Importance of literacy

It is very hard to say which ability is more important than the other, since they are all connected in some way. Also these abilities depend on each other to develop. I believe that the connection between these abilities is more important than one of them by itself. In the case that an individual has an issue with one of these abilities, he or she has to find a way to connect the rest of them to become a successful reader.
I believe that the way a person connects all of these aspects is crucial for literacy. And just like people are unique in other things in life, people are also very unique in the way they work around their difficulties when it comes to being literate.

Most Important Part of Literacy

I feel that it is hard to pick one single aspect of literacy as the most important. All five aspects invoke different sorts of thoughts, feelings, and emotions within us in different ways. One person may be a very good speaker and a very poor reader but yet he or she still has the ability to succeed in life. You could even flip it around having a person with very good reading abilities and very poor speaking abilities. Again, the person would still have the ability to succeed in life. I think that a well rounded person can counter his weaknesses with his or her strengths and that really is what is most important, the ability to really balance out all of the aspects such as reading, writing, viewing, listening, and speaking. Each of us has a different balance and that is why we are able to learn in our own unique ways.

important part of literacy

While all parts of literacy are important, I'd say the most important part is understanding. Nothing you read or listen to will mean anything if you have no idea what they mean. If you can't understand what you're looking at or listening to, what's the point??

Important part of literacy

I think the idea of literacy is so multi-faceted that it's tough to say what is the most important aspect. Traditionally we think of literacy as the ability to read and write. However, it also incorporates listening, comprehending, communicating, and so on. So i think all of these ideas are dependent on one another.

What is the most important part of literacy??

There are so many aspects to literacy like reading, writing, and speaking, but none of this truly means anything without comprehension. The learner needs to understand what they are taking in to fully apply it to their lives. A person can memorize all they want, but when it comes down to the line, if they don’t understand it, it means nothing.

importance of literacy

To me the most important part of literacy is comprehension and understanding. Reading and understanding are totaly different things. I can read a story, or a text book, or an article, but the words have no meaning if I'm not comphrending their meaning. Literacy requires a lot to fully understand, background knowledge and understanding is required so understanding is easier and I am able to differentiate what I'm reading. If I am un-educated and I read an article, I can read it, but it won't do anything for me, because I don't understand it, the words are just words. If I am educated about the topic, the article will make sense to me because I have prior knowledge on the subject area, so the words make sense to me. And from understanding I can then make my own, educated choices, decide what is/isnt important that I need to read. So to me, comprehension is the most important part of literacy, so one can understand what they are reading.

Read between the lines: it’s no just an expression

I’m sorry, I know I should be writing about what I think is the most important part of literacy but after reading Jennifer’s post I have to disagree. I do agree that phonemic awareness is important but you can be literate with out it. I am a prime example of this, as well as the thousands of other students that are suffering from learning disabilities. I have no phonemic awareness, if I need to rhyme 3 words to save my life I couldn’t but I would say I’m illiterate.

I feel the most important part of literacy is the ability to mesh all the domains of language; reading, writing, and speaking. If someone was defined because the lack of one of these domains I wouldn’t be in a college classroom.

Lauren's post

Lauren is having difficulties with her access, so here is her post (she emailed it to me):

I feel that literacy is all about perception. I know
that i can read but when it comes to reading aloud i cannot perform to the
best of my ability. I do not think because i stumble on some word when i
am reading aloud or pause for a second to figure out a word means i am
illiterate. If i were a teacher i would just characterize me as not a strong
reader. In class we said that a student has to be fluent to be considered
literate, i just cannot fully agree with that. I feel that not everyone
has the capability of reading aloud but can read to themselves in a
"literate" fashion.

Also i think literacy has to do with the way that a
person can speak. Like in the video we watched, the little boy Nathan had
a great vocabulary and was a great speaker, but he has a major problem
writing and reading. I do not feel that he should be judged or looked at
as not literate because he has a weakness, because as the test showed he
was an extremely bright boy.

I feel that literacy encompasses reading,
writing, and speaking. A person may not have to be perfect in all areas to
be considered literate, but has to excel in one area if they cannot
fulfill all areas.

Important Part of Literacy

I agree with the person who wrote the post before mine in that all aspects of literacy (reading, writing, speaking, listening) are important. Those four types of literacy are interconnected. From the video we watched last week, it seems to me that phonemic awareness is crucial to developing literacy. Phonics are the building blocks of language. If a child lacks phonemic awareness, he or she will not be able to build the necessary foundation to improve literacy skills. Therefore, I would consider phonemic awareness to be the most important part of literacy because, without it, full literacy would not be possible.

Literacy..what's the most important part of it?

I'm not sure I could pick one aspect of literacy and say it is more important than another. Speaking, reading, writing and listening are all crucial to becoming literate. It is important for a child or adult to constantly be motivated to practice speaking, reading and writing a language so they gain comprehension of they are writing, reading etc. The connection between listening, reading, writing and speaking is comprehension of the content. A child needs to be constantly evolving their understanding of what they say to what they read and hear. I don't think a person is literate if they cannot make the connections between what they are reading and writing and then speaking. Part of this understanding comes from practicing early on hearing a word and then recognizing what it looks like written down and reading it by yourself. Literacy also involves using all prior knowledge in all subject areas so a person can comprehend what they are reading, what they heard, or what they are writing about. I think that is why it is so important to make the connection between all aspects of literacy in every subject area because it will affect how a person is able to socially maneuver through their everyday life.

just for fun

I got this link from a friend, but there's some good teacher wear in there. My particular favorites are I heart hot teachers and I teach, I test. Sometimes, you just gotta laugh.

