My ideal literacy environment would be one of comfort and structure. I would like my students to be immersed into a world of literacy that is fun and engaging. I plan to use writing as much as possible in the classroom because it is an important form of expression. I want my students to feel comfortable expressing their ideas and thoughts and hopefully with practice they will become more confident in doing so. I would like my class to understand the idea of genre and to be comfortable with all forms of literature. To do so, I plan on having a well-stocked library of a variety of books. After reading the Leland article I understand the importance of critical literacy in the classroom. I would like my students to understand and appreciate that not everything will end in "happily ever after: and that sometimes life can be hard. I believe it is important to be honest with students because they are then more willing to trust you and in turn a better student-teacher relationship is developed. I hope by the time I become a teacher I have a better understanding of how to help students learn to read and understand the importance of reading and literature. I hope to have an environment where the students are comfortable with communicating with one another to help build their speaking and listening skills. In Cambourne's article he talks about the conditions of learning which discuss how children learn language, I hope to master these ideas so I can better understand how language is learned and in turn how to accurately teach these ideas. My ideal classroom environment for literacy may never happen, but I will do my best to make sure I help my students become successful in regards to their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Literacy
Literacy, as I understand it currently, is ones ability to communicate thoughts through speaking and writing as well as comprehending what one hears or sees through reading and listening. My definition has changed dramatically throughout the years as I progressed through my teacher education courses. My previous understanding of literacy was very simple, just the ability to read, it sprouted out to include writing, and finally after our discussion last week it includes speaking and listening. I believe my definition of literacy will be ever-changing as I learn more about the subject. Literacy is one of the most valuable traits humans have acquired and it takes a lifetime to master, if not longer. In class we discussed how literacy is not just confined to the classroom, but it is everywhere throughout the world. Literacy is the reason people form relationships, conduct business, and communicate, without literacy the world would fall apart.
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Meghan,
Your definition of literacy centralizes the concepts of reading and writing. Do you think that the concept of literacy is limited to these two notions, or might there be different forms of literacy as well? I like your description of literacy as “ever-changing” because I couldn’t agree more! The more perspectives I hear of literacy’s definition, the more likely my perception of literacy is to change. I feel like you agree with this because you said that your classes have helped transform your definition of literacy. I couldn’t help but notice your statement that said, “without literacy, the world would fall apart.” I certainly believe that literacy facilitates the many interactions among people, but how do you feel about those who are illiterate?
Your ideal literacy environment sounds great, and I think it’s crucial to incorporate writing activities in the classroom. But, what other modes of expression would you like to introduce in your classroom? I strongly relate to your appreciation for critical literacy, too, because I believe that exposure to this will prompt students to analyze and critique the society and issues that surround them. I also like that you’ve absorbed ways that children learn language that Cambourne discussed. This indicates that you have a genuine concern for your future students, and that you’re flexible with your teaching strategies for your students’ benefit.
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