Blog Post #5 My Literacy-Rich Classroom

This semester, I have been surprised by the literacy levels of my students. They are able to research historical and controversial issues and present detailed information in groups in class. They are not able to read assigned texts outside of class and come prepared to discuss the material in class.

Journal Entry—Sept. 30, 2013

My literacy rich classroom includes meaningful debate where all students participate and connect the issues and stories to their lives.

My students are engaged in authentic, real-world projects that make a difference in their lives and their communities.

They are reading their own writing published in real-world environments.

Journal Entry—December 15, 2013

My literacy rich classroom has self-directed students reading, writing, speaking, listening and creating projects they care about seventy-five percent of the class time.  They are so engaged that they share their ideas and learning outside the classroom and with everyone they know.

My students choose how to present their knowledge in ways that reflect their learning styles, modalities, and interests.

They are reading texts that provide them real-world and 21^st century career and college knowledge, information, and ideas.

They are writing materials that they have in their portfolios that help them get the jobs and college admissions they need to move into independence.

They are discussing how they can take action in the classroom, outside of the classroom, in the school, in the community, and in the world that improves the social justice and equity for their generation and future generations. They are leaders.