Defining Literacy

Literacy to me is a working definition but the one that our group came up with during class is a good starting point: the ability to read, write, understand and think critically about texts in a variety of formats allowing a person to explore the world and new ideas in personal, academic, and professional contexts. I think it is important to include a variety of formats because to me literacy does not only encompass the traditional format of a book. After discussing this in class I would add listening into this definition. It is an aspect that I had not really thought of but think it is important to include. My ideal literacy learning environment would be one with a wide variety of texts for students, not only different genres but also technology and thinks of that nature. I also think it is a great idea when students have boxes or bags that have personal books for them to choose from. My placement has this but it is done in a poor way. Each student has a book box with a handful of books that they are able to read. Although this is a good idea my MT does a horrible job managing and overseeing this. A lot of the students have had the same books in their box all year and have books that are not in their reading level, whether it is too easy or too difficult. I also really like the idea of having a section of the classroom dedicated to reading like the video that we watched in class with the bean bag chairs and the comfortable carpet. My placement doesn’t really have this and when the kids have silent reading they are allowed to pick any spot in the classroom. A lot of them actually choose under the tables, which I do not think is a good place for reading to occur. I’ve heard a lot of ideas about making areas like this. One classroom had a boat filled with pillows and another had a bathtub, these are really cool ideas and I think get students excited to read when they have interesting and fun places to do their reading. My ideal environment would have centers similar to the video we watched in class. I think the little morning literacy routines are a great way to encourage kids to be motivated about literacy. I think that centers also encourage the idea that literacy is not only about reading and that there are many aspects that play into it. I definitely want to have a classroom environment that encompasses this idea that literacy can be experienced in a number of different ways.

In my placement a lot of students are not motivated to read. During their read to self time the majority of them flip through books in a minute glancing at the pictures and then grab every book in their box. They do not take their time or even try reading the story. I think that if the classroom was more structured and the environment was more focused on literacy students would enjoy their reading time more. In my classroom I hope to be able to create an environment for my students where they are excited about literacy.