literacy definition

Literacy is an all encompassing word that describes reading, writing, comprehension, phonology, morphology, and the overall ability to communicate. I believe that without literacy not only would we be unsuccessful when it comes to reading or expressing ourselves through writing, but also in daily life. Literacy is an understanding that the words and sentences formed come together to make meaning, and without this understanding our communication would be hindered.

In order to really demonstrate my definition of literacy I will use an example from one of my fourth grade students. This particular student reads at a second grade level as fourth grader. He exhibits signs of improvement, but on a very small scale. He lacks prosody, fluency, and the ability to recognize words that should be site words by now. Due to his lower reading level, he has fallen behind in subjects outside of language arts because he is unable to read efficiently. In order to make sure that his knowledge and ability in other subjects is not diminished; my coordinating teacher has assigned me to read his exam questions to him. This has allowed him to demonstrate his understanding and ability in other subjects so that his reading level is not harming him.

His struggle with literacy has really caused him to struggle with learning because so much of learning involves literacy. When students flourish in reading, writing, and comprehension they are able to take that knowledge and use it when it is presented in different ways such as an historical biography being read in social studies, or a story problem in math. Either way literacy is present in all that happens in a typical school day; and to struggle with literacy often means struggling with all subjects.

In my placement not only do I see an entire literacy block of nearly two and a half hours, but I see the students working on science, social studies, and individual projects that all involve literacy. This past week I assisted the students in their science lesson on layers of the atmosphere and clouds. The students were required to re-create a certain type of cloud to go on their class bulletin board and they needed to write a ten word summary of the characteristics of the cloud. I also assisted the advanced reading group in creating their own constitution for the country they created. They were reading for social studies about the creation of the United States Constitution, and they were required to make their own. They needed to comprehend the text they had read, and utilize the vocabulary that was present in the book to help them create their own constitution.

Without literacy the school day would look quite different. Outside of math, I have yet to see a lesson given in any subject that does not involve literacy. In my own classroom I would like my literacy learning environment to look very similar to what I am a part of in my placement now. Not only is there a set time for students to really build their knowledge of literacy, but it is entwined in the entire day. I want the students to be able to recognize that literacy is not a subject that stands alone, but a necessary tool for all aspects of learning. In order to allow the students to experience the joys of literacy I would definitely provide them with the opportunity to give their input on reading materials and projects that focus on literacy which will hopefully keep the students engaged.