Clearing Up the Misconceptions

So we discussed the basics of language arts last class. My preconceived notions about language arts are similar to the average American I suppose-reading and writing, maybe a little grammar and spelling every now and then. I was surprised to learn that there are six language arts (LA) in total. The second two LA, I think we all take for granted-talking and listening. We associate listening with hearing...so why teach that? And everyone knows how to talk. As a LA teacher, one is not necessarily teaching the skill as much as how to appropriately and effectively apply the skill in various situations. The two most unfamiliar to me were the viewing and visually representing. I had never considered looking at something like a movie part of the language experience, but after discussing them in class I find it an interesting concept.

This may concern some parents because of the increasing amount of screen time children in our generation are exposed to. However, whether we as teachers condone it or not, it is happening. I think by including the two visual components in LA, we allow ourselves the opportunity to teach children to critically think about and critique everything that they watch. Also, we can impress upon them that they shouldn't believe everything as fact just because it is presented to them. We should encourage them to question and think deeply, so they aren't just blindly influenced by things.

For me, especially now as a math major, visual representation is a key component in my math classes. I challenge any current math teachers, to try to go through one class of a skill lecture without writing problems on the board. Any examples, instructions, and work needing to be shown must be done verbally. I guarantee you it will be one of the most confusing math classes your students ever sit through! Being able to visually represent problems on the board is 85% of the class. Unfortunately, reading textbooks has also become a huge factor in my student career. Teachers no longer spoon feed me with auditory lectures that I can listen to and learn what is important. I now have to read comprehensively to extract ideas and important concepts in order to do well in my classes.

As I progress on to be a math teacher, visual representation is going to remain important in my classes. Talking will become major also, which hasn't necessarily been my favorite LA up to this point in life. Talking with my friends is no challenge whatsoever...but in the classroom, talking turns into a whole other animal. I need to master academic language so I can be effective at getting my point across while not being too lofty that my students don't understand. I need to project and hold a caring dominant tone in my voice in order to maintain structure in my classroom while nurturing positive relationships with my students. I also need to figure out a balance of when and when not to talk because I don't want to be the "sage on the stage", but "the guide on the side".

WOW! I'm going to end things here before I get too overwhelmed this time. But thanks for checking in, and I hope I given you some things to think about. Be back soon.



Melissa