becoming a

better person. I believe that the school system should not only be educating students on

issues like math and writing, but how to be a good person. Not only will it help in their

everyday life, but also allow for the school day to flow easier. Having issues in your

head can impact students' ability to learn, but with Ahmed's exercises and points, these

issues can be talked about and understood. This makes it so students can move on with

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their days and have a successful time gaining knowledge and intelligence. Through

these skills and lessons, we can create a better society of humans.

Source:

Ahmed, Sara K. Being the Change: Lessons and Strategies to Teach Social Comprehension.

Heinemann, 2018.