Poverty as a Factor in Literacy Development

I chose to write about this topic, because it is an issue in education all over the nation. According to this book, "Children who are poor or who are members of ethnic and cultural minoritiesdo not by definition experience difficulty in learning to read. However, thse are the gorups with whom public schools have had the least success overall in achieving high levels of literacy."

I think that there needs to be steps taken to help this problem. Whether its through programs or extra funding, but I believe there needs to be ways to help minorities at an early age so we can prevent this problem later. I believe that if we can establish educational goals for them at early age we can hopefully prevent low test grades later on in their educational careers. I think that if we could have programs for them after school with creative ways for them to learn then we can bridge the gap that happens statistically to minorites later.

Defining Literature Circles

1. Students choose their own reading materials

2. Small temporary groups are formed, based upon book choice

3. Different groups read different books

4. Groups meet on a regular, predictable schedule to discuss their reading

5. Kids use written or drawn notes to guide both their reading and discussion

6. Discussion topics come from the students

I really like the fact that Literature circles are student driven. As a teacher you can guide the students by giving them books to choose from, but the students still get to choose from a selection. I think that by letting the students lead discussions, the students will be more enthusiastic about the topic. Literature circles can allow the students to develop on their own, while allowing them to feel mature!