Literacy Moves On ch1-5

Chapter 1:

Multimodal texts-

~Texts need to change to the way children are experiencing them in the twenty first century. I think that incorporating images in reading is important and can represent ideas. They can also serve as a resource for meaning. When I work with children who are just starting to read, they use pictures to figure out words. In chapter 1 of Janet Evens, Literacy Moves On, she talks about a boy who uses multimodal texts in his description of the rain forest. Since he is a young student, his writing is still in the primary stages. With the use of pictures he is able to give a great description of his knowledge. It is clear that if he were only able to write what he knew, he would not be able to give as much information. This is why I think in younger grades, it is important to understand and use multimodal reading/ writing. Since it is clear that reading texts does not just mean reading words, teachers need to incorporate innovative ways to read and express ideas.  

Chapter 2:

Moving Stories

I thought this chapter was very interesting and brought up some great points. However, when Evans mentions that the need for media education is urgent in early years, I disagree. I think that our technology in the new world is changing and therefore, we need to shift what we are teaching in schools. I also think that before we start teaching new technology, the primary school grades still need to teach basic skills. It is important to introduce new activities such as, moving stories, sometime throughout schooling. However, k-2 may be a little too early. I would be worried about keeping a child’s attention long enough to teach them to use the new technology, especially if they have never been introduced to it before. Creating a story and making a movie out of it seems like it would be a little tough for children who are just learning letters and sounds. I do think that we could slowly introduce this new technology every year and eventually build up to creating stories.

Chapter 3:

Children Reading and Interpreting Stories in Print, Film, and Computer Games

I love the fact that this chapter brings up the positive side of what children engage in. She states that, “readers were able to make sense of different kinds of writing in part because photography trained them in new ways of doing so (51).” I can relate to this in the way that I view writing. When I read a book that has an “olden day” feel to the picture, I predict that the style of writing will portray something written in the past. She goes on to state that the video games kids play actually serve as learning opportunities.  When playing these games people use immersion and engagement. They have to be immersed inside the world of the game to understand it and can also be engaged with other activities such as talking about strategies.

Chapter 4:

The Dagger of Doom and the Mighty Handbag:

This chapter shows me how important it is for children to explore their writing identity in more ways than just paper pencil writing. With online or digital texts children explore the way people interact in the real world. For example, in a professional e-mail children will want to present a “coded persona” of themselves. I think it is essential that children practice this so they are prepared to do so later in life. However, children can participate in a chat room can find another way of identifying themselves in a less formal manner. Doing this will engage them in another type of writing giving them more experience with literacy.  Evans brings up offers a dilemma when she states that, “those who are less fortunate will certainly need access to the new practices involved if they are to participate fully in society (64)” This explores the idea that not everyone has access to innovative technology. School is one place where they can access and have experience using these different tools. Since society is changing to rely more on new technology, it is essential that children know how to use it. I had a class where we used everyday technology in relation to our daily assignments. For example, we used our cell phones to poll the class. We would send a text with our answer to the question. I loved using technology, and it helped me to be more engaged with the material. These points demonstrate a variety of situations where using technology can be beneficial. I will constantly be thinking of way to use technology within my classroom that will benefit children in the real world.

Chapter 5:

Creating Opportunities for Critical Literacy With Young Children

I think the story Evans presents in this chapter is very interesting. I am so impressed that a seven year old was able to make a business deal like that. He was obviously using some knowledge that he had learned in school towards a topic he was interested in. This demonstrates how important it is to use what children are interested in within the curriculum. I think this can be done by teaching basic concepts and then applying them to engaging activities. Evans also points how that you can use the material that children are interested in and pose critical literacy questions. It seems that by using items they are already interested and exposed to they will be more incline to think about it and better able to relate.