What is Racial Literacy?

One of my summer reads is titled Promoting Racial Literacy in Schools by  Howard C. Stevenson.  As I flip through the pages, I am quite curious about this term, "racial literacy".  I know that the term literacy is far reaching.  Once thought to refer to only reading and writing, the idea of literacy now encompasses knowledge and the possession of education in any given topic.

With that said, I would expect this book to delve into cultural and racial relevance as it impacts educating children.  It's interesting to me that in 2014 there seems to have been a reemergence of books that bring to light the idea of racial consciousness.  Some believe that this is no longer a needed concept in a world where Blacks are presented with so much opportunity.  What do you think?  I would argue that much of this opportunity is masked as equality. Perhaps this book will allow me to look at this idea through a new lens.  I will let you know!  In the meantime, Happy Reading!

A Message to Teachers - Part III

In previous blog posts, I addressed the role of teachers in teaching literacy to all students.  To recap:

There are several factors that are imperative in literacy classrooms of highly effective teachers:

• A culturally responsive approach
• A reading and writing rich environment; and
• High expectations for all students

Please review my earlier posts that detailed the importance of culturally responsive teaching and establishing a print rich environment.  Now, let's address the need to have high expectations for all students.  My belief is simple, "No one rises to low expectations".  I also believe in the self-fulfilling prophecy.  According to Wikipedia, a self-fulfilling prophecy is a "prediction that directly or indirectly causes itself to become true, by the very terms of the prophecy itself, due to positive (or negative) feedback between belief and behavior."  In other words, ideas become reality simply because someone believes them.

If a teacher or parent tells a child that they are a poor reader, over time this will likely cause that child to believe it as well.  As a result, the child actually displays and demonstrates that he is a poor reader.  This is why having high expectations is paramount.  Behaviors that reinforce low expectations include:

• Seating students away from the teacher.  Proximity matters and students, especially struggling readers, can easily feel isolated if they are seated a great distance from the teacher.
• Paying less attention.  All students crave attention.  Constantly calling on students who are perceived to be bright while neglecting others, sends a negative message to struggling readers. 
• Providing less wait time.  When teachers have low expectations they will often not wait for an answer or give the answer before the student can respond.  How would this make you feel?
• Criticizing more.  This is a blatant display of low expectations. If a child does not feel valued, he is less likely to pay attention and more likely to misbehave.  Our most disenfranchised students are often criticized by others in their life and certainly do not need to be subjected to this in a classroom.
• Smiling at them less.  There is research that shows that a teachers smile and other nonverbal behaviors, impacts students' perceptions and performance.  A smile is such a simple and welcoming gesture.  It can say "hello" and it can even say "I believe in you!" 

By focusing on doing the opposite of the list above, teachers can influence a child's desire to learn.  High expectations are a must for all students!  Struggling or reluctant readers need it even more.  Teachers, take care of your students.  Respect their culture because it tells you who they are.  Provide plenty of opportunities to read because more really is better.  And above all else, believe in them and teach them to believe in themselves!  Happy Reading!

Avoiding the Summer Slide

Many of my posts encourage parents to read to or with their children. Once our kids reach school-age though, much of the focus on reading shifts from home to the school.  This is not all bad, as teachers are great encouragers and motivators.  But what happens when summer hits?  How important is reading during that 2-3 month period when school is not in session?

Research shows that students who do not read or at least have access to books during the summer-break lose as much as two months of reading progress.  Two months is significant and the loss is often even greater for students in our most disenfranchised homes and communities.  During the early grades (grades 1-3), these losses can accumulate so that by middle school a child could be as much as two years behind.  This is true of all children, regardless of income level.  This loss of progress is known as the Summer Slide.  It is serious but it can be prevented.  Here's how!

• Participate in your school's summer reading program.  Many schools require or encourage that students read a certain number books during the summer.  Often there are specific  required books as students progress to middle and high school.  Your child's teacher is great resource so be sure to check in with him or her about specific reading needs and requirements.  Don't be afraid to go beyond the required books.  Depending on your child's reading level and speed, one to two books a week might be a great goal!
• Visit your local library.  Many libraries offer excellent summer reading opportunities.  Work with the librarian to find books that fit your child's interests and reading level.  Check out books that are above your child's reading level and create a time for bonding as you read to your child!
• Be the example for your child.  What better way to encourage reading than for your child to see you reading. This sends a valuable message.  Remember, you are your child's first teacher and most influential role model!
• Use technology to your advantage.  Many families have iPads and laptops that are great resources for interactive books or kid friendly apps.  For younger kids, find apps that address phonics and early literacy skills.  Make learning fun!

Have a safe and wonderful summer!  Remember, school stops for summer but learning never should.  Prevent the Summer Slide and know that your child's teacher will thank you for it.  Happy Reading!