Reflections

I believe that one of the purposes if not the main purpose of education is to empower the learner a find his or her voice…this voice can be manifested vocally or orally as in when that person speaks or sings or via the written medium. The voice is a powerful tool and people know that. Two thousand five hundred years ago, China’s most famous philosopher, Confucius, described words as “the voice of the heart.”
By now you are wondering about my topic, well as Reading Specialists we are going to be called upon to help struggling readers find their voice. In helping a student to find his/her voice we will be helping that student to grow in confidence and self esteem. As teachers we see students who do not use their voice because they are afraid other will laugh at their attempts to express themselves.
Teaching our students to read and have a voice is a powerful tool and it opens them up to the wonders of the Universe that are locked away in WORDS. When students are provided meaningful, authentic learning opportunities that spark their natural interests and goals for learning, they are transformed from passive learners to empowered learners.
The alienated student no longer exists. Students who were once passive learners are active learners all because they are given a voice. Remember for some students, their school is the only place where their voice is heard.
We must have the courage and responsibility to listen to students. If they are to lead our society, we must be willing to learn from them. Listen to our students. Give them a voice. Empower them to learn and lead!
Sadly there are educators and the learners who believe in the adage children should be seen and not heard.