: )

http://www.cafepress.com/buy/teacher

First Steps

Thinking back, I can't really remember how I first started to learn how to read, but there are moments I can recall when I was engaged in reading. My mother used to always read to me every night before I went to bed and there is this one book I will always remember. It was called Goodnight. I had her read it to me every night and could not go to bed without hearing it. Eventually I memorized the whole book and pictures. I also remember that this book was read to me around the same time I learned how to read in school and eventually I would read it with my mother. Like I said I don't really remember how I started to read, but I do remember reading off of a big notepad in front of my kindergarten class during reading time. We all sat on this rug facing our teacher sitting by the notepad. We would first start off the day by reading or writing the date and weather of that day. Then we would create different sentences related to what our teacher would be talking about, or she would write something on the pad and we would all read it together at the same time. Other than that I can recall a time in second grade when we were able to pick a poem from one of Silverstein's poetry books and had to memorize it. This definitely helped me read different poems that are not always easy to read fluently. I was always good at memorizing things but this assignment was a significant point of my life because it really helped me build my confidence in speaking in front of a class where as reading something out of a book out loud for the first time gave me less confidence.

The Owl and the Pussycat

went to sea in a beautiful pea-green boat... That was my book, The Owl and the Pussycat; the one that I had memorized. Actually, it was only one of many that I memorized before I could actually read, but it was my favorite, because it was the one my father read to me, and the only one that I remember in its entirety to this day. Now I read that book to my son, and he can recite the whole thing now that he is learning to read.

I too do not remember much about the actual process of learning to read. I mean, I remember sitting in class learning about phonics and words, but I already knew how to read by then, so I think that's why I remember it so well. I know that I learned to read very quickly; my mother tells me that one day, I couldn't read, save for a few sight words and my memorized stories, and the next day, I could read everything. Everything, within reason, I guess. I don't know if it was really that quick, but I do know that something kind of clicked with me when I started reading, and it seemed to make a lot of sense very fast.

I was also one of the kids who would be through the whole story to be read aloud in class very early, but I was also one who wanted the longest passage or paragraph, so that I could "perform" as long as possible. That shows now...I spend as much time as I feel I have available doing theatre. I suppose that could have been predicted since first grade!

First grade

I don't think I can remember exactly when I learned to read. I do remember my grandfather telling me to stop saying the words from memory in some of the books we used to read. I went to private school for pre-k and kindergarten where reading was a huge deal. Also, my grandfather read with me A LOT. My first clear memory of the reading process is from first grade. I moved to a new school and I remember my reading class, I remember being bored out of my mind. I must have learned how to read in kindergarten because I hated writing the letters over and over again and sounding them out. We would go around the room taking turns reading a story. I usually would have the whole story read before the first kid was done with one sentence. Reading out loud was something I despised, and still do. My mind would read a lot faster than my mouth could move and I would spend so much energy on trying to say the words clearly that when I was finished I had no idea what I just read.

My "Coquito" book

My story starts when I was five years old in kindergarten. My little school was called Yachayhuasi that means school in Quechua. My teacher combined reading aloud with repetitions, homework, playing and snacks. I was a dedicated student who would ask for more and more homework at that age. As soon as I was back home from school and ate my lunch, I would sit at my table to do my homework. Nobody and nothing would prevent me from finishing my homework. I don't know what was different about me back then but my mother never had to push me to do my homework. I am serious no matter what time it were, I often tried to imitate my teacher's reading and writing. Whenever my writing or drawing of a certain letter didn't come out right I would get upset, erase it and do it again until it was right. Then I learned the vowels, the alphabet, and its combinations. It was an amazing experience.
Then I went to elementary school where I made new friends, and learned to read my favorite book "Coquito" which is a book about a boy, his family and friends with a lot of pictures and funny stories. If you asked me how it happened I would say to you, I don't know when and how it happened to me. It just happened one day I learned how to read. Dear friends It was an exciting moment as if you discoverd a treasure that I can not explain with words. My parents were proud of me when they realized that I knew how to read and bought me a doll that I treasured all my life till now. I was able to read at 6 years old and I would no longer have to guess what any picture was telling me Because I could read anything I wanted. That seemed a miracle because I cannot explain how it happened. I guess it just happens to everyone.

Monica

Memories About Reading

Like some of the other students I do not remember learning to read at home, but I do remember my experience at school. Unfortunately, my reading and literacy memories in school are not very happy ones. When I was in first grade the teacher broke us up into to a high or low reading group, each with different level books. I was in the more advanced groups. When I was in second grade my father died. I guess i seemed a little distracted when I was in school so they decide to test me for learning disabilities. ( I think there is a big difference between a 8 year old dealing with the death of a parent and having a learning disability.) I remember getting pulled out of classes left and right to be tested.There was matching, i had to put things together, read passages and write about them, and many more things. Being that young I did not understand what was really going on, but i remember liking the attention, so i did not do as good as a could on them. Again, being that young how could I have known. After that, I feel like it was all down hill for me. They classified me with learning disabilities. Every year I would get taking out of the main stream classes and was sent to smaller classrooms to learn reading and writing. It did not make much sense though because they would not take me out of the main class when they were doing English, I would be there for that. They took me out when they were doing other subjects like math or science. So not only was I going to a smaller class with a bunch of kids that did not want to learn, I was missing other subjects. And on top of that I was always being told that i learned differently... and what not. When you are told that from the age of 8, you are going to start believing it. Because of this i do not feel i got a very good education in reading or writing. I beleive I was given a learning disability, rather than me having one. I never wanted to read out loud in class because I was too slow and could not pronounce a lot of the words and I would never ask questions when i did not understand things either. I did not want the other kids to laugh at me or get mad I was taking too long. When you are a kid that stinks... ( but i got over that, and now a days I could care less if someone in class is annoyed with me because of that lol) I could go on an on about this. Sorry that this was not the most happiest reading story. However, on a brighter note, once I got to high school I was still in these classes. My sophomore year I was told I could not get into a very good college if I was in these classes still. So, I asked to be taken out. They would not take me out so I got straight A's and made them take me out. Now, as an adult I see how much I did not learn and try to strengthen my skills. The past few years I feel like I have come a long way with my reading, comprehension, and writing abilities. I still have a long way to go, but I will never stop improving. Also, I feel this only makes me more sensitive to my students and their needs.

