We’ll use Perusall to annotate and read together.
Three birds… one stone?
Hi, my name is Tiffany! What is my story you may ask? Well, I lived in Anchorage, Alaska while my mom traveled the USA. Yes, it was cold! I wouldn’t mind living there again. I love California, such a beautiful place. I just think there is more to explore in the world, more food, and even more cultures. That is why I want to be an international teacher! I love to travel, people, and food. So, I think I could accomplish killing three birds with one stone.
I am an English major! I love to read anything I can get my hands on. I love to write mostly fantasy or non-teen stories. Writing clears my mind as well as reading does. I think the purpose of reading and writing is to feel connected to something. Reading takes me to a different place and helps my vocabulary. When I write I feel as if I am expressing myself and putting my thoughts into the world.
In Szweds piece I was really intrigued when he stated that “illiteracy has been the singled out as a root cause of poverty.” I was really surprised and had to really think about it. It made sense though, if you don’t know how to read and write people are going to look down on you. This, I think happens a lot. One thing that did confuse me is on page 24. He uses the term “public and private literacy” which he explains, but I do not fully understand. In all I think he does make a very compelling argument, very persuasive.
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One Reply to “Three birds… one stone?”
Tiffany–that is my sister’s name. I am envious that you have lived in Alaska; I hope to go there some day. I too have a fondness for reading, but no so much with writing. Reading, investing in a character that you help create in you mind, getting completely lost in a story…nothing, to me is more relaxing.
“Public” and “private” literacy simply refers to literacy practices used in public (e.g. reading to someone aloud, making a poster, reading a sign, using a menu, etc.) and literacy practices used in private (e.g. writing in a journal, taking personal notes, navigating a website to buy headphones, reading a novel for pleasure).
Szwed does mention that many researchers claim that illiteracy is the root cause of poverty; however, I feel that Szwed does not agree with those experts. Szwed seems to argue that literacy is too narrowly defined, and that the present narrow definition is flawed because it is not borne out of what students actually do in their lives. Scribner’s piece (assigned today) discusses the difficulty in defining literacy. The term almost needs a fluid definition.
Great thoughts here Tiffany, keep up the good work!