Literacy has always meant the understanding of a language and the ability to communicate effectively using that language. I have never expanded my thinking to include different "languages" that aren't traditional such as English or Spanish or Chinese etc. Thinking of being literate in texting, cooking, ,martial arts, parenting, etc. creates a window that broadens my thinking beyond belief. Literacy can in fact be as narrow or broad as we choose to think. There is seemingly infinite possibilities of things in which to be come literate.
My goal is to hopefully have a more concrete understanding of what literacy means and can mean to different people. I also hope to be able to teach others to be literate in our primary language of English in my future. Being able to communicate your thoughts and feelings in ways that others can understand is of utmost importance. It is the most important step on a students path of learning. It fosters not only learning in educational settings but also the strength of inner personal relationships and therefore self confidence. I believe that a person who cannot effectively communicate, which is what literacy means to me, will not be a fulfilled person. I think being able to communicate is socially and psychologically important. I think that it comes in on the bottom tier of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, not too far from clothing, food and shelter.
Yes, I think it is that important. Take a look at the graduation rate of Milwaukee's public schools today. It is horrible. We are failing today's youth. These students are lacking the literacy skills they need in order to be successful in their daily lives. This includes but is not limited to their academic studies. These individuals are unable to satisfy their other needs at the very bottom of the hierarchy of needs, making it impossible to achieve well in school. However take a look at their parents, guardians or their general environment, and you will see significant holes in the literacy of these as well, thus making it a circular trap. I believe literacy is the key to braking the chain, and I am excited to learn how to possibly provide access to that key.
Hi, Megan
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love your blog (purple is my favorite color!). On to more important things, however. I like how you are thinking about what others said about literacy, especially how your ideas about it have expanded to thinking about cooking, computers, parenting, etc. When we begin our discussions of the readings, we'll see whether these can count as literacy and why.
You're right that the acquisition of literacy can help "break the chain;" in fact, there are several readings coming up soon that argue just that! However, as you'll see, this is a highly complicated issue that has no definite, or even satisfactory, answers.
Keep coming back to these important questions!
Blog Entry 1 Grade: 4.5/5 -- Just be a little bit more specific (this will come more easily when we're talking about readings!) Nice work!