Playtime

The first memory I have of learning to read was in kindergarten, having to learn the alphabet and write the upper case and lower case of each letter on those double lined sheets of paper that help you line up each letter the right way. Eventually, we wrote words and then sentences on the double lined sheets, making sure to capitalize each word at the beginning of each sentence. I remember this vividly because it was my first time putting words together on paper to make a coherent statement. Another thing I remember about learning to read as I got older was doing my reading assignments in my after school program. During my after school program, or "extended day" as they called it, I spent most of my time playing games and eating snacks. However, for about 20 minutes each day, we had to devote time to reading. It could have been reading something for school or reading any of the books they had in the classroom. At the end of each week, we had to paint or draw a picture that would describe a part of something we read. Even though most of my drawings were stick figures, I liked this because I was able to put the words I read into a picture form; so if I wanted to go back months later and remember what the book was about all I would have to do is look at my pictures. It was a great beginners learning tool.

Me too.

when i think about reading for the first time it is hard for me to remember the exact time i began to read. Although i dont exactly remember my first time reading there are a few moments in my life that seem to stand out. when i was about four or five my mother and i had a special time set aside for reading each night. although i had many books to chose from i almost always wanted my mother to read me the book, Me Too by Mercer Mayer. We sat down and read this book so many times that i knew all the words by heart. i was too young to actually read the words myself but i was so intrigued by this book and the pictures i made sure that i remembered all of the words. i guess you can consider this time my first attempt at reading, but if memorizing the words doesnt count then my first real memory of reading was in the first grade. we used to sit in a circle on the carpet and each student was responsible for reading at least one line. the reason this stands out to me is beacause i was never the best reader in my class and i was always so nervious about reading aloud. i would get myself so nervious that i would always make mistakes and lose track of where i was in my lines. nobody likes to feel like the entire class is judging their imperfections so i believe this is why reading on the carpet is the moment that stands out the most in my life when learning to read.

10 times

When did I learn to read... I'm not really sure. I can remember back to when my mother and grandparents would read stories to me while I would be in my bed ready to fall asleep. I guess that is where it all started. My favorite stories would be from Disney. My sister and I would recite these stories in our play time by recreating the scenes and of course fight over who would be Cinderella or Ariel. In school learning to read began by learning vocabulary words. I would take home these words and practice writing them. I remember my grandfather making me write them over and over again, then finally having a "test," and which ever words I would miss-spell I would have to write again ten times each until I got them right. After the written test, I would have to spell them out loud. I guess my grandfather did that so I would really learn them, and not just visually remember them. Then when my mother would get home from work I would have to take another "test," to see the progress I have made between school, the time with my grandfather and then my mother. I remember gradually going from vocabulary words, to having to fill in the correct word in the blank, to reading short stories, and then having to answer the questions at the end. The initial strategies used in school and by my family were the foundations that were essential for me learning to read.

Mortimer Frog

I have basically the same experiences. In first grade we were reading this book called Mortimer Frog. This was the only book i remember because i hated it soo much. Everyday we would have to read it aloud and do work in the workbook that went along with the book. When it came to my turn to read i was terrified. I am one of those people with a good memory and i just memorized words instead of learning to read them, and I never understood the pronunciation charts so when it came to a word i didnt know i couldnt read it. It probably wasnt until a grade or two later when we started looking up dictionary words that i actually learned to read the right way. I still dont really know all the pronunciation symbols and stuff but by learning more and more words i figured out how to say most words now.

Geraldine's Blanket

Funny you ask. One thing was brought up in class the other day; how some young children memorize a book without actually reading the words. I certainly had a book I did that with; Geraldine's Blanket. It was my favorite book and I still remember the first line and picture myself saying it as a child; "Geraldine had a pink blanket. She brought it everywhere she went." I knew what was written on every page in that book. Thinking that actually makes me laugh. Obviously that wasn't actually reading but thought I'd share that with you all. But what I do remember about reading was that my mom read with and to me constantly. She still to this day cannot believe that I'm not a big reader after all she did with me as a child. I guess I do not remember all that much about the actual reading process except being obsessed with the letter "S." Of course because it is the first letter of my name. I remember sounding it out and pointing it out when I would see it.

I was opposite of the girl posted below; I couldn't wait to be called on in class. I was the one who got jelous if someone had a longer sentence or paragraph to read than I did. I guess I liked the sound of my own voice too much. Sometimes poses to be a problem for me. Ha!

-Sofia

Learning to Read

Wow! It's hard to think back to when I learned how to read! I guess some of my first school memories are when the teacher would split us up into groups in first grade and we would be in guided reading groups at different tables in the classroom. I also remember reading a lot of stories at home with my parents before going to bed; sometimes they would read the stories and other times they would let me read. Another memory that comes to mind is when we would take turns reading in class, usually from an anthology. I remember always being nervous for when it would be my turn to read in front of the class, as I did not want to "mess up" or mispronounce (if that's a word) something, and have the teacher correct me. Does anyone else remember being worried about that?

