Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
Post for Nov. 7 class
Personal Highlights-November 7 2009 Class:
Jean Anne Clyde's Subtext Strategy:
I really enjoyed the "Jean Anne Clyde's Subtext Strategy" activity at the beginning of class. It reminded me of a scene in the movie Amelie, when Amelie and the "Glass man" (I think that's his name), discuss the characters in the Renoir Painting ('Luncheon at the Boating Party???') in a similar fashion.
http://emsworth.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/renoir_luncheon_at_the_boating_party.jpg
Try writing lesson plan at the end of the day....?!?:
I liked the idea of writing a day plan at the end of the day....however, realistically for "accountability" purposes, I don't think this would fly too well--you'd definitely get your wrist slapped (especially on an "evaluation year"--administrators have a prescribed check-list mandated from above).....I think what I can take from this- is to do what I have been (trying) to do....make a plan.....and be flexible about it.....pencil in after or cross out what I did instead.....let the teaching flow---and try not to get annoyed if everything does not go as originally anticipated....planning in pencil seems to be the best for this........
Allan Luke Critical Literacy Video:
As for the Dr.Allan Luke critical literacy video, I found it to be great to put a face and voice to the author of so many of our readings. You can hear his voice in the readings, but you cannot truly see how passionate he is about his work until you have seen him articulate himself in person.
He is a true advocate for critical literacy, and he makes it clear that this should be considered a human right..... it's interesting to see that his deep commitment to social justice (and teaching) stems from Paolo Freire (someone whose teachings resonated throughout the summer seminar)...It is one thing to read about the wonderful work and revolutionary ideas that Paolo Freire brought into existence......it is quite another to see what a student or follower of his thought can do with such knowledge......the potential is enormous......
Literacy Myths:
The Over-selling of literacy was probably the most interesting notion that I took from the articles......although it seems obvious....I am shocked that I have never stopped to question (who is writing this crap???) as I pick up my "idiot-proof" prescribed Language Lesson card for a Guided Reading Lesson.....
Research Assignment #2-Literacy Profile/Observation of Self:
This was probably one of my favourite parts of the day-- I really enjoyed hearing everyone's "literacy" past, present, and futures.....
I think that the quote that best sums up what I learned from this activity is found in Article #1 of workshop 9
From Article #1 p.57”..Literacy is a social phenomenon. Individuals don’t become literate from the formal instruction they receive, but from what they read and write about, and the people they read and write with. Learning is also a social phenomenon... Learning is a simple consequence of the company you keep”.
Jean Anne Clyde's Subtext Strategy:
I really enjoyed the "Jean Anne Clyde's Subtext Strategy" activity at the beginning of class. It reminded me of a scene in the movie Amelie, when Amelie and the "Glass man" (I think that's his name), discuss the characters in the Renoir Painting ('Luncheon at the Boating Party???') in a similar fashion.
http://emsworth.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/renoir_luncheon_at_the_boating_party.jpg
Try writing lesson plan at the end of the day....?!?:
I liked the idea of writing a day plan at the end of the day....however, realistically for "accountability" purposes, I don't think this would fly too well--you'd definitely get your wrist slapped (especially on an "evaluation year"--administrators have a prescribed check-list mandated from above).....I think what I can take from this- is to do what I have been (trying) to do....make a plan.....and be flexible about it.....pencil in after or cross out what I did instead.....let the teaching flow---and try not to get annoyed if everything does not go as originally anticipated....planning in pencil seems to be the best for this........
Allan Luke Critical Literacy Video:
As for the Dr.Allan Luke critical literacy video, I found it to be great to put a face and voice to the author of so many of our readings. You can hear his voice in the readings, but you cannot truly see how passionate he is about his work until you have seen him articulate himself in person.
He is a true advocate for critical literacy, and he makes it clear that this should be considered a human right..... it's interesting to see that his deep commitment to social justice (and teaching) stems from Paolo Freire (someone whose teachings resonated throughout the summer seminar)...It is one thing to read about the wonderful work and revolutionary ideas that Paolo Freire brought into existence......it is quite another to see what a student or follower of his thought can do with such knowledge......the potential is enormous......
Literacy Myths:
The Over-selling of literacy was probably the most interesting notion that I took from the articles......although it seems obvious....I am shocked that I have never stopped to question (who is writing this crap???) as I pick up my "idiot-proof" prescribed Language Lesson card for a Guided Reading Lesson.....
Research Assignment #2-Literacy Profile/Observation of Self:
This was probably one of my favourite parts of the day-- I really enjoyed hearing everyone's "literacy" past, present, and futures.....
