It is difficult to take a concept that is abstract in its nature and make a visual representation. I thought it was important to make the symbols of the students different sizes to represent how the students are all different with unique views that they can bring to the table but they are similar in that they are all human beings who want belong and be heard. I also included arrows that symbolized the free exchange of values and ideas between the classroom community.
The words that my peers wrote about my visual representation included "unique", "diverse", "embodying uniqueness", and "parts contributing to a whole." The phrase "parts contributing to a whole" really resonated with me. My peer brought a new perspective that I hadn't thought about. This perspective that my students use everything that they bring to the table to add to the whole of our community.
All of the feedback that my peers provided really reinforced my philosophy many of them were able to understand the appreciation of diversity and the influence of many voices that is prevalent in my classroom.
I plan to implement my philosophy in the classroom by allowing time for students to express their thoughts and bring their culture into the classroom. In my classroom, it is important to establish an understanding that the students have the ability to teach and learn from each other as well as from the teacher.