Literacy

My definition of literacy is fairly flexible and constantly evolving. To me, being a literate person means more than simply being able to decode text. Literacy means dissecting text, making connections, and using that information in a new and purposeful way. Being a literate individual means being able to comprehend what you're reading and being able to apply it in some way.

Therefore, my ideal literacy environment would be conceptually challenging to students. It would contain a wide range of literature that would stimulate students to make connections and think critically. I think that a good literacy curriculum pushes students to think for themselves and grow as individuals. I think that students should feel challenged at their own level. Students who struggle with reading print should be able to access the thoughts and ideas in books through other media. Allowing students to access text in a variety of ways, involving peer-peer interactions, and using real life applications make a difference in student success in the classroom.

An environment that is stimulating in this way fulfills the conditions of learning outlined by Cambourne. Students who are immersed, engaged, and held to high expectations in literacy will succeed at a higher rate. After our discussions and reading various children's books I have a better understanding of the importance of involving these elements in a classroom to help students become literate, critical thinkers.