Erin Shortall/Fulgham Book Discussion/10-20-15

Fulgham Book Discussion Lesson Plan

I.

Topic:
Today we will discuss, in a small group, Educating All Gods Children by
Nicole Baker Fulgham.

II.

Objectives/Standards:
Following the reading of Educating All Gods Children, TSWBAT agree or
disagree with certain topics discussed in the second half of the book, as
well as identify and discuss main ideas proposed in the second half. (GCC
Goals 2,6, and 7)?

III.

Teaching Procedures:
Anticipatory Set- By a show of hands, how many of you felt that this book
was necessary or important for our future role as educators? How many of
you want to teach in a public school? (Formative)
Development 1a. I will be focused on a more broad scale of themes and overarching
questions.
Development 2- Calling
a. Beginning of Chapter 6, specifically page 119
b. Do you agree with Fulghams opinion of calling? Fulgham shares that
she believes calling can be a negative thing, creating limitations in
the fact that if we are only focused on our calling, we arent focused on
others, but the key is pairing it with justice. Do you agree with this?
c. As Christians, we constantly hear the idea of following Gods plan and
calling for us. Does this change a view for anybody? Talk to the
person next to you, then share. (Formative)
Development 3- Idea of Justice
a. Reflect on overall theme: Reflecting on the first half of the book going
into the second, it seems a major theme of the book was justice and
still is. By a show of hands, do you agree this was the theme?
(Formative)
b. (Read page 120s quote by Terri in the second paragraph about
justice). Do you think justice, human dignity, and equality are truly
Christian ideals, or are they just a part of a moral code that any
teacher could develop?
- If you think that they are Christian ideals, does this mean that nonChristian teachers cannot possess these qualities? Have you ever
had a teacher that wasnt a Christian that was a great teacher and
promoted justice and equality in learning?
c. On page 138, Fulgham draws the connection between Jesus as the
Master Teacher, as previously discussed in class, and our roles in public
education as Christians. It seems Fulgham is seeming to suggest that
yes, Christ was a high-quality teacher, and this was because of his
emphasis on justice, human dignity, and equality. Is this true? Was
Jesus more than that? What do you think?

Erin Shortall/Fulgham Book Discussion/10-20-15

-

Jesus possessed other qualities also that proved his status as a

great teacher, such as utilizing metaphors to teach, leading by
example, reaching out to those in need, and displaying love and
grace.

Guided Practice 3- Jesus as the Master Teacher

Anywhere on a piece of paper, write down at least three other
qualities/characteristics of Jesus that you think are vital for teaching in
public education, other than justice, human dignity, and equality.
(Formative)
- Love, grace, selflessness, creativity, courage, humility, willingness,
sacrifice
Development 4- Political, Education as the Pathway to the Removal of
Poverty
a. Fulgham discusses the danger of becoming too political with policies
for education reform and discussing why Christians should be involved
in public education, which seems to inch at violating the separation
between church and state.
b. Page 175- Should education continue to be placed in hands of
legislators, or should it fall to Christians and people who truly want to
help aid these children to success, helping to close the achievement
gap? Why or why not?
- Legislators are not educated in the subject of education; they
simply use their 10,000 hour experience along with everyone else.
They may not be the best ones to create policies on funding or
reform for education, when they cannot see the needs firsthand of
schools.
c. Do you believe legislators will close the achievement gap?
- 10,000 hour experience
- It hasnt quite worked so far, so teachers may need to step up and
promote reform.
d. Do you agree that more Christians need to get more involved?
Development 5- The Source of the Problem
a. On page 197 towards the very end, Fulgham states that money is not
the answer. Americans are intensely focused on money. Money
sometimes seems to be the answer to everything or the reason behind
anything. Desire for money often causes crime, everything seems to be
a business.
b. Is this why America struggles with education? Its not the only reason,
but do you think that if America placed more value and thought into
people themselves rather than funding or desire for money, education
would improve? Why or why not?
- Capitalism is a powerful thing, and Americans seem to love it.
Money holds so much power in our society and can cause great
destruction at the same time. People need to place more value in
other people. If it means neglecting money and focusing on what
students truly need, we may need that.

Erin Shortall/Fulgham Book Discussion/10-20-15

Closure- Fulgham expresses the overall message on page 165 that we as
teaches must meet the needs of this poverty-stricken students and forget
ourselves and our own needs. In the beginning I asked if you wanted to
teach in public school. With these ideas of selflessness and provision, I
want to leave you with the same questiondo you desire to teach in
public school? Do you think that is your calling?
IV.

Materials:
Lesson plan, Educating All Gods Children with notes inside

V.

Adaptations/Plan Modifications:
None required for this discussion

VI.

Evaluation:
Formative= By a show of hands, TPS, writing on a piece of paper
Summative= none required for this discussion

VII.

Reflection:
1.) Were my discussion questions clear/provide good conversation points?
2.) Did I draw connections and flow between topics/questions?
3.) Did I feel prepared enough to lead the discussion what could be done
better in the future for me to feel more prepared based off of this
discussion?
4.) Did the other group members go deep in thought during the
discussion?
5.) Did they have a lot to say regarding the discussion questions/topics?
6.) Did everyone participate in the discussion?