Have a great Christmas

Our deadly decorations from Christmas is Deadly.

The Critical Classroom is now officially on a break. We'll be back on Monday 16th of January.

When we come back we'll be posting regular updates about education, Indigenous issues and events. We'll be talking about how you can approach the 26th of January and acknowledging it as Invasion Day, Survival Day as well as Australia Day.

If you have any specific topics or resources you are in need of please let us know. We'll also be running some competitions throughout the year so make sure you keep in touch via Twitter, Facebook, or G+.

Using parody to get your message across

This video is an excellent example of using parody and video to get your hard-hitting message across.

Free resources from Deadly Vibe

Free teacher resources are available from the Deadly Vibe website - check them out.

http://www.vibe.com.au/education/class-activities.html

What did you contribute today?

When I viewed this video by Alan November, it made me think I should not ask my kids 'What did you do today?' but rather 'What did you contribute today?

Should we discard cursive?

We probably all thought about it at some time - getting rid of cursive writing. Here is a post from Australian teacher, Jodie Riek about cursive (contains useful, though many US-based links).

Complete educator's guide to using Google Reader & RSS

Nothing more to be said except, if  you're not subscribing via RSS, then you need to read this post by Sue Waters.

Simple science videos

Straying from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources again but what the heck! I couldn't resist sharing these fabulous videos. Not only are they great resources as well as excellent examples of what talented teachers can make themselves.

Check out these Simple Science videos. Note: the website is not currently available.


3B Plants Video from Simple Science on Vimeo.

When outcomes get in the way of engagement & learning

What do you do when a student submits a wonderful assessment piece that fails to fulfil your objectives?

Read Dan Haesler's piece Just a boy who likes turtles.


(via +JennyGilbert on G+)

Moving art

Alick Tipoti and Judy Watson talk about the Tilt Train project - their art and connections.

Positive messaging for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are rarely in mainstream media. Generally any coverage is negative or paternalistic, and rarely are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people considered part of the audience, but rather the subjects of the stories of others.

The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health in South East Queensland has created a series of television commercials that are aimed at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Healthy Living television commerical -

Anti-smoking television commercial -

Arlene TextaQueen

Australian artist Arlene TextaQueen's work addresses racism, Whiteness, identity, and culture and a myriad of other themes. Check out the links below:


Texta-toting artist works in glorious tetchy colour
Intervew - Arlene TextaQueen

Let kids use phones in class/school

I use my phone everyday and not just for phonecalls. Like most people with an average smartphone, I'll capture images, write notes, check the web for facts or look up addresses. I use maps and I connect.

I often hear educators complain that students are not engaged in class. Rather than blame the students, maybe we should take the learning to where they are. So let kids use their phones in class for learning, isn't it better than forever playing phone police?

Just a thought :-)

How to... Pedagogy Sheets

These look fantastic - How To... Pedagogy sheets ...

I need the reflective writing sheet for next semester.

Embracing your inner cliche

Excellent piece by Australian writer Benjamin Law about challenging stereotypes and diversity.

The ad referred to by Benjamin Law in his article ....

Explaining White race privilege

I love cartoons, especially good political cartoons that get to the guts of the issue. This issue speaks about race privilege, the inherited kind.

 
Cartoon is from http://www.leftycartoons.com/category/antiracist/ by Barry Deutsch.

Racism in language

Fast forward the cheesy opening and this is a great video exploring racism in language.

[Unfortunately I can't locate Part 2)

Understanding decolonsiation of knowledge

In this video, Dr Marie Battiste talks about the importance of decolonisation of Indigenous knowleges within academia.

Have you tried Story Wheel in the classroom?

This looks fantastic.

Story Wheel for iPad let's students find inspiration in images, record and then playback their own stories. I haven't tried it yet. Check out their Facebook Page.

A review of Tall Man

Kate Munro reviews Vernon Ah Kee's Tall Man exhibition at Gertrude Street Gallery in Melbourne.

Image Credit: Still frame of video projection from http://www.artshub.com.au/shared/images/news/185794_m.jpg

Update:

Another review: Joleen Loh for Daily Serving: an international forum for contemporary visual arts http://dailyserving.com/2011/11/vernon-ah-kee/

Native American Heritage Month

November is Native American Heritage Month. You can access links and resources from the Native American Heritage Month website.

If you are going to explore this topic, please ensure you do it respectfully and DO NOT dress up as "Indians" or Pocohontas etc.

Heed the message from these posters about racist costumes.


Image Credit: http://www.dodea.edu/dodeaCelebrates/2010_NativeAmerican/assets/na_banner.jpg