Bi-Literacy Strategies for Second Language Learners
Dr. Gomez, Summer 2014, UST
Project # 1: Ideal Literacy Classroom In the actuality, literacy is much more than just having the skills to decode and write words. The term literacy now, refers to an individuals capacity to put those skills to work in shaping the course of his or her own life (Education Development Center, 2014). As a self- contained teacher, and knowing the importance of developing an environment which is inviting and that promotes literacy, I envision my perfect classroom in the following way: Individual areas to work on specific literacy skills, such as classroom library, independent writing area, poetry/big books corner, listening corner, computer center, and math, science, and social studies areas with a lot of books and writing materials to be used for and with those areas. Variety of books by genre, reading levels, topic, interest, and/or others suggestions. All these books should be organized in such a manner that all students will have access to them on a regular basis, and when possible, as often as theyd like. Print rich walls with information about the different subjects being taught. Interactive content walls in which students are able to manipulate and use words to practice meaning and improve form. Areas to show students literacy work and practice. A place where students have a wide range of materials to use, that are accessible and appropriate for their age, readiness level, creativity, and purpose. An organized schedule and routine that allows all students to visit and have access to the different areas according to their learning profiles and preferences. Sofia Monzon Bi-Literacy Strategies for Second Language Learners Dr. Gomez, Summer 2014, UST A learning environment in which collaboration and respect towards literacy is promoted and demonstrated by all, teachers, students, administrators, visitors, etc. I also believe that even if teachers are not reading teachers, and they only teach other subjects such as math, science, music, etc., it is important to boost the students literacy skills by having rich print environments, books, and other materials to support literacy. Even though the ideal literacy classroom is sometimes hard to create due to space, resources, or schedule constrains, it is imperative that teachers try their best to promote a rich, inviting, and organized literacy environment in their classrooms.
Sofia Monzon Bi-Literacy Strategies for Second Language Learners Dr. Gomez, Summer 2014, UST
Ideal Literacy Classroom
Sofia Monzon Bi-Literacy Strategies for Second Language Learners Dr. Gomez, Summer 2014, UST
References
Educational Development Center. (2014). What is Literacy? Retrieved from http://www.edc.org/newsroom/articles/what_literacy
Lakeshore Learning Materials. (2014). Lakeshore Classroom Designer. Retrieved from http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/classroom_designer/cd_launch.jsp