Literacy Moves On Chapters 6-10

Chapter 6:

Beanie Babies:

I think it is interesting that children can understand the aim behind the producers of beanie babies action. I remember that when I was younger I was obsessed with beanie babies. I have no idea if I ever questioned why I liked them so much, or if the producer was in fact ripping me off. I am guessing that never crossed my mind. However, I think that having this conversation would lead children to think more deeply and think like adults. I think we take for granted how much children can understand. This reading proves otherwise and shows how smart children are. We can help them become critical thinkers in the classroom by talking about situations that relate to them (ex: beanie babies). This way they are knowledgeable on the subject and give some great insight.

 Chapter 7:

Neighborhoods:

I like the idea in this chapter that children learn by doing something. Children can put themselves in someone else’s shoes, or explain their own perspective of something they are thinking. This way they will think in a different way and imagining something new. When children know whom their audience is they will write to that audience. For example, when they are writing books for students from another country, they may include a lot of details or explain things that they wouldn’t to their peers in the classroom. It shows that they know their “place” in society. That they can think critically of who may be reading their story.

Chapter 8:

Curiosity Kits:

I like the idea of using these kits to get children to engage in literacy. I have learned that children are more apt. To participate in something if they are engaged in the activity. This kit provides this for them. Although some children still saw the kits as “work” and did not want to participate with them as much. It really did help some children. Even if this is only helping some students with literature, it is important to find different activities that work for everyone.

Chapter 9:

Heroes and Villains:

I have always been a person that has found more interest in fairy tales than real life events. I like being able to use my imagination and put myself in the unreal situation and compare what I would do.  In my own school experience I have read many books that I did not want to read. However, I have also read books that I really enjoyed. It seemed like when I read the books I really wanted to read I picked them out myself. My teacher would give us a variety to choose from and I would choose it myself. As a teacher I think it will be a great idea to understand the type of stories my children are interested in. I will do this by having them create stories and work of their own. I like the idea of using movies they are interested in to explore the evil characters and perhaps traits they have in common. This again is using material they find interesting.

Chapter 10:

Getting it Right For Children:

 I think that it is important for teachers to relate the curriculum of the classroom to their student’s interests in lives. Since each year will bring a new class of students, teachers may have to adapt their lesson plans annually. This will make more work for the teacher but provide a better learning experience for the students. Just as literacy has changed to include computers, technology, media, and toys, the teaching of the subject must change as well.