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Period: to
Literacy Autobiography
The stages of reading literacy and reflection -
1976 Emergent Reader
My oldest brother, Mike, was influential in my emergent stage of literacy. Four days after my 1st birthday my father died of a heart attack. It’s not surprising that Mike who was 13 at the time would often read to me to pass the time. Growing up our books were mixed in with toys in our basement. Often I pulled out books ,plopped down on Mike’s lap so he would read to me. Mike taught me how to write my name on my coloring pages too. -
1977 - Emergent Reader
My mom returned to waitressing during school hours while my brothers went to school and I stayed with my grandparents. My grand-mom would usually pull out a basket of books when I was sick. She would sit and read Little Golden Book stories to me. I read Scuffy: THE TUGBOAT repeatedly. I realize now I had memorized the story. -
1978- Emergent Reader
I remember my mom and I skipping to nursery school just a few blocks from home. We would recite nursery rhymes, the alphabet or count the squares as we walked. I remember loving story-time. Father Pete would read stories from the bible or beautiful picture books as a choice during free-play in the courtyard. I would then skip back home with my mom to set up my classroom in my rec-room filled with teddy bears and dolls. -
1980 - Beginning Reader
It was 1st grade when Santa brought me a classroom chalkboard to hang in my playroom. I was so excited to read the note Santa left on my chalkboard. Nightly, I read to my mom and we made sight words on a mini pocket chart using small letter cards. I completed my phonic pages daily. Sister Nina would call, "Reading Rockets," and off I went to the back-table. I loved 1st grade! -
1981-1982 Transitional Reader
Sister Gerald, my second-grade teacher, loved all things Winnie the Pooh, but she did not love my penmanship. I was left-handed, therefore she always instructed me to hold my pencil and paper in a way that was uncomfortable for me. She instructed me to slant the opposite way of everyone else. I struggled with penmanship and found it laborious through fifth grade. -
1982-1983 Transitional Reader
Third grade was the year I began to really enjoy reading. My parents allowed me to purchase books from Scholastic Book Club and my grandparents ordered a subscription to Ask Magazine, a magazine about science and art. -
1984-1988 Adolescent Reader
IN 5TH GRADE I DISCOVERED I COULD WALK TO THE LIBRARY WITH MY FRIENDS. I FIRST BORROWED THE BOOK DEENIE BY JUDY BLUME. I LOVED HOW RELATABLE HER YOUNG TEEN CHARACTERS WERE, AND I WAS ALWAYS TRYING TO BE LIKE A TEENAGER, I WAS OBSESSED WITH JUDY BLUME! I READ OTHERWISE KNOWN AS SHELIA THE GREAT, ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME MARGARET, BLUBBER, STARRING SALLY J. FREEDMAN AS HERSELF, AND JUST AS LONG AS WE’RE TOGETHER. -
1988-1992 Adolescent Reader
I discovered Tiger Beat Magazine, and the addresses to cute actors' fan clubs. I read every magazine that included a poster and an address for Scott Baio, Matt Dillon, Chris Atkins, and many more. I'd write them letters only to receive responses. I quickly learned how to use my voice and how to address a letter. I also discovered a favorite book, Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger. This book introduced controversial topics that were not usually discussed in school. -
1992-2020 Mature Reader
As an adult I read books intermittently depending upon what else is going on in my life. In the summer I devour books like Emily Giffin’s books All We Ever Wanted. As an adult reader, I look for books that have love interest and strong female characters and woman friendships. -
1996 - 2020 Educator Reader
I strive to entice readers to think & form opinions. We read classics like Number the Stars & A Wrinkle in Time. Mick Harte was Here, captures the heart of readers, reading about a character that died. Students relate to it so well, because it is told in the 1st person by a 12 year old girl. Chasing Lincoln’s Killer, entices students to further research American history. Gary Paulsen’s descriptive novel Hatchet strikes up debates about the secret that Brian holds tightly. -
2020 Reflection of a Reader
Reading has been an integral part of my life.I am passionate about literacy, both reading and writing.I am passionate because I enjoy reading and writing at a personal level, it helped shape the person I am today. I also see literacy as the foundation of education and finding yourself. As a fifth grade teacher if I can introduce a genre to a child that at age 11 they will continue to engage in books and personal thinking than I have done my job well.
