Dear Class members,
I would like to introduce myself to each of you. I am not part of this cohort, but I was granted permission to take this course as part of my eighteen hour reading requirement. I am a Developmental Studies major with a concentration in reading. I work at Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute at the Watauga Campus. My official title is Coordinator, Supplemental Instruction, but being a small campus I wear many hats. As part of my job, I teach one course of developmental reading. There are two levels of developmental reading. The first course is an Introduction to College Level Reading, and the second course is Improved College Level Reading. Students are placed into these courses based on college entrance exams.
I have two main goals for my students in my reading courses. My first goal is to find reading material that will spark my students’ interest in reading, and give them a greater desire to want to read more. Many students convey that the book they read for my class is the first book they have read from cover to cover. My second goal is to help students gain real skills that will help them when reading their textbooks. This type of reading is seldom addressed and is a real problem for many college students.
My first experience with literacy was when my mother read books to me. I remember memorizing the words on each page. This was a special time for me as I am the youngest of three girls and my older sisters were at school, so it was the time I had my mom to myself. When I started elementary school, I was very shy and sensitive. I wanted to please my teachers. I think sometimes my shyness sensitivity held me back. I remember one time I was being tested to be in the highest reading group. The teacher sat me next to her and told me to ask her if I needed help. I remember distinctly asking her for help with words I did not need help with so she would feel needed. She did not pick-up on this and I remained in the middle reading group. A six year old does not understand about reading levels. Most six year olds just want to please. In upper elementary, I loved to read and write short stories. Mysteries were a favorite of mine at that time.
Now, I love reading books with depth that leave me feeling moved. The books I have read most recently that fit this description are Kite Runner and The Color of Water. Both of these books also deal with cultural issues which are of great interest to me.
Unfortunately, I did not inherit my mother’s beautiful singing voice, and I have always felt a little self-conscience about my singing. Now, I love to sing in groups (for fun), in the shower or in my car. I do sing to my daughter all the time, but she is only twenty months old and does not mind that I can not carry a tune. I love all kinds of music, but since moving to this area I have become especially fond of folk music. The lyrics often tell a compelling story while the music moves me to want to dance.
I hope this gives you a little insight into me. I look forward to reading about all of you.
Best,
Laura Wollpert