RES 5530: Race, Class, and Gender in Literacy Research (Spring 2009)

I'm Stefoni Shaw and I love to read! That sounds like the introduction at a meeting for people who are addicted to something, so that is appropriate in this case. I am addicted to books! I love to sit and absorb a book from cover to cover. At times I feel as though I must offer advice to the main characters since I feel as though I am engaged in the plot with them. Sometimes, I need a few minutes after I put the book down to coax myself back to reality. The greatest gift I offer to my students is modeling for them this excitement and enjoyment of the written word. There is power in words, positive and negative. I do not choose to read only the warm and fuzzy novels, but grittier pieces that cause me to question and examine my own viewpoints and beliefs. Reading a book is similar to having a discussion with another. Instead of the communication coming across verbally or orally, it is a conversation of thoughts, ideas that are meditated, dissected, and then either added to one's concept of truth or perhaps filed away in place to be sorted later.
I think I have always loved to read. I remember participating in the Great Books program in elementary school for children with a penchant for reading. I remember touching and desiring every Little House on the Prairie book at each year's book fair. I remember my ninth grade English teacher, Mr. Juliano who made Shakespeare accessible and related classic literature with modern pop music. (He would sing Prince's "Kiss" song while we read Romeo and Juliet).
As a mom of three young children, I have spent the greatest hours reading with each child, and then watching them imitate the story to their own imaginary audience.
I have seen a little boy this year who has been termed "dyslexic" read me a page from a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle book this afternoon. The excitment he had to get away with me and share what he has worked so hard on was the highlight of my school day. The power of words.
As I write this I am unsure of what I love more, my own personal reading time or watching a child develop the ability to read and then choose to read independently over other activities. I need to think on that.
I teach second grade at Forsyth Country Day School. I have an amazing husband who will join me on the couch with his own good book, three children (4, 8, and 10). I am in my last semester of the Masters program and I have truly learned how to be a reading teacher. I look forward to the thinking and banter that we will exchange during this class.
Stefoni Shaw