What is writing???

Writing is a PROCESS!!!!! This process called writing is composed of five stages. They include:
1.) Pre-Writing
2.) Drafting
3.) Revising
4.) Editing
5.)Publishing

During the pre-writing stage the topic is decided and ideas are considered. An example of this would be a web or outline or any strategy to organize brainstorming. Once a suitable amount of ideas are in place, drafting can begin. This would be the first draft. The ideas would be transformed from simple ideas and statements to complete sentences. This stage will most likely look messy as will the revising stage. During this stage unnecessary segments may be deleted and more elaboration may be added as needed. An example would be using sticky notes in places where information needs to be added and scratching out useless or irrelevant parts.
The first three steps can be revisited multiple times before moving on to the editing stage. These first three steps is where the content is created and composed. This should be complete before any editing of grammar and mechanics begins. Editing the paper consists of correcting grammar mistakes, misspelled words, and sentence structure. Editing symbols would be used to notate errors. An example of this would be three lines below a letter that is lowercase and should be capital. Once these mistakes are corrected it is time for publishing. The paper is delivered during this stage. By following these steps you are capable or creating a masterpiece.

Good Readers

Good readers often enjoy reading. There is a common saying, "practice makes perfect". I believe this pertains to reading as well as many other skills. The more someone reads the better they will become at reading. With experience in reading, good readers acquire strategies such as making predictions, connecting reading to background knowledge, making connections with the real world, asking questions, expanding vocabulary, and visualizing. Good readers are also aware when they need to re-read a section or research more about the topic being read. Comprehension is the goal of reading and when this is not met a good reader will make an effort to identify what is needed to understand the text. There are many tools which help readers become good at reading.

I believe that I am a good reader when I want to be reading. If I am interested in the subject matter of what I am reading, I become captured in the text and devote my concentration to just that. I have noticed that when I am reading text of my choice I make connections and predict what will happen among other strategies. On the other hand, when reading something I do not enjoy I find that I make minimal efforts to comprehend all aspects of the text. This is why I want to give my students choice when it comes to reading. When they are able to read about something they enjoy, practicing reading strategies will be more effective. I really like the idea of literature circles because students are allowed to choose books of their interest. The roles that they can assume (such as word finder, connector, character analyzer, etc.) will help build reading strategies while also giving students the chance to listen to other points of view. Teaching students these life-long skills is pertinent because it will help them with an indefinite amount of other tasks. It is something they will need in order to do their best in real life experiences.

Games

Games are a great way to engage students in learning. When they actively become involved in games they enter into a 'flow' of learning. They may not even realize that they are learning because they are so involved. While playing a game students minds are usually fully involved in the game and not wondering or worrying about other issues going on. This generally is not the case when students are given worksheets or bookwork. Using games generally creates a positive learning environment which is important for fostering students desire to learn. Students may feel more relaxed and capable of learning. When they are having fun while learning they tend to remember the concept being taught because it relates to something they enjoy. I plan on introducing a topic to my students and then use games to reinforce the concept. I think that if they are having fun playing the game they will become motivated to increase their knowledge on that subject. It may even act as a bridge to other related topics. To say the least using games in the classroom can be beneficial as long as it is being used correctly.

Motivation

Motivation is the desire to move forward. It gives us a reason to do what we do. It is the driving force that helps us reach a goal, and what we fall back on when we become discouraged. The motivating aspects in my life are the reasons I get up every morning. My job provides money and benefits which motivate me to go everyday. I also pride myself on accountability which is why I have never called in. The feeling of accomplishment is why I strive for good grades, and the job I will find in the end is why I continue my education. Without motivation I believe I would go nowhere, but because I have it I am now here. =)

I'm here!!! :)

connection between culture and literacy

Our culture sets standards and expectations that we strive to meet. Many of us have goals which are derived from a desire to accomplish a culture oriented standard. Many of the cultures that influence our lives today are geared toward becoming successful in life. I think it is safe to say that we all want to be able to make a life for ourselves including being financially, emotionally, and physically stable. This is something that our culture has determined and taught us as being valuable. This common goal that many of us strive for requires literacy. Literacy is required to satisfy just about any need of ours. Whether it is filling out an application for a job or reading the buttons on a microwave; literacy is a must! We must learn to be literate to be successful in our culture, which has led to the emphasis of literacy in our schools. To say the least, literacy is culturally driven.