Scientific Language and the language of animacy 10/17

I appreciate the idea that scientific language can actually distance us from what something really is. I think a way to Indigenize a classroom is to get more connected with the root idea rather than just learning the new language of mathematics. I think our time in the Orchard Garden was a great way to connect with nature and maybe there's a way to connect mathematical terminology to things observed outside or in students' personal lives.

I also thought it was so interesting how English is such a noun-based language and this means it is defined by humans. However, in other languages, especially Indigenous languages, other things are animated. I think this gives more respect to objects and living things around us. This reminds me that students come from various linguistic backgrounds and they already have a bank of knowledge that informs their understandings of different concepts. Their ideas are so valuable and giving them the opportunity to share their understanding is important.

Another stop for me was the importance of knowing who we are and where we are - this applies to the educator as well as the students. I think this is another way to Indigenize my classroom is to recognize that people come from prior knowledge and experiences and that adds immense value to the classroom. "English doesn't give us many tools for incorporating respect for animacy" (56) which means we have to be intentional about having respect for all living things as well as the beautiful objects around us and inviting our students to do the same.