I think that the quote that best sums up what I learned from this activity is found in Article #1 of workshop 9
From Article #1 p.57”..Literacy is a social phenomenon. Individuals don’t become literate from the formal instruction they receive, but from what they read and write about, and the people they read and write with. Learning is also a social phenomenon... Learning is a simple consequence of the company you keep”.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Post re: Oct.24 Class
Maria G's Musings---Blog Posting for Oct.24 2009
Awareness......the word that perpetually floats around in my head......
Awareness......the word that perpetually floats around in my head......
- Am I the rabbit or the donkey??
- Gee & Lankshear Article-Discourses & Literacy
I am continuously reminded of the constant pressure that surrounds us all to 'say the right thing at the right time' this is something that can be felt in all realms of my life (the underlying premise being-know your damned role OR you will pay for it with negative social consequences). To truly be able to live according to the philosophy 'when in Rome do as the Romans do' is easier said than done--because it involves an INCREDIBLE amount of deduction, inferring, and time to figure out exactly what the Romans are up to.....and when you do, it may be too late.... I have continued to endeavour to adopt that philosophy throughout the course of my life- I'd like to think it has been successful, as I am generally a quick study- and the more experience and opportunities that I have had over the years(travel, and relocation to other environments) has been a major contributing factor in my ability to do so....The question is....how do I begin to help the children in doing the same? As a response to this question, I love that whole notion of "take the kids to europe"- (been there and loved that!!!)
- Make your own map
The whole idea that a child is best served by allowing the child to make his own map, rather than to provide him with an already made one seems painfully obvious, however, allowing the child to make his own map will probably take 4X as long....this the reality....The pressure of time constraints and the reality of life (trying to teach when you are emotionally trying to be there for sick kids, hurt kids, neglected kids, takes its toll on your brain and on the soul)....
- Good old days are gone
A notion that I am constantly struggling with.....I know that I am guilty of obsessively reminiscing about the 'good old days'...part of me longs to get them back....life seemed "safer then" (makes me think back to an article we read on trying to embrace uncertainty, as 'feeling as though you know it all' leads to a contrived path of stagnation)...I always seem to forget (need to remind myself) that we are living in a different time, and that the world has changed....Sometimes I fear that I am not changing or moving fast enough to keep up with it's rapid change of pace...
- Favourite/Most notable quote from the readings: Don't throw the baby out with the bath water
Article#5:Belenky,Clinchy,Goldberger,Tarule- Women’s ways of knowingp.218
“Midwife-teachers focus not on their own knowledge (as the lecturer does) but on the students’ knowledge. They contribute when needed, but it is always clear that the baby is not theirs but the student’s..."
-Reminder that curriculum should be child centred (micro focussed)...although problem lies in the fact that those in power expect us to be obsessed by the curriculum that is mandated from above (macro focussed)
- Final note
I am discovering that the more I write down (vocalize) my feelings in the Blog Posting process, that I feel more optimistic about finding solutions to whatever might be ailing me (makes me feel more proactive, as opposed to reactive)...
Happy Hallowe'en to ALL!!
Cheers!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Response to Workshop 3
Data Production exercise:
I came to the conclusion that most of those whom I interviewed (including myself) shared a similar view of literacy (including my layperson)- the primary goal of literacy being, to possess effective communication skills that would lay down the foundation for future employment. I saw the underlying notion of this perspective (as Finn mentioned) of education being used/seen as a ticket to higher education which in turn would lead to higher paying jobs. I also noted that there was a lot of talk about parents abdicating their responsibility with respect to their child's education.
Inspiration Map:
Although I am pretty proficient with using standard computer applications, I found that the Inspiration software was very challenging to use at first. In particular, when you are switching the function of a button, it seemed to be very touchy- and not user-friendly. I would have prefered to have used a Microsoft Product, since that is what I have been accustomed to- both at home and at school. That being said, I eventually figured it out, and feel more comfortable now that I have played with it a bit. Within my primary class, we often make maps or graphic organizers, but we usually just do these on the blackboard and/or on chart paper. My goal next year is to try and display these graphic organizers on a Smartboard.
As for the actual maps, we discussed them at great length at our table. We came to the conclusion that when we thought about it, as educators we generally take a little bit from each of these perspectives. Each perspective brings with it some benefits- one needs to be able to decode, however one also needs to be able to comprehend what one is reading. Technology is an important component in my classroom- when we have computer lab, I try and sit with a few students individually to serve as a guide to introducing them to new programs on the computer in all disciplines (math, language, word processing, etc...). After reading the article, I found it very interesting and disturbing to note how the hegemonic discourse was infused into almost all of the mindsets (not something I thought about previously)...how its influence is somewhat naked to the eye since it is so woven into what we consider the norm. I concur with the assertion that was discussed in class that this notion of what is "right" is something that evolves with time, and it is truly interesting to note how this will change in the future. Observing that book from thirty years ago, "I'm a Boy, I'm a Girl", made that painfully obvious when reading the now blatantly sexist comments on how each gender is to "operate".
