Student's Culture

Gullah is a language of cadence and accents, words and intonations. The Gullah "shout" is a rhythmic translation of forbidden drums and the oldest of plantation melodies. Old spirituals and songs spoke of storms and other events in the lives of the slaves and were used as codes for meeting times and places and as messages for freedom. Still standing are the Praise Houses, with a sacred past and present. The culture of the African elders met its people here, combining religious worship, consolation, and hope. This rich culture flourishes today; in their language, their music, their art, their skills and their foods. Storytellers spin their tales, entwining fun and wisdom. Choirs preserve the haunting songs and the old rhythms. This is the heritage of a Gullah.
As a future educator, I believe that it is very important to learn about the culture of your students whom are not of your culture. Doing this helps the educator create lessons that all students can fully participate and at the same time, it allows you to understand that child’s culture and learning styles. My personal philosophy of education is to provide the opportunity for all people to learn the skills that are necessary to live a productive life. The public schools should be able to assist children if they are having other types of problems in school and/or at home, because such problems can have a negative impact on their learning process. In order to do this, I must be able to understand fully the cultural learning process for all on my students.
After working with Gullah-speaking students on a one-on-one basis, I have notice those students do seem to have a harder time participating in languages art classes. Mainly, do to the teacher not being familiar with the Gullah language and does not allow it spoken in class. Secondly, because those students write the same way that they speak, and have a hard time spelling words or writing in Standard English.