In the article about the Jones family, the women explain all aspects of their lives that include literacy- which is almost all of them. Some are obvious examples like reading the newspaper, magazines, the bible, and letters. Others were less obvious, like practicing oral literacy through prayer. Lessons and examples of literacy can be applied and used in practically all situations of life. These real-life examples help give a child a head start in the world of reading and writing.
Chapter 3 of the textbook discusses building a foundation for literacy. Early on the authors discuss why we read and write. I think this is an important concept to consider when teaching children. Why would they learn if they can't use the skill? I also appreciate all of the activities, and ideas geared towards developing children into readers. One of my favorite suggestions was providing a print rich classroom. In addition to reading materials like books and magazines, it is helpful to label, put up charts and bulletin boards, and basically fill the room with words. This keeps kids reading and shows the importance of reading- showing the real-life application of the skill. I also like the idea of allowing new readers and writers to practice writing on/with various different materials. Maybe whiteboards, chalkboards, using paints, finger painting, using post-it notes, or even making letters out of noodles, or goldfish.
What area of your young life included the most literacy?
What are some out of the box ways in include literacy in a kid's day?
When you mentioned the question "why would they learn it, if they can't use the skill?" I think it summed up a lot of the chapter. It shows us as future teachers that it is so important to provide a print rich class room, and teach children/ students the importance of literacy. We can do this by introducing grocery lists, letters to friends, and various methods of writing that we experience in day to day life.
ReplyDeleteThe more and more I think about it the question about the area in my young life that included the most literacy keeps taking me back to the literacy I saw around my house throughout all of my life. While I do remember being influenced by literacy at school, my at-home memories are much more vivid. I believe it is because the things I saw at home seemed so much more related to everyday life instead of an assignment at school or an activity to teach me how to read. I was more interested in reading because I wanted to be able to read the Golden Books that my mom read to me, the words and instructions on food boxes, words on television and the computer, and words that I saw on other things around my house. These things made reading look important to me I guess. It makes a lot of sense to me now. I think some ideas for getting kids more into literacy in the classroom would be involving literacy in more real-world situations to make them see the importance in learning to read.
ReplyDelete