entry 7

For a meaningful experience to be made in reference to reading and writing, a teacher must help her students enjoy english. one of the most difficult times for me in english was when we had to work out of  a workbook individually. I love english, and the fact that I felt bored was upsetting. The problem was not the material, the stories we read were actually interesting, the problem was how it was being taught. reading and writing are about expression, getting your point across, sharing a view. If a teacher can spark a student to do this, the student will more likely than not enjoy english more than out of a work book.

I grew up with the formulatic writing that was taught by Shaffer. Many teacher at my school liked teaching english that was, the formula made it simple. However, I enjoyed writing. The constrictions of the writing style forced me to cater to my teachers needs, instead of my own needs as a writer. This is something that Wiley warns us against; not letting students exercise their abstract thinking. This, to Wiley is important, because writers need to know that this is why we write. So that we can express ourselves in the best way possible. The formula style writing is not a flexible writing style, and does not work for all types of writing pieces.

The benefit of this writing style is for those who do not thrive in english classes. I saw classmates who did struggle with this all throughout high school. When they did use formula writing however, it helped them a great deal. It gave them the start they needed to continue writing their papers until eventually, they could finish it. It was the gentle shove when you ride a bike without training wheels for the first time; eventually you will just have to pedal and go. This writing style gave them confidence as writers, and this confidence gave them the courage to take risks as writers and get out of their comfort zone to become more abstract.

The formula style can be argued to be constricting, or a necessary building block. Either way it is a style many teachers use, because of its overall benefits for the majority.

entry 6

 

The first success of the classroom literacy in Maier's classroom is how much  time she let her students read on their own. Letting students read on their own allows them to read what they want, the freedom to their own imagination , and letting them read what will draw them into the book. When I was a child, reading  on my own as exciting for me because I was a good reader, and I could read some of the books other kids weren't ready for. This allowed me to push myself further. 

 

Another success is how much Maier read to the kids. It said in the article she reads to kids at the rate of 120 books read out loud per week. THAT is a lot of reading to kids. The exposure of all those books, and learning new words from those books, and hearing proper grammar over and over again must encourage the students to improve their reading and writing subconsciously. The exposure to this kind of literacy is helps the students, because the literacy is all around them.

 

Another reason why Maier's students do so well is because of the bond with the teacher. They know about her life, and she lets them ask questions about her. This bond is important because it establishes trust, as well as many other things. Students must be able to trust their teachers, if the teachers want to students to do well. It lets the children know they are in a safe place, and that the teachers is looking out for their best interest. By having this bond, students don't follow teachers, but students and teachers work together to see what is best for both.

 

Individual writing time is another important factor. To let kids freely express how they are feeling with words is an important skill, and to let children do this is empowering to the students. At the school I went to as a child, we had free writing time, during which many of the boys in my class wrote about guns and war and death. Many parents in society today would probably feel uncomfortable with how often the boys did this in class. However, my teacher let us write about what ever we wanted, and if we felt the need to write about people dying, she let us. Kids need to feel That its ok to express themselves, in whatever way they like. They need to know they wont be judged for what they write. Their imagination is their best tool as a child, and its important they learn how to use it, without restriction.

 

Lastly, sharing their stories make them successful. Being able to read a story that you've writing to an audience of people is scary and exciting. It makes the kids proud, knowing they have accomplished something. It celebrates how far the children have come as writers. It gives them a spark of learning to share what they are proud  of, which runs out for many people as life goes on.

 

 

 

entry 5

Teachers in my life have helped me so much over the years. During high school I was in a low place. My teachers helped me so much during this time in my life. they were guides, support and always had an open ear for me to talk to.  There was a time when I was in class, upset and trying to hide my feelings, just wanting to leave class. As soon as the bell rang I packed my things, hoping to leave quickly. Instead I was called on by the teacher to hold back, so he could talk to me. I waited, since I had lunch my next period and I could afford to skip that. The teacher expressed genuine concern for me, and asked what he could do to help me. I told him about what was going on in my life, how it was affecting my schoolwork and focus in class. He worked with me to help me, and was really flexible. I still appreciate this teacher for how he helped me, especially during a time when I needed help, but couldn’t bring myself to ask for it.

This role for teachers is one that must be actively played throughout their teaching career I believe. I appreciate the teachers who do live their life this way. To notice when students are struggling, and to be able to reach out to them, is such a great quality for a teacher to have. I say this because I was that student, and I know how it feels to be on the receiving side of this. It made me feel like I was important, for someone to notice me struggling when I tried to hide it so hard. It made me want to fight to do well not only for me, but now for my teacher, who was willing to accommodate my circumstances.

This teaching style has no pitfalls. The students lose nothing from this type of teacher. They can only gain. They gain someone to talk to, someone who cares, someone who supports them, someone who wants what is best for the student. This is so important especially during middle school and high school ages. It requires a lot of effort from the teacher, but in the end, it makes all the difference. It made a huge difference for me, and I know from other who have experienced this as well, it makes all the difference for them.

entry 4: book club

I plan on reading Don't Forget to Write For the Elementary  Grades: 50 Enthralling and Effective Writing Lessons. I'm choosing this book because I don't know how to teach writing. I've never been in a situation where I have had to teach English writing to a student, this book will give me the insight I need to do just that. I plan on being a kindergarten teacher, so I will be teaching the fundamentals on how students need to write. The lessons in this book will be able to show me the best way to reach every students needs so that they can all become effective writers.   This will be valuable information, That I will be able to use for many years.

