Adolescent Literacy Programs

As it goes with driving, and anything else in the life, everything around us is changing. So, literacy and learning are bound to be obvious that it also is changing. Technology is something that is never going to leave us, like cars in a sense that we'll always need it. So as Vacca and McKeon (2002) indicate, curricular decisions must incorporate the learning needs that are faced in the 21st century. In relation to Chapter 4, Guiding Change in a Time of Standards, the first guideline Au mentioned was for curriculum to 'become informed about current thinking.' What worked in the past may not work for our students today. Also, teachers are the ones who see the needs arise first hand; therefore, should be involved in creating what or how students should be guided to become educated and competent adults.

Advocating for reading specialist

This activity makes me feel like I'm back in college as a radical student. I wonder how GPSS will react to us. Especially since we're representing IRA. Doesn't that sound radical already?

I want to know what previous students did. What did GPSS do with the recommendations. Who read them? Maybe we need to go to the Legislature since we are advocating for new positions.

-- Barbara

It's all about Reading!

Thank you for all of your positive feedback on my presentation and yes I know I'm not very good at making eye contact. I think if you were five years old I'd be much better at it. After reading this chapter and doing my power point, I really do see the need to do more for our adolescent readers. If they don't get hooked by middle school, there isn't much hope of them enjoying reading just for the pure pleasure of it. I don't think I could survive if I didn't have a good book handy to relieve my stress or just to read because the story is so good. What's more fun than reading something you just can't put down?! At least at my age, that's how I feel.

As far as Activity 11, I feel more sure of what is expected and where to get the information. I do know a few teachers who were around during the time of the reading specialists. They call themselves the "Dinosaurs". I was a school aide at that time and I do remember our reading specialist. Her name was Elizabeth Hamilton. I don't know what happened to her. Maybe I could find out.

Have a great Weekend!

New Expectations

Basically, early childhood literacy heads to prepare young children before they enter elementary school. It is an intervention to decrease the need for intervention when the child attends elementary school. My son, my first child, profited greatly by attending preschool/daycare. His teacher attended courses in order to guide and lead him to meet Head Start Standards. He could sing the alphabets, count far, distinguish colors, write his name, and more.

Gald, Cullinan, and Strickland (1997) indicated that literacy learning begins early on, beginning at home. They also stated that children are not concerned about learning literacy. Instead, the children are more concerned about interacting and learning with others. As I recall, my son was always engaged in activities in his preschool/daycare. His stories were always about who did what and what he found out with his friends. According to Halliday (1987), the process of making meaning is a shared process.

Sharing the 'Picture Reflection' activity and learning something new about you all was a great experience, by the way. I learned that Crystal is mindful of the environment. I learned that Barbara is very passionate with God and her spiritual beliefs, which I strongly am as well. Out of curiosity and a quest to know you better, what did you see and think of when you first saw this picture activity? I'm looking forward to your response. Have a great weekend!

Regards,

Sheila S. Indalecio

Great Class!

I'm very glad to learn that pre-kindergarten education is still an important issue with researchers, politicians and educators. Being a kindergarten teacher myself, I am very concerned when I observe a new student that has no background in Head Start or some other pre-K program, not because I don't want to take the time to teach, but because of what's expected from the student through the curriculum. Kindergarten is not what it used to be!

The activity we did "Picture Reflection" was a great way to delve into a persons beliefs and personality. I think it would be a great way for teachers to get to know their students and for administrators to know their teachers.

See you all next week and enjoy your weekend.

Chapter 3 reflection

Parent responsibility in children's literacy has changed and society is not adapting fast enough. The nuclear family of the 21st century is no longer father and mother and child. Over 50% of the families nowadays are single parent families. There are also many more younger individuals having children who have not prepared to be a parent. This paradigm shift gives educators and educational institutions more responsibility for literacy development of children coming into school. Parents are relying more on education professionals. It is probably time for education professionals to accept the reality of family changes and take on more responsibility for literacy development of today's children. -- Barbara

A Great Experience!

I have always agreed the moment I heard this saying, "Life's best teacher is experience." Standing up to the plate and hitting a home run is always possible with a team spirit. Thank you Crystal for that flattery; however, I think you did an awesome job sharing your perspectives of our wonderful program just as much. I couldn't have shared all that thought and knowledge without the team spirit standing to my left and the team guidance smiling and encouraging to my right. Our program does in fact give us the opportunity to broaden our horizons and allows us the confidence to head for our goals. We all know, our program and the School of Education head to transform us into 'Knowledgeable Scholars, Effective Communicators, and Reflective Decision Makers.' From that great experience, I could say that transformation is in great progress. Take a breathe, enjoy your weekend, and let's move on to our NEXT goal!

Regards,
Sheila Indalecio

Eureka, I made it!

After several tries through my regular email, I made it through by using my yahoo address. I think the problem was that I had active accounts that I updated and moved to the new blogger before the spring semester started. Anyway, I'm here now. -- Barb

Now I need to see how I can change my name from Reading Workshop to Barbara. :)