Kristine

Hi! My name is Kristine and I'm posting this a week late because I missed the first class. I am a fifth year senior (I'm convinced MSU doesn't let you leave in less than 5 years). My major is English secondary Ed. I would love to teach middle school. My ultimate goal is to be a guidance counsler or possibly get a second certification for science (eventually I will make up my mind). I always loved literature. I have too many favorite books to count but I think I have read Through the Looking Glass about a hundred times.When I was younger I was the dork who had all her summer reading completed by the end of June. My mother used to (and still does sometimes) yell at me to stop reading and go outside and play. I only have two classes this semester before I can student teach which is nice. I also work four part time jobs so my free time is rather limited. I like to stay busy, I can't sit still for more than fifteen minutes so I like running from one thing to the next. Can't really think of anything else to say so I guess that's it for now.

About Monica

Hi, everyone. My name is Monica. I am from Lima Peru, South America. I have been in this country for over nine years, I just can't believe it how all these years went so fast. I am majoring in Linguistic with concentration on the ESL certification and a minor in Spanish. I have one more year and a half to go. At the moment I come to school from Monday to Thursday and work on the weekends.
I can't wait to have my weekends back so I can enjoy my free time because I love all kind of ethnic festivals, food and music; parks and picnics; lakes and nature; arts exhibitions, plays and musicals. While I do not work I watch movies, enjoy listening to music, reading some books, gossips and Archie, and finally my favorite of all, dancing.
Soon I will be called to substitute in any school around Garfield, even though it makes me nervous to think about making a fool of myself, I know for sure, it will be an excellent experience for me. You probably asked yourself how it all started about the idea of being a teacher myself. Well, One day in Elementary school, one of my teachers, Gladys Velez More, inspired me to become a teacher. She was a sweet, caring, fair teacher with all of her students. She made me feel very special, therefore; I would love to be like her and make a difference in my students' lives too.
I hope to hear from all of you.
Bye.

About Jen

Hey everyone!

Like almost everyone else, I am in my 5th year of college and will be graduating in May if all goes according to plan. I transferred to MSU in Spring '05. I will be certified to teach secondary English. I would prefer to teach high school but I'm open-minded about middle school. I'll teach wherever I get a job my first year. I'll be doing my fieldwork at Montclair HS this semester. I did some tutoring there last semester for an English class I was taking. I learned so much from working one-on-one with the students. I learn so much more from being in the classroom and actually working with students than I do from coming to classes, so I'm happy to finally be doing some fieldwork this semester. I've always wanted to be a teacher and I'm excited that I'm so close to reaching my goal, but, of course, I'm nervous, too. I enjoy reading -- I've been into reading memoirs lately, I like to read about others' experiences. Other than that, I read some of the classics this summer because I need to catch up on some material that's in the curriculum I will be teaching. I also love Shakespeare. My favorite Shakespearean quote is, "This above all, to thine own self be true." -- They are wise words to live by. I hated English class throughout most of high school, but then had an amazing English teacher my junior and senior years. She inspired me to actually like the subject and want to become an English teacher.

That's all I got for now,
Jen

Hello

Hi, my name is Raul Huaman. I am a fifth year senior (or as we like to call it in the music department, I am a super senior), not by choice but because that's the time it takes to finish all the music and education requirements. My major is music education. I play guitar as my main instrument, I've been playing since I was seven years old. I play different styles from rock to jazz to classical even some bluegrass. Some other instruments I play are the banjo, mandolin, piano, electric bass, lute, saxophone and some violin. If you want to hear me play I'll be playing at the Kaleidoscope Concert and the production of Full Monty this semester, both events in Kasser Theater. I also teach guitar lessons to students of all ages. My oldest student is 64.

I was born in Lima, Peru. I moved to the States in 1999. I got here just in time to start 9th grade. I was lucky that my school, Elizabeth High School, had a guitar program. That helped me in finding my way to what i wanted to do in life. I realized that I could play music and also teach it also.

In regards to reading, I go through different phases. Sometimes I can't stop reading and some other times I just read when I have to. Most of my favorite books are in Spanish, but I have some favorites in English too. My favorite author is Gabriel Garcia Marquez, he's colombian and a Nobel prize winner. My favorite book is A 100 years of solitude.

Well, I think that's it.

About me in a nutshell

Hi my name is Philip Pierre and I am now a senior majoring in Geography minoring in History@ MSU. I started here in 2003 but had to leave for my military duty but that's the present. As for the past i was born in Trinidad, which is on the northeast tip of South America but its considered the Caribbean. I then lived in London for some years and moved to West New York at the age of 17. A fact that still amazes me to this day is that I have never lived in one place for more than 4 years. I moved every 2-3 years since i was growing up. Just naming a few would be Alaska, Austin TX, Groton CT, and I have travelled to many other countries.
I love the outdoors especially hiking so I try to take my boxer most of the times. I also play many sports such as football, soccer, basketball and ran track in high school and college (100m, 4x400 relay & 200m) I also get in rock climbing and kayaking depending on the area. In my down time i enjoy playing chess, board games and reading. My favorite type of food would be seafood especially shrimp and crabs but i love the majority of it.
Last but not least I got into teaching after tutoring after school middle -high school kids in New Orleans. 90% of these students came from drug infested homes, single parent and lots of violence in their direct environment so I felt privileged to help in this way. So now that you know a little about me I look forward to a productive semester and knowing my classmates, while at the same time having fun learning.

