Response to questions on 3 articles...

What did I get from the readings in terms of thinking about reading and literacy?
What I got from the readings was a clearer definition of literacy and all the components that make it up. In terms of thinking about reading and literacy, I can say I think differently about the two. I always thought of literacy and reading as the same thing but now I see that that is not correct. Literacy encompasses so much more and is very complex. Being literate is so important to everyone.

What are some of the key issues that stick out to me?
Some keys issues that stick out to me are how teachers are having the creativity zapped out of their teaching. One article talked about how one teacher got put out of a school for sticking up for what she believed in. I see that happening in my own school. Teachers are placed in undesirable positions because they fell out of favor with an administrator. As a first year teacher, I see this and cringe. Adults are bigger babies than children!

Also, the article talked about scripted lesson plans and teachers having to follow them. Well, I just found out that in the Fall my school will be doing scripted lesson plans for literacy. At first I thought that was good to have uniformity but after reading this article, I am wary. What happened to teacher's making their lesson truly their own. Teachers are losing power and frankly, that scares me.

What am I wondering most about?
I am wondering mostly about the topic literacy itself and how complicated it is to teach. Going from an inclusion classroom where I had help from my General Ed teacher to self contained where I'm on my own is scary. I want to teach the best way that I can but I need ideas. I need support. I'm sure this class will do wonders for me!! I am already learning a lot just from reading the text books. I look forward to a successful year come September!

Hi

Hi,

I am posting from class right now. This is our first class for READ 500. This will be my blog for the class.

To add on to this, I am one of 3 Rachel's in the class. However, I'm the only Rachel that is in the NJCUE program. :o) Besides finishing up my first year teaching, I got married in September, started Grad school, bought a house and just adopted a dog. It was a challenging year to say the least but definitely worth it all.

For fun I like to play softball (I'm in two leagues) where I pitch, I love to read, mountain bike, swim, write in a journal, travel, drive, and I am into cars. I also play music- the violin, piano, trumpet and am in the process of teaching myself the guitar. I am also a lover of animals and have two cats and a new puppy, as I mentioned before. If I ever won the lottery (which I don't know why I say that since I don't ever play it) I would buy acres of land and run a "farm" full of dogs, cats and any other unwanted pets. My husband tells me I'm crazy. Maybe he's right. LOL :o)

~Rachel