I found the chapters in “Reading Lives,” to be very thought provoking and the podcast was helpful in understanding vocabulary as well as highlighting important aspects of the text. One interesting part of the readings for me was the comparisons about working class vs. middle class. If I interpreted the text correctly it revealed that students coming from working class backgrounds are more focused on social belonging and they way their peers and teachers respond to them. Students from working class environments draw on their experiences from listening, watching, feeling and understanding more than they do from reading and writing. Everyday experiences form much of their literacy knowledge depending upon their access to literacy.
Whether from middle class or working class environments children soon become aware of “where they stand,” socially and academically among their peers. You don’t have to tell a child they are a struggling reader they most often know it already. It would be nice if our society could get over the competition that pits children against each other – we constantly have to assign a place in line or pecking order if you will. It would be better to have at least a school environment that emphasizes all students reading in a nonthreatening and comfortable/encouraging place to grow academically.
In Chapter 2 of Hicks book, the term hybrid ways was introduced. This I equated to the term code switching from the earlier readings. Students do learn to work one way at home and another way at school. I also liked that Hicks brings out the fact that literacy does not just happen at school. Many things happen at home that relate to literacy such as storytelling, sitting on the front porch talking, and conversing over preparing for dinner or at the dinner table. I know that I have learned many things just from conversations with my parents and watching them that doesn’t mean that I do the same things the way they did but it was a learning process.
Karen Gold
Comments (2)
Karen,
How nice it would be if we could "get over the competition that pits children against each other." It is so important that children be able to focus on their own individual goals. While competition can be a healthy component in the classroom, we do need to consider that it could be a damaging factor for those students who are already struggling. In my class, I take steps to ensure that students are reading on their independent levels. (I privately inform students of their levels so students will feel safe and comfortable.) During silent reading time, students can enjoy reading without worrying about grade level expectations. At the same time, students are learning and growing.
Posted by Holly Lawson | June 22, 2011 10:23 PM
Posted on June 22, 2011 22:23
Good summary and commentary on the chapters!
Posted by Dr. Jackson | June 23, 2011 9:52 AM
Posted on June 23, 2011 09:52