All about Paul

Hello,
My name is Paul Cirlincione and I am a 5th year senior, majoring in Health and Physical Education, and hope to graduate this coming May. I love everything about sports: The teamwork, the effort, the responsibility, the fun and the competition are few things to start. In high school I was only a two sport person of Football and Baseball. That is all I really played and all I really wanted to know. However, in my last two years of high school, I had a teacher which really got me interested in playing other sports besides Football or Baseball. The way he taught other sports like soccer, basketball, and even tennis made me want to practice those sports just as much as the sports I truly loved. This combined with some great MSU professors got me hooked into wanting to teaching Physical Education. Most people in life always talk about their job and their passion or hobby as two or even three different parts of their life. The great thing about physical education is I can do what I love to do and am passionate about every day and get paid to do it.

One activity I am involved in outside of school is coaching, which to me goes hand in hand with teaching physical education. They always say the best teachers are coaches, and the best coaches are teachers. I love working with children and young adults on their skills, abilities, and attitudes towards sports. Right now I am currently coaching football at Livingston High School in New Jersey. This is my third season as a coach and I know there will be many more years to come. I cannot even begin to describe the feeling I get from helping my players become better athletes as well as better people in life. Eventually, I hope to be coaching at the collegiate or professional level.

In general, I do not read a whole lot. However, lately I have been reading some books written by college and professional coaches on coaching (surprise surprise), which in turn has gotten me more into reading and has had me grabbing any other book I can get my hands on.

I am very excited to graduate this spring and to see what life has in store for me.

all bout me

Hello all, my name is Steve Willenborg, and I'm a senior at MSU, majoring in Art Education. My concentration is sculpture, because I really enjoy working with my hands and I feel that sculpture is the most manipulative way for me to express my artistic abilities. On a less professional note, I am 21 and would consider myself to be one of a kind; something I am very proud of. I enjoy watching movies, playing videogames, playing with my pets (2 cats and 1 chinchilla), making art, relaxing, hanging out with my friends, and traveling. One of my life ambitions is to build a pirate ship and sail the Carribean with some of my friends. I tend to be somewhat quiet when first meeting people, but once I get to know you, I am an open book. I am a fond believer that people should do whatever make them happy, not necessarily what is expected of them. As can be noted from my physical appearance and my obessesion with tye-dye shirts, I have often been considered a 'hippie'. Although, if I must be classified, I would much rather be known as a 'free spirit'. Come and say 'Hello' to me, I don't bite, usually!

What's up yall?

What's going on everybody? My name is Rich Pobuta. I'm from Union, NJ. I'm a fifth year senior majoring in geography to become a social studies teacher. This is my third year at MSU, transfering from Drexel University and my county college. I changed my major a couple times (architecture and business), but I think I got it figured out now haha. I should graduate after the fall 08 semester. I plan to go to grad school too. I also work part time at the YMCA and at an aftercare school program.

When I am not working, you can probably find me just hanging out with friends and family. Always up for a good time. I consider myself a big role model to my nephew/godson. I love sports, music, art, traveling, and food. I appreciate multiculturalism. As far as reading goes, I read the newspaper almost daily - The Star Ledger or the NY Times. I wish I read more books though. I am not really into fiction, but more into documentaries and informative/educational-type literature (if that makes any sense haha). But I am someone who must enjoy what I'm reading or else it is not enjoyable for me. But to be honest, this class seems kind of interesting and hopefully we will all learn or discover something valuable, so we'll see..

Hello

My name is Joe Marmora and I am currently majoring in physical education along with health education. The reason that I chose PE as my major was because of the great PE teachers that I had while I was in high school. I could just tell how much fun they were having with all of the kids in class as well as coaching after school. I would have to say that my soccer coach played the most impotent part of my life that led me to move toward PE. He had the ability to get even the laziest kids in class to be enthusiastic about what was going on in class; weather it be football, basketball or pickle ball, so in turn that made the whole class more active. The only reason why I picked Montclair State University is because it was close to home and it had my major.

Since I was 14 I have been working at the swim club in my town. I’ve done everything from cook burgers to save lives. For the past four years I have been giving swimming lesson. As well as coaching the swim team. This past summer I finally got the promotion I was looking forward to, I was promoted to manager. This is a great job, especially for teachers since we have the summers off.

When I’m not at school or working I enjoy paying soccer. I play for a sponsored club team that is apart of the garden state soccer league. We have games every Sunday. I also just love hanging out with all my friends.

hello

Hi, my name is Ji. (Jenny)
I am a mid 20 years old senior in Fine art Education major. I want to teach either elementary or Junior highs. I love to paint and work on computers. I am considering to work as a Graphic designer or Photographer during my free time.
I can't wait to do my student teaching on next semester.
See you on Thursday~!!!

P.S. Did this got posted? I am trying to figure out how this blog works!

Denise's Intro Post

Hi my name is Denise Huth. I'm a chemistry major who would REALLY like to graduate already. If all goes well I should be graduating December 2008. Let's all hope that happens. Most of the time I'm not at school I'm at work. I actually have 2 jobs. For the most part I'm at Swatch (in the WBM) where I am an assistant manager and the store's trainer. My other job takes up about 3-4 hours of my life every week and that's at Express (that one's in GSP). All I really do there is audit paperwork and count money on Friday nights.. and that's a pretty sweet way to keep my discount.

Being at work is actually what made me want to become a teacher. Once I became a manager I found that one of my favorite parts of the job was training and coaching. When I stopped to think about it, I realized that the only class I liked in high school was chemistry, so I figured teaching chemistry would be a good way to go. Aside from all that, 5 years of working in retail will make almost anyone appreciate the thought of being at home at night, on weekends, and on holidays. Even though a teacher's day doesn't really end at 3:00 when the last bell rings at least I'll be able to be at HOME grading papers.

If I'm not at work or school I'm either watching bad tv on VH1 (or some other terrible channel) or going to the movies. I also own more dvd's than any normal person needs to own (seriously, I have about 300). I also collect Swatch watches. The ticking from the second hands in my room is enough to drive a normal person insane.

