Conceptions of literacy (MCLB #4)

Classroom Culture and Conceptions of Literacy 

Today, our culture places demands on students when it comes to reading and writing. There are certain reading levels that students "need" to accomplish, and certain stepping stones in writing that students "need" to reach according to grade level. But what if none of that mattered? What if all of us couldn't read or write?

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Here are JUST 2 examples of disabilities that can INTERFERE with culture's idealistic definition of literacy:

"Dysgraphia is a condition that causes trouble with written expression. For many children with dysgraphia, just holding a pencil and organizing letters on a line is difficult. Their handwriting tends to be messy. Many struggle with spelling and putting thoughts on paper." - Erica Pantino 

"Dyslexia is a specific learning disability in reading. Kids with dyslexia have trouble reading accurately and fluently. They may also have trouble with reading comprehension, spelling and writing." - The Understood Team

Just because it's not conventional doesn't mean it's not literacy.

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Let's implement, Donald H. Graves' (1985) Writer's Workshop approach!!! 

"The writing-process approach simply stresses meaning first, and then skills in the context of meaning" (Graves 1985).

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The only way this works is....

The teacher needs to teach by showing how he/she learns AND the teacher needs to provide a highly structured classroom. 

As a student, I learn best when information is portrayed in multiple ways. The conventional way of standing up in front of a class and speaking for an entire lecture is not sufficient. STUDENTS NEED VARIATION!!

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