Literacy Project

• 1) YOUR CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING:
  Literacy cannot be described in one simple, specific definition.  There are many different types of literacies and the list continues to grow.  One can be literate, having the ability to read and write, but may be lacking many different types of literacy, such as cultural (the literacy my group and I explored).  If someone is lacking cultural literacy and read someone about a different culture their comprehension of the material may suffer.  This type of literacy somewhat fits into my previous understanding of literacy, because without having that prior knowledge of a culture you are learning about you may not understand.  However, there are many different literacies that I would not have considered before learning more about from looking at my peers projects.  For example, emotional literacy is the ability understand, identify and manage emotions.  I did not know or think this idea was considered an emotion, however I now think it is crucial to consider, remember and teach them.
  
  
  The concept map I created and updated still lacked many of these different literacies, I really need to look into adding more to it.  My concept map includes general information that many of my other classes have taught and focused on, such as reading & writing, including prior knowledge and experiences.  I really think our concept maps are a useful representation of how we are continually learning, growing and expanding our understanding of literacy.  This also shows how much literacy really includes and continues to grow and include more as more forms of knowledge and communication expands. 
  
  
  I used two Common Core Standards for my language arts lesson plan,"describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence and cause/effect" and "compare and contrast the most important points and key details presented in two texts on the same topic."  I used a children's book and a poem in my lesson.  My lesson expected students to have prior knowledge about segregation and racism.  These texts really focus on being culturally and emotionally literacy to relate to the text and culture of the time period.  
  
  
  After learning and thinking about "being literate" as a teacher and my responsibilities I think it is crucial that I am literate before I expect my students to be.  As a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) minor it is crucial to be culturally literate to better understand my students and create better connections with them.  Additionally, being culturally literate allows me to bring new ideas, cultures and perspectives into my class that otherwise wouldn’t be taught or understood by my students.  Creating various ways of learning and understanding for students bridges necessary gaps.  Additionally, from this project I learned more about other forms of literacy.  One that I can implement in my placement classroom and in future classes is emotional literacy.  The students in my placement classroom struggle with their emotions and knowing how to express themselves in a productive way.  I have witnessed and broken up fights as well as many instances of bullying, which is unacceptable.  I truly believe many of these occurrences stem from their inabilities to express their emotions and feeling in a positive manner. 
  
  
  Digital Literacy:
  I think students are continually developing their digital literacy, since our world is being more digital.  However, it is our job to teach and guide them to use digital devices and sites in a positive, responsible way.  Many students need to learn which sites are useful, helpful and most importantly, safe.  Students need to learn how to distinguish between these sites and when to use them.  I believe students need examples to show them the differences between sites to develop their digital literacy.  
  
  
  Cultural Literacy:
  Cultural literacy focuses on the general knowledge of a culture; for example, understanding slang, street signs, interactions, etc.  Students learning English as a second language will need to experience particular situations to see and learn slang and the meaning behind particular actions.  Immersing ESL students in regular classes allows them the experience and understanding that will teach them and will help them become more culturally literate.  Pairing a native English speaking student with an ESL student will help both students understand one another and each others culture more.  
  
  
  

  As I have mentioned before, my understanding of literacy has expanded drastically.  Literacy incorporates many ideas and perspectives.  My experiences with this project has made me realize that I have a lot to learn still and a long way to go before I am literate.  Culturally, I understand American culture and hopefully after I study abroad this summer I will understand South Africian cullture more.  After this project I plan to further my education my researching and ideally visiting/immersing myself in various cultures.  My new technology was interesting to learn about.  I really did not know what to expect before using it, which is one thing I wish I would have researched it a bit more before choosing and agreeing to use it.  There are pros and cons to Second Life, but realistically, I do not think I would use it in my future classroom.  I learned a lot about the digital world of Second Life and will be able to discuss as well as share thoughts and ideas with peers and students.  Learning how to use various forms of technology can only be a benefit.  Additionally, if Second Life had different security systems in place, that did not cost money, I would consider using it.  I think the traditional literacies are more general and the literacies we explored in this project are more subcategories that tie the traditional ideas together.  For example, traditional literacies include reading, writing and speaking while subcategories such as cultural literacy ties in reading street signs, communicating with slang, etc.  

  
  

  To provide “effective literacy instruction” to diverse learners is inevitable if you keep the different types of literacy in mind and teach them.  Each classroom is full of diverse learners coming from different backgrounds and experiences.  Understanding your students and what they have experienced is key.  In some ways your students can be the teacher.  If a student is more literate on a particular topic than others in the class, including yourself, providing them with the opportunity to teach and share their knowledge provides a new, effective literacy instruction experience.  Keeping in mind and connecting what your students know and what they are learning is key to a successful literacy lesson.