I don't have much to say about reading because I don't have time to do much of it. The last thing I read and really enjoyed way probably the most recent Augusten Burroughs memoir (he's the guy that wrote Running with Scissors... and yes, the book is better than the movie). I usually like to read non-fiction. Last summer my brother gave me a book about Richard Feyman to read, and that was good. I also enjoyed A Beautiful Mind. (He was far more crazy than the movie would lead you to think.)

That's it for me.

The story of Nell...

Hi all! My name is Nell White (though the class list will say Nell Blank...I haven't changed my name with the school since I got married...you'd think I would have, it was three years ago...oh well) and I am a math major. This is my 3.5th year here at Montclair, I transferred from Bergen Community College, from where I graduated with an A.S. in Math. This is my last year at Montclair, assuming all goes as planned. I am doing my 60 hours this semester in Cedar Grove, and I'm looking forward to the classroom experience from the other end of the classroom.

I have always enjoyed teaching, but because I hated school, I did not consider it as a profession until I got to college and started enjoying my classes. I also know that there is a major need for math teachers right now, and I want to do something about that. The teaching schedule is also nice...I like the idea that my hours will be closer to those of my children: I have two kids; my older son will be 6 on Saturday, and I have a six-month-old baby boy as well.

In my oh so copious free time, I enjoy theatre (all aspects...acting, singing, costuming...it's all good), crafting (again, all aspects...the list goes on), and mostly just being with my family.

Reading...oh, to have the time to do that... I actually really enjoy reading, but with the baby, it's a difficult activity. He goes after anything I'm holding, so no books, newspapers, or magazines, and he bangs on the keyboard, so my computer time is limited to necessities. I somehow managed to fit in the last Harry Potter book...I'm not sure how I did that, but at least I can watch movies without holding anything my son can chew on! So, for a while at least, it's basically just movies for me. I'll be glad to have an excuse to hand the baby to my husband so I can read for this class; since it will be for school, he can't say no. ;)

Shannon

Hi, I am Shannon Ostoyic, a Health and Physical Education major from North Arlington, which is located in Bergen County. This is my third and final year at MSU!! I originally started out at New Jersey City University as an undeclared major and wasted many credits, time and money! I am now happy with my career decision to become a PE teacher because I think it is a rewarding profession. I coach and work with special needs children in my community on various leagues such as soccer, t-ball, and bowling. Most of the children have autism or some other type of disability which prevent them from registering on typical leagues. They have a great time socializing with other children like themselves and their parents are glad to have activities for their children where they're not looked upon as "different".
I am not the biggest fan of reading, although I do occasionally enjoy reading gossip magazines to catch up on my celebrity news, the local newspaper to see whats going on in my town, and some sports news on the Internet. I basically only read when I have to for school assignments and homework.

ok..who I am...I'm getting there...

Hi, my name is Beth Lizotte and I'm an Art Education major. I know for a fact that I'm not computer savvy and this is my 3rd post because I accidentally posted empty blogs. I'm from Asbury Park, NJ, which is CENTRAL JERSEY!!!Not south jersey, anything south of Toms River is South Jersey! I'm a little touchy about it, haha.
I've been in college for many years and I have over 200 credits, including an A.F.A. I started my college career in 1999 at the Art Institute of Philadelphia where I majored in Computer Animation. After my father took ill in 2000, I moved home that summer and attended Brookdale Community College, which I loved. I graduated from there in due time with an A.F.A, (Associates in Fine Arts). I came to MSU, only lasted one semester due to lack of funds. Went back home. Two years later I came back (which was last year). Currently I have a year and a half left and I will be excited to graduate by the time I'm 30. Yet I plan on going back to get my masters in Art Therapy.
I'm an avid reader. This past summer I read about 10 books. When I attended BCC I took a few courses called Children's Lit and Young Adult Lit. I love books that are for young adults, I'm quite honest about, I LOVE the Harry Potter Series, and as of right now I'm reading the Sweep series by Cate Tiernan. I also read Marvel Graphic Novels, anything to do with the X-men or Fantastic Four I read.
As of the rest of my life, I have outrageous friends, we are obsessed with my Wii, movies, and just goofing around. I live with my girlfriend who is also my best friend. My life is pretty complete. I just wish MSU would make more stupid parking spots. That would be nice!

Bout Me

Hi, my name is Cheryl Meier, I'm from Manalapan, NJ, which is Central Jersey. I have a year and half left at MSU. My major is Physical Education/Health teacher. I transfered here from Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, NJ, this is my third year at MSU. At my community college I took a wide range of classes to get my general ed. classes done with, and I loved all my classes, I learned so much, and gained a lot of knowledge from my classes. I graduated with my Associates in Social Science from there. I knew in high school that I wanted to be PE/Health teacher, mainly because I had two amazing teachers in PE that helped me through a lot. I used to be extremely active, but two knee surgeries prevented me from participating in athletics at a competitive level. My teachers kept me involved, they had me help them with their teams, I managed, I kept score and books for basketball, soccer, and softball during and after high school. I want to make a difference in a students life as they made a difference in mine, they helped me when I most needed it because at the time I didn't know what to do with myself since I had lost my outlet of being able to participate in sports. I'm still not sure which ages I would like to teach, I thought high school for while, but now I'm thinking more elementary school, I love kids, and they have so much energy, and they want to learn at that age. I have a lot of little cousins I am always around, and I consider myself a big kid at times, so I know how to work with young children very well.
As for reading, I never considered myself a big reader, I'm more of a visual learner. I would rather watch a movie or documentary so I can have the visual image in my mind, then I could read up more information on a topic because I have the visual images in my mind, and it's easier for me to picture what I'm reading. I believe reading is important, it's everywhere, even in my video games you have to read to understand what's going on and what to do next.
So for fun, I enjoy video games, big time, I'm an old school gamer, all the way from Atari, Nintendo, up to my ps2 and the Wii. I like movies, but more of a stay home and watch a movie, rather than pay $10 to go see one, I can wait to rent them, I do like to read about Greek and Roman history and mythology, that has been an interest of mine for many years. Also I like to hang out with my friends when I have the chance. I have a wide range of friends, but they're good, fun, goofy people, so I try to see them as much as possible, even though I'm an hour away from home.

