Norms for the Classroom

I'm really glad that we took time in class on Monday to talk about the norms that we wanted for our classroom. I think it is really important to put things out in the open from the beginning so that everyone can feel comfortable and secure sharing personal thoughts/feelings/ideas, etc. It can be difficult in a class focused on power and diversity to all agree on issues and have the same opinions. I appreciated that we were able to come up with some rules/norms for our class individually and then collectively create a list. I have been in classes before where people are rude, ignorant, or indifferent to other's feelings, backgrounds, etc. and it doesn't create a very happy and comforting classroom environment. It is important to listen to each other, have powerful and meaningful discussions and debates, and take other people's different backgrounds/feelings/opinions/personal experiences into accounts when making judgements. I extend that courtesy to others and I expect that in return!

Autobiographical Poem

I am Leigh Ann
Daughter of Diane
Who needs sleep, peace, and acceptance
Who loves her family, friends, and music
Who sees lost loved ones in her dreams
Who hates liars, Mondays, and celery
Who fears death and the real world
Who dreams of the future and the past
Who has found poems of love to be hopeful and exciting
Resident of East Lansing, Dearborn, and Michigan
Myrold-Arseneau