When I was growing up, I did not like to read very much. I think that had to do with the fact that I was never really interested in what we were reading in class. I vaguely remember reading books about animals and wars, boring! I remember taking books home from school in plastic bags and getting a new one every day. I also remember my teacher reading to the class before we went home each day. She would read chapter books about all different topics. My elementary school used to have book fairs and I recall going to those with my friends and searching for all the cool books. I cannot remember how I learned to read but I do not believe that I struggled too much with it. I also believe that my dislike of reading came from the fact that my parents did not read to me very often. Throughout high school, I would never finish a full book because I just could not get into it. However, my interest in reading has completely changed. Today, I enjoy reading and have found books that I cannot put down!
In light of reading assignments for this module, I view literacy differently. When I was in school, I did have a letter of the week and at the time I thought it was pretty cool. However, after reading the Bell & Jarvis article, I am anxious to try their method to teaching. I strongly support what they were attempting in their classrooms. I was not aware that the phonics-first approach was actually holding students back. That is how I was taught and it was interesting to read about students who could not name the letters, yet they were able to use the letters to read. I learned a lot from this article that I plan to take with me as I continue my journey as a teacher. The Morrow article opened my eyes to the importance of teaching literacy in a variety of forms. Also, how crucial it is for the teacher to have a positive and warming attitude when teaching about literacy. These articles have provided me with information that will increase my ability to teach literacy.
My literacy history will make me a better teacher because I want my students to have a better experience than I had. I know what worked for me and what did not so hopefully I will know how to reach out to my students who are not interested in reading and pull them back in. I think that my history has made me appreciate books more. I want to use my history to always remember that not all children are going to enjoy reading right away. I need to figure out ways to entice all students and use different methods to do so! My number one goal is going to be to create an environment where my students are eager to read.
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