Intro Blog

Hey, my name is Cliff Schafer. I am a senior here at Montclair and looking forward to getting out. I am a history major, namely because of several past teachers who had a positive effect on me. Not a big fan of school, but I do work hard when i have to. I am taking 19 credits this semester which sucks, but i need to in order to do my student teaching in the srping and graduate in May. As for out of school...i love the beach (partly why i wanted to be a teacher...free time in the summer), i enjoy surfing, basketball, and working out the most, but love to play and watch all other sports. I also like to spend alot of time with my friends. Not big at all on reading, (besides the sports page in the paper), more of a movie fan!

All about Sofia =)

Hi,
My name is Sofia Capparelli and I am a fifth year senior, health and physical education major and psychology minor. Obviously I’ve always enjoyed athletics, all aspects of it, and was always willing to try new sports. I mean, I was a pole-vaulter, definitely something I was ever experienced to previously. I love showing people how to become physically active and live a healthy lifestyle. I chose physical education because not only do I enjoy athletics, but I think I am a good teacher. I feel students could benefit from having me as their teacher because of my passion and dedication for what I do. I love learning as well. The more I can expand on what I know, the more well rounded I will become and the more I can offer my students. I will be graduating at the end of spring semester and will go on to graduate school where I will get my masters in psychology. I have always had a passion for understanding the human mind and it goes hand in hand with being a teacher, at least I think. I plan to eventually get my PhD and move further into the educational aspect of psychology. I have not fully decided on what specifically I would like to do with that; either more research based or school psychologist.

I have many outside of schools activites that I am involved with and many activities that I enjoy doing. I am a member of TWSL which is a women's spring soccer league. I've played soccer all my life and absolutely have a passion for it. I love to snowboard even though I hate the cold! Go figure. I am a member of my church choir and have been a CCD teacher for several years. I volunteer for many different organizations and want to give as much time as I can for others. I enjoy all the time I get to spend with my family and friends and am grateful to have all the love I do from all of them.

I haven't been the biggest reader there is. I'm one of those that would rather watch the movie then read the book. I hope to appreciate reading a bit more and start picking up a book or two!

Basically I am waiting to see where the road will take me being my path is not fully known. I'm excited to see what is in store!

"Hey, hey, hey, what can I say"

How's it goin? My name is Michelle. I am majoring in Art Education. I can not tell you enough how much I enjoy it. I have definitely found something that I will "do what you love, and love what you do." Every class I take gets me more excited and I learn so much more about the field I am getting into. I also learn more about my own personal abilities, which is awesome too. I think in life it is very important to never stop learning, growing, and exploring the mind. When I become an Art teacher these are things I will guide my students to understand. I am a very positive person and can not wait to be apart of others lives and help them see their full potential and everything they have to offer to this world. Having the summers off to hopefully travel is something else that fits my life style, so that works out too. I am taking 6 classes plus an independent study this semester. I have never took such a heavy load, but I am trying to graduate before I am 30...lol. I also work at a vegan restaurant down in Belmar, its great there.

Aside from the blah blah blah... I down with going to shows and festivals, cReAtInG, snowboarding, riding my bike and being around people with good vibes. Just having good times. life is good.

Danielle's Intro

Hello, my name is Danielle Kotopoulis, and this is my last year at Montclair State (I’ll be student teaching in the spring). I explored a few other majors and transferred several times, but I finally decided on Art Education: specializing in ceramics, and metal work/ jewelry. Ideally I’d like to teach high school ceramics, but I’m open to anything.
I really just began to read for fun in he last 2-3 years, one of my favorites being The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Nighttime by Mark Haddon. I also started rereading some books I read in high school (they are so much more enjoyable when they’re not assigned) I don’t really have much free time- being that I work full time and I’m taking 19 credits this semester. I expect that recreational reading will definitely take a backseat to school work for the next year, but I do hope to make some time for it.

Intro

Hello, my name is Joe Medway. I am currently in my 6th year of school here at Montclair State. I had a few years of indecision which caused me to switch my major a few times. I am definately not complaining about putting off the real world for another year. My major right now is physical education and health. Hopefully, I will be finishing up Fall 08. Until then, I'm very motivated to do whatever I have to do to get out of this place. I would like to get a job teaching either at the middle school or high school level as soon as I finish up. Grad School might have to get put off for a while cause I really need a break from college.

Besides going to school, theres a lot of other things I enjoy doing in my free time. I absolutely love surfing and snowboarding. I really would like to travel the world more getting to do those things. Other then that, I like spending a lot of time just relaxing and having a good time with friends and family. I'm looking foward to meeting everybody in this class during semester and hopefully I will be able to gain a new passion for reading.

david filchak intro post

hi my name is david filchak. i am a senior at msu and my major is art education. i want to teach at a high school level. i have taught skateboard camps for about five years and it has made me realize that working with younger children might not be for me. the reason i wanted to become a teacher is because i have had many great teachers through out my life time. i hope to someday inspire my students the same way my teachers once inspired me. in my free time i love to take photographs, ride my skateboard, and spend time with my friends. as far as reading goes i love to read magazines.

