Significant Literacy Moments

  • Learned to Read

  • First Visit to the Public Library

  • Started Reading Chapter Books

  • Took STAR Standardized Test to Determine "Reading Level"

  • Joined the 2nd Grade Spelling Team

  • Took the Reading TAKS test for the first time--Yearly standardized test in Texas

  • Was Given My First Accelerated Reader "Weekly Reading Goal"

    This was a very negative experience for me because I was given a weekly number of points to obtain by reading books and taking AR tests. Unfortunately, this system penalized students who took multiple weeks to read longer books and encouraged reading shorter, simpler books just to reach your AR goal.
  • My sister checked out the first Harry Potter book from the library, and my mom started reading it out loud to us every night. It became a tradition to read together every night, taking turns to read aloud.

  • Joined the Competition Writing Team in High School

  • Took the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Exam

  • Took the Advanced Placement English Literature Exam

  • Started Teaching English in Japanese Preschool in Sasebo, Japan