One of my favorite teachers in high school was an advanced English teacher. She had been teacher for many years and knew exactly what to say to make her students understand. Everyone loved her, and knew of her as a great teacher. She retired  the year I graduated, which makes me sad, because I know my younger siblings will never be able to get an amazing English experience like the one I had with her.

If I can get to the point where people look to me and think, Wow, she knows how to teach English. Look at how her students look up to her, then I have done my job. Even If I do end up teacher higher grades in the elementary system, this is how I want to be viewed. As the teacher who knows how to connect with her students, and make them want  to learn English.

The thing is, English is part of your everyday life. You can't escape it. Its such a huge part of living in society. so often people are bored by English classes, giving the minimum effort to pass the class. but English you need for your whole life. you need it for jobs, to write official letters, to give feedback. This is a skill, that many people say will always be valuable.

To be able to make someone fall in love with English, to want to write, to want to read, to want to become the best that they can be, is what I strive for. As a child, I loved reading and writing. And I still do today, and I thank my past teachers for keeping that spark alive in me. I know it has burnt out for many people by now. English is beautiful. I want to  help others see that as well.

entry 3: rodriguez reading response

  For me, reading was always encouraged. from kindergarten to sixth grade, in my classes we would "write books" and 'get them published'. at the end of the year we would have 'authors night' where we would have the chance to read our book to the whole school, and students' family members. for us, reading and writing for this process happened daily. Instead of nap time, my mother would say lets go read books, and me and my siblings (I have 4) would all go to our rooms, or sit in the same room, and each read. I loved to read. My parents read to me every night. I would read to them. I would read to my siblings. reading brought me so much joy, which made my parents proud.

What motivated me to go to college is that it was never an option for me not to go. My parents always told me I was going to go, so I never thought of life any other way. However senior year, I decided teaching would be fun; I could work with kids, get summers off, it would be great. A few short months later, my parents separated and started working on a divorce. It came to my attention that I needed a job, we had no money, it was time to grow up. Seeing the struggles that my family back home is going through reminds me everyday why school is important. They are my motivation. I want to finish college not only for me, but so I can help my family as well.

Both my parents went to college, although I am uncertain of the details. My mom went to San Jose State and my father went somewhere in Colorado. I believe they both got their B.A., but then again I don't really know. Stories from 'college days' were never told in my family. Looking back now, this seems strange; most other parents I know openly tell their kids of their 'crazy college days', or how hard they studied in college. My father's literacy background involves reading documents for work. He is a real estate developer, when the market is doing well. My mother is continuing her education, to become a naturopath. She reads to better herself all the time though. Maternity books, books on divorce, stories that are inspirational. She does this for herself, but also for her kids I think.

My family always supported my education path. I was the one who asked to be in A.P. classes in high school, I was the one who pressured myself to get good grades. As long as I was trying my best, they were happy. My schooling wasn't a focus in their life, but life education was a priority. I went to an elementary school when we never got grades, didn't have tests, never put into categories. There we were taught to express ourselves just how we wanted, learned to communicate effectively, learned to take pride in who we were as individuals. To my parents, this form of education gives them more pride then any letter grades I've ever received.

I wish I could say I speak another language. The closest I can say to that is I try to speak another language. I took 5 years of Spanish in high school, and loved every minute of it. I went to my friend's house as often as I could, to speak with her family and practice my Spanish with them during dinner. One time I met my friend's grandmother, who could only speak spanish, and held a conversation with her. I would watch spanish movies, and listen to spanish music just to get better.  I'm not fluent, but I do try to continue learning spanish so hopefully someday I can say with confidence that I do indeed speak spanish.

Entry 2:

To me, the purpose of reading and writing is a way to release yourself into another world, another time, another way of life. It is allowing yourself to let loose, and express yourself. it is freedom, it is tranquility. Throughout history, writing has been a way to express an opinion, to declare how some one feels, to share knowledge. Reading is a way of absorbing this information, taking in how someone else thinks, to put yourself in that unfamiliar place.

What reading and writing does for me is gives me that safe place, knowing that there is no judgment as to what I might say on paper, or what I may read to myself. It lets me be true to myself, raw with my emotions, letting me speak and think without the filters of everyday. I love to read and write. I find myself writing songs  and short stories all the time. I read whatever is near me, including the cereal box that I have just finished. I can say I have no idea where I would be if I did not practice my reading and writing every day. A childhood without those is so intangible for me that I can not begin to try to grasp the thought of it.

What I took away from the article is that there is so much more to reading and writing than I've ever thought before. There are so many types of readers, and classes of people who read in all different ways for all different purposes. This brings me peace.  Knowing this, as a future teacher will be an everyday reminder that everyone has their special talents and their own way of doing something. One student may be a fast talented reader of fiction books, while another may pick up on the tiniest of details out of a manual for building a piece of technology. When parents come to me worried that their son or daughter is failing at reading, it will be my task as the teacher to find something that they can read well, whatever that may be.

One thing I found interesting is that we still do not completely know what literacy is. After so many years, and millions of people reading and writing as part of their everyday life, it is still hard to define. How can this be? We live in a world where everyone can get an answer to every question at their fingertips. The fast speed of technology and the need to know as soon as possible. Better yet, how can we test something that we do not fully understand? If we do not know fully what literacy is, then we also do not fully understand it enough to test it. Yet we do. Star tests are a stressful time for many students nation wide. Is that really the best method for testing a thing called literacy that we are still trying to define?

Szwed's article on the Ethnography of Literacy is eye opening and thought provoking. It has lead me to look deeper into my literary practices. I find myself taking a step back, looking deeper into how I read, and what I  read.