Laryssa's Intro

Hi everyone I'm Laryssa. I'm a senior this year and looking forward to student teaching and graduation in the spring. I got my associate's degree in fine art from Sussex County Community College and transferred to MSU as an art education major. I didn't consider becoming an art teacher until my senior year of highschool and after working at a summer camp/daycare. My highschool art teachers influenced my life a lot and I hope to also take some of their teaching methods with me when I start teaching. Eventually, I might become an art therapist after teaching for several years.

Introduction to Me...

Hello Everyone, my name is Patricia Graves, but you can call me Trish. I am 23 years old and will be turning 24 this Friday. I grew up and went to high school in Queens, NY. I graduated high school in 2001, then moved upstate NY and enrolled in Orange County Community College to major in visual communications. After graduating with an A.A.S in vis. com. I took two and a half years off of college to actually figure out what it was that I wanted to do with myself, because I knew that wasn't for me. I couldn't see myself sitting behind a computer for the rest of my life. One thing that I was sure of even before I gratuated OCCC was that I wanted to bartend, and I have been doing so ever since. I found myself then applying to Montclair... after the two years that I spent "figuring out" what it was that I wanted to do, I finally came to the conclusion that I wanted to become an art teacher. After taking all of those art classes at OCCC, being influenced by the greatest teacher of all, (to this day no professor has proved me wrong, but maybe that will change), and then spending time with children, to me it sounded like a plan. Now, I am in my last year at Monclair, and I couldn't be more sure that being an art teacher is the proffession for me. I am only taking this class this semester, working to save up as much money as possible, looking forward to and preparing myself for student teaching next semester.

Lauren's Intro

Hi my name is Lauren :) I am a senior and my major is history. I just got into the teacher ed program last semester, but this should still be my last year...i am hopefully graduating in the spring. im doing my 60 hours iof observing in plainfield and am nervous/excited about it. I am also commuter for the first time because 5th year seniors, as some of you may know, are not allowed to live on campus unless in the hotel. So far i hate it!

I dont really have any types of hobbies. I dont read much and cannot even remember the last book i have read. I am excited for this class though because the books were are assigned to read seems interesting because when i do read i like books/stories that i can relate to. And thats pretty much it.

Jessica's Intro Post

Hey everyone, my name is Jessica O'Driscoll. I am a senior and plan on graduating in fall '08. I am majoring in health and physical education; and hope to teach elemetary students as well as coach basketball or volleyball. Sports have always played an important part in my life since I was a little kid. I feel that it allows you to learn how to work with others, discipline, and other things as well as have fun. I hope to show students at an early age how significant it is to have some form of physical activity in their lives in order to keep them healthy.

Tanya's Intro

Hey guys, my name is Tanya and my ultimate goal is to one day teach high school English. I’m currently a 5th year senior. No, I’m not a slacker, I work, in addition to classes, so I can actually afford my education. Five years is the new four years anyway. :)

In my spare time, yes, I do manage to get some here and there, I spend it outdoors, much like Dr. Dana, in jeans and hiking boots hiking the trails of the Ramapo Reserve and Harriman State Park to name a few. Whether it be hiking, kayaking, running on the beach or sitting in my backyard, I am in my element in the elements.

I recently completed reading “A Walk In The Woods” by Bill Bryson. I don’t care if you haven’t spent a second in a wooded area in your life, READ IT! Phenomenal and quite literally, laugh out loud funny. For someone who does not love to read, I had a hard time putting it down.

Intro post: Hi Everyone!

Hi Everyone,

This is Stephanie, your classmate who probably bored you with my long introduction in class and about my hometown being the Blueberry Capital of the World. Anyway, I'm a senior at MSU (which is still hard for me to believe), and a math major. I'm thinking I'd like toteach older kids, like 7th-8th grade or high school, but haven't decided which yet. Along with this class, I'm also taking Intermediate Field Experience this semester, so I have to put in 60 hours of observation in a school which I was placed in. Is anyone else taking that class this semester? Anyway, this is just a little intro about me. I'm excited to get to know everyone else!

groups!

Here are the class groups for the weekly posts. Just be sure to read on the schedule which group's members are responsible for posting. When it's not your week to write, you still need to read the posts and comment on at least one of them.

Red: Neil, Sofia, Paul, Monica, Kristine, Michelle, David, Jessica Garcia, Patricia, Stephanie

Blue: Raul, Denise, Laryssa, Lauren, Danielle, Jennifer, Beth, Joseph Marmora, Joseph Medway, Cheryl

Yellow: Melissa, Jessica O'Driscoll, Shannon, Philip, Richard, Lisa, Cliff, Tanya, Steven, Ji

Welcome!

This is the class blog for the READ407 Wednesday section, with Dr. Dana. Here is where we will be posting responses to readings, thoughts or questions we have (this is a great place to post a question about the class to either me or each other), information or links for projects, or anything else of interest. You each will be a contributor, so you can write posts just like this one. You can also write comments by clicking on the comments link at the end of the post. It’s a little like Facebook or MySpace, in that you can both write to the site and comment on what you see — which is one of the things I like best about blogging with students.

I have been blogging for the last 5 years (is it really so long? wow…) and you can find my personal blog at http://flaneuse.org. I’ll put a link to it over on the right too. Usually I have students each create their own blogs, but this class is listed at 30 (!) which makes for a lot of writing and even more reading every week. Too much to be able to do…. so instead we’ll all be posting to this one. Think of it as a cross between a discussion board (but much better, I think) and a kind of personal writing site. Yes, remember, what you post here is public, but it’s easier than tangling with Blackboard and trying to email everyone in the class.

So…. go ahead … post that first post I assigned …. I dare you….