The most challenging mindset to implement in my opinion, is the "New Literacy", as it requires more support and time than the traditional methods or mindsets. I think that being aware of these mindsets, assists me in being more reflexive of my teaching practices. It makes me think.....am I comfortable with they way I am teaching this? Can I do this in another way that may promote higher level thinking?....etc....
Food for thought.
The Jesus Freezer:
I enjoyed reading the "Jesus Freezer". The language was very rich- I think it would have been more fun if we were able to read it out loud though, to truly hear and feel the warmth of the sounds and tones of the language.
I am used to being surrounded with like-minded others when it comes to matters of faith--I am used to it being a very implicit thing, however this was the first time that I was in a position that I had to defend it.....As a result, I found it very difficult to convey my precise thoughts to others in the group that did not share my "faith" perspective. This reminded me of Finn's book (not sure of chapter off-hand) where he attended the political rally that his wife endorsed- where everyone was in a room and not everyone agreed (all speaking their explicit opinions where not everyone agreed)--yet he was used to being at rallies where it was understood that everyone had the same perspective and point of view (there was an implicit understanding).
I came to the conclusion that most of those whom I interviewed (including myself) shared a similar view of literacy (including my layperson)- the primary goal of literacy being, to possess effective communication skills that would lay down the foundation for future employment. I saw the underlying notion of this perspective (as Finn mentioned) of education being used/seen as a ticket to higher education which in turn would lead to higher paying jobs. I also noted that there was a lot of talk about parents abdicating their responsibility with respect to their child's education.
Inspiration Map:
Although I am pretty proficient with using standard computer applications, I found that the Inspiration software was very challenging to use at first. In particular, when you are switching the function of a button, it seemed to be very touchy- and not user-friendly. I would have prefered to have used a Microsoft Product, since that is what I have been accustomed to- both at home and at school. That being said, I eventually figured it out, and feel more comfortable now that I have played with it a bit. Within my primary class, we often make maps or graphic organizers, but we usually just do these on the blackboard and/or on chart paper. My goal next year is to try and display these graphic organizers on a Smartboard.
As for the actual maps, we discussed them at great length at our table. We came to the conclusion that when we thought about it, as educators we generally take a little bit from each of these perspectives. Each perspective brings with it some benefits- one needs to be able to decode, however one also needs to be able to comprehend what one is reading. Technology is an important component in my classroom- when we have computer lab, I try and sit with a few students individually to serve as a guide to introducing them to new programs on the computer in all disciplines (math, language, word processing, etc...). After reading the article, I found it very interesting and disturbing to note how the hegemonic discourse was infused into almost all of the mindsets (not something I thought about previously)...how its influence is somewhat naked to the eye since it is so woven into what we consider the norm. I concur with the assertion that was discussed in class that this notion of what is "right" is something that evolves with time, and it is truly interesting to note how this will change in the future. Observing that book from thirty years ago, "I'm a Boy, I'm a Girl", made that painfully obvious when reading the now blatantly sexist comments on how each gender is to "operate".
The most challenging mindset to implement in my opinion, is the "New Literacy", as it requires more support and time than the traditional methods or mindsets. I think that being aware of these mindsets, assists me in being more reflexive of my teaching practices. It makes me think.....am I comfortable with they way I am teaching this? Can I do this in another way that may promote higher level thinking?....etc....
Food for thought.
The Jesus Freezer:
I enjoyed reading the "Jesus Freezer". The language was very rich- I think it would have been more fun if we were able to read it out loud though, to truly hear and feel the warmth of the sounds and tones of the language.
I am used to being surrounded with like-minded others when it comes to matters of faith--I am used to it being a very implicit thing, however this was the first time that I was in a position that I had to defend it.....As a result, I found it very difficult to convey my precise thoughts to others in the group that did not share my "faith" perspective. This reminded me of Finn's book (not sure of chapter off-hand) where he attended the political rally that his wife endorsed- where everyone was in a room and not everyone agreed (all speaking their explicit opinions where not everyone agreed)--yet he was used to being at rallies where it was understood that everyone had the same perspective and point of view (there was an implicit understanding).
I'm From...
I’m From....
· Early morning cartoon sessions with Tony the Tiger, and Snap, Crackle, and Pop...
· Nutella on fette biscottate, oversized mugs filled with hot milk and a shot of espresso, and some Biscotti Milano “S” cookies to dip into it...
· At school I loved to read from my basal readers....Mr. Muggs, Listening Letters, Laughing Letters, read and respond to the entire contents of the SRA box, etc...
· After school I was always excited to watch awesome cartoons like G.I. Joe, He Man, and She Ra, where you could always count on finding a moral at the end of each episode...
