Literacy in the Classroom

I think literacy is such an important part of a student’s day and it is interesting to see how other teacher candidates define literacy. All of our definitions agree that literacy includes more than just reading and writing. Many definitions of literacy included aspects of literacy like fluency, vocabulary, phonics, letter sound awareness, morphology, etc. Many definitions also say that literacy is the ability to understand and communicate through reading and writing. I am in a kindergarten classroom this semester and it is easy to see literacy learning throughout the day. In the morning my students do morning message, which includes reading and writing. The teacher starts out by writing “Good Morning children. Today is January 20, 2011.” Then the student says two simple sentences, for example: “I like to play with my sister. I like to play house.” The teacher then asks the student what different words starts with. The teacher then reads it aloud and then the class reads it out loud. My teacher also does reading groups that helps the students learn how to read and write. My class also has read-to-self time and a writing journal. These language arts activities are done daily in the morning. My ideal literacy environment is a space that has many different types of texts that can be used to challenge student’s thinking and make them think critically. I would also like a space where students feel comfortable discussing with each other and the teacher about their reading and writing.