I never realized how controversial the definition of literacy is until our class discussion last Tuesday. I always just thought of literacy as being proficient in reading, writing and speaking, thus allowing one to understand written or oral language. However, after last week’s readings and discussions I realized this definition is lacking a lot of the essential parts of literacy. I was surprised when Becky told us there were five components of literacy, because I never thought of listening and viewing as literacy. Gail E. Tompkins also discusses these five components in “Literacy for the 21st Century- A Balanced Approach.” (Pg. 11) It also discusses how some teachers relate literacy to different topics such a “computer literacy.” This way of using literacy seems relative to fluency. I now realize how important it is to realize the definition of literacy is always advancing and changing. Pauline Gibbons discusses this in her book, “Scaffolding Language, Scaffolding Learning” when she compares the definition of literacy in the late 1930’s to her present day definition. Literacy is so important in our everyday world and is very difficult to complete small tasks without being literate. I think it is important I continue to change my definition so I do not leave out any essential components. After the reading I believe critical literacy is another part I often overlook. I never thought elementary children could relate to, such serious social topics as young as first grade like Christine H. Leland’s article, “Out of the Box: Critical Literacy in a First-Grade Classroom.”
I am not sure what my ideal literacy-learning environment would look like. When I read this question I just sat and thought about it for a half an hour and all that came to mind was with other people. I am a very social learner. I like to be able to ask question, share ideas and relate experiences with literacy. This helps me comprehend. However, while reading I prefer a quiet, comfy place or else I get distracted easily. I think as my definition of literacy progresses so will my ideal-literacy learning environment.
1 comment:
Jessica,
Once again, after reading your post I realized that we wrote about a lot of the same thoughts. Until our class discussion last Tuesday, I too never realized how complex and controversial the definition of literacy is. Before taking this class, I always defined literacy as the ability to read, write, speak and listen in an environment. Also, I was surprised when Becky told us that there were five components of literacy, especially the visual factor. So what are activities or lessons that you could construct as a teacher to make sure that you cover all the five components of literacy?
As our society is becoming more technologically advanced, I also feel that technological literate should be included in the definition of literacy. Over the summer, I took a Technology for Teachers course online through MSU. It taught me many different programs that we as teachers can use to incorporate technology into the classroom. For example, we learned how to make web portfolios, wikis, voice threads, and Google maps. As I was taking the course, I felt technological illiterate because I had no idea how to use some of the programs. I had to figure most of it out by myself through trial and error and eventually I got them. So, I can just imagine that many students in today’s society feel technological illiterate. Many families may not be able to afford modern technology, such as a computer, at home, so some children are not exposed to it unless they are taught it in school. What are some ways that you could help children to become technological literate in the classroom?
Also, I too often overlooked critical literacy. However after reading the Leland article, I believe that it is important to contain critical literacy books in the classroom. I believe that children need to be aware of social justice topics such as poverty and racism while in the classroom. However, it is very important that the teacher pick age appropriate critical literacy books. What are some ways in which you could incorporate critical literacy into a lesson? At what age level do you believe it is ok to contain these critical literacy books in your classroom library?
You are certainly right that the definition of literacy changes and expands everyday. By the time you are an intern, I think you could probably write a book definition about literacy! However, I think you have a very good understanding of the key components that make up literacy. You will be able to use all these components and create a comfortable, relaxing literacy environment for your classroom!
Carrie
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