Literacy is everywhere in the community! Children can learn
about literacy through all sorts of different activities that they do. In The Donut
House article that we read, by Davidson & Powell, they wrote about
different projects students have done. These projects kept the students engaged
because they were fun for the kids. They would learn about something new and
exciting (in one example, how to create a small business and make donuts). The teacher
would incorporate lessons on reading and writing centered on the theme of their
project. The students really enjoyed the activities.
Some
teachers believe that only educational literacy “counts” and students should be
at their desk with paper and a pencil. I disagree. Anytime you can get a
student to read and write, and actually
be exited doing it, I think is important. My group chose Jiffy Treat for the
location of our Community Dig. As I went and visited the shop, I noticed how
many examples of literacy there are. All of the ice cream had labels, and there
were signs on the walls. As I watcher customers interact with each other, they
all spoke very casually towards each other. It was a relaxing environment. When
children were there, the main thing on everyone’s mind was what to order. I
noticed many kids were looking at the ice cream colors instead of the actual
words on the tubs. Parents would often assist them and order for them. This
project could be an opportunity to get children to read and interact with the
people who work behind the counters.