· Hurray for read-along stories (books on records/tape)....always loved to hear the sound of Tinkerbell’s chimes, reminding you to turn the page....
· Cinderella/Cenerentola, Snow White/Bianca Neve, Topolino, Paperino, Archie, Jughead, Betty, Reggie and Veronica, Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Ramona, Little Women, and Zoro....
· Sunday night at 6:00p.m. (Disney Hour), and Channel 2, TV Ontario: Read-along, Read All About it, Paddington Bear, Simon in the Land of Chalk drawings, Polka Dot Door, Telefrancais, and Parlez-Moi with Sol the Clown.....
· Story time just before going to bed—(just after bath and hot milk)...a combination of stories that were made up, anthologies of poems, and short stories, and a collection of miscellaneous chapter books—(I can almost hear Heidi yodelling with Peter)....most stories in English, rest were a mixture of Italian or French
· Reading the Secret Garden under a shady tree at the cottage in the summer while hummingbirds buzzed playfully above my head....
· Playing games like Scrabble, Pictionary, hangman, Crossword puzzles, Word Searches, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy....
· Reading cereal boxes, ads on buses, subways, magazines, making up words/and sentences with the first letters on license plates.....reading billboards backwards and having to guess how to say them forwards...while on my way to a friend’s house, my grandparent’s house, the Museum, the park, the Art Gallery, Ballet class, or Ontario Place....
· “Early to bed, early to rise.....makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise....”
· Singing songs, nursery rhymes, and dancing to Frere Jacques/San Martino/ Brother John, Mi scappa la pipi, patty cake, the itsy bitsy spider, Mary Mary Quite Contrary, and Wee Willy Winkie.....and playing I spy.......
· Christian Bible camp in the summer (who welcomed Catholic kids), where I received a Bible and a faux diamond ring with a crucifix for memorizing the most Bible passages/scriptures at the camp.....where we heard countless stories of how much Jesus loved the little children, made sculptures of Jesus out of pasta, cotton balls, and lentils, and made fish that spread God’s word from coat hangers and pantyhose.......
I'm from many different places and experiences, that's what makes me unique :)
· Early morning cartoon sessions with Tony the Tiger, and Snap, Crackle, and Pop...
· Nutella on fette biscottate, oversized mugs filled with hot milk and a shot of espresso, and some Biscotti Milano “S” cookies to dip into it...
· At school I loved to read from my basal readers....Mr. Muggs, Listening Letters, Laughing Letters, read and respond to the entire contents of the SRA box, etc...
· After school I was always excited to watch awesome cartoons like G.I. Joe, He Man, and She Ra, where you could always count on finding a moral at the end of each episode...
· Hurray for read-along stories (books on records/tape)....always loved to hear the sound of Tinkerbell’s chimes, reminding you to turn the page....
· Cinderella/Cenerentola, Snow White/Bianca Neve, Topolino, Paperino, Archie, Jughead, Betty, Reggie and Veronica, Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, Ramona, Little Women, and Zoro....
· Sunday night at 6:00p.m. (Disney Hour), and Channel 2, TV Ontario: Read-along, Read All About it, Paddington Bear, Simon in the Land of Chalk drawings, Polka Dot Door, Telefrancais, and Parlez-Moi with Sol the Clown.....
· Story time just before going to bed—(just after bath and hot milk)...a combination of stories that were made up, anthologies of poems, and short stories, and a collection of miscellaneous chapter books—(I can almost hear Heidi yodelling with Peter)....most stories in English, rest were a mixture of Italian or French
· Reading the Secret Garden under a shady tree at the cottage in the summer while hummingbirds buzzed playfully above my head....
· Playing games like Scrabble, Pictionary, hangman, Crossword puzzles, Word Searches, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy....
· Reading cereal boxes, ads on buses, subways, magazines, making up words/and sentences with the first letters on license plates.....reading billboards backwards and having to guess how to say them forwards...while on my way to a friend’s house, my grandparent’s house, the Museum, the park, the Art Gallery, Ballet class, or Ontario Place....
· “Early to bed, early to rise.....makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise....”
· Singing songs, nursery rhymes, and dancing to Frere Jacques/San Martino/ Brother John, Mi scappa la pipi, patty cake, the itsy bitsy spider, Mary Mary Quite Contrary, and Wee Willy Winkie.....and playing I spy.......
· Christian Bible camp in the summer (who welcomed Catholic kids), where I received a Bible and a faux diamond ring with a crucifix for memorizing the most Bible passages/scriptures at the camp.....where we heard countless stories of how much Jesus loved the little children, made sculptures of Jesus out of pasta, cotton balls, and lentils, and made fish that spread God’s word from coat hangers and pantyhose.......
I'm from many different places and experiences, that's what makes me unique :)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
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