My first question was, “What do you believe are some of the related topics to early literacy?” The first teacher that I interviewed will be referred to as “A.G.” She stated that ways of assessing young children also has a lot to do with early literacy. A.G. then stated that authentic assessment is a must; the best time to assess is to observe during play. She also stated that there are many inconsistencies since the children are so young and are constantly developing that the assessments need to be throughout the year, and also built into the day with the activities that are done.
When I asked the second interviewee, referred to as “L.V.” the same question (What do you believe are some related topics to early literacy?) She stated that assessing students regularly, progress monitoring, improving comprehension skills, and skills of beginning readers all have to do with early literacy.
The second question was, “What other issues do you commonly encounter in your work or in discussions with colleagues?” A.G. stated that commonly the discussion is literacy in preschool and how it will help prepare the children for kindergarten.
When I asked L.V. the same question (What other issues do you commonly encounter in your work or in discussions with colleagues?) L.V. stated that there is constant discussion about progress monitoring of students. Also, how they compare to their general education peers and how to narrow the achievement gap between special education students and the general population.
The third question I asked A.G. was, “What advocacy efforts are currently under way in early literacy?” A.G. stated that advocacy related to early literacy is different curriculums and development of literacy.
When I asked L.V. the same question (What advocacy efforts are currently under way in early literacy?) L.V. stated that they are constantly trying to keep up with progress monitoring the students, entering data, and reviewing the literacy curriculum and materials.
As I began to talk about the areas that I will research, I asked the two professional teachers if there were any issues that they have experienced with while working in the area of early literacy. The answer that I got from A.G. was that finding new strategies and other ways to teach early literacy in the classroom. She feels that worksheets do not belong in preschool, and just working to develop early literacy in each child. In L.V.’s response, she stated that her concern is narrowing the gap between special education students and the general education students. Also, incorporating more of the general education reading strategies into the “Read Well” Curriculum and improving the comprehension skills of her students.
*Insights gained from your interviews regarding current advocacy efforts and needs in your area of interest within the field of early childhood.
I have gained some insight as a result of my interviews about my current advocacy efforts and needs in the area of interest within the field of early childhood. Early Childhood Educators need to speak up when there are areas of need that concern you and for topics that you as an Early Childhood Educator care about. Being an advocate involves providing that voice for young children and their parents.
*How these interviews may have influenced your decision about which area of interest and topics to choose for your research paper.
These interviews have influenced my decision about which area and topics of interest to choose for my paper because I see that parents, as well as families are the many key in the advocacy process in order to make it successful. If you build trust from children, parents, and families, you as an Early Childhood Educator are well on the road to being an advocate.
*Which area of interest are you thinking of focusing on for your paper, as well as the related topics?
I am thinking of focusing on Early Literacy as the interest area, Children receiving Special Education Services, the development of literacy, and curriculums used as my related areas.
*Questions you have for your colleagues related to your area of interest and/or three topics.
The questions that I have for my colleagues are:
*I am not sure if my related areas have a lot of connection with my interest area (Early Literacy).
*How can I combine the topics together to come up with my advocacy plan?
*Will I be able to find enough information?
Hi Lisa seems as if the teachers were willing to share information with you that was of concern when it comes to early literacy development. I believe that your related areas play a role in your interest area of Early Literacy. You asked the teachers what concerns they have and how do they discuss these matters with their collegues. Both shared information of observation, when and how they find time to fit into their busy day and what steps they are working toward in fullfilling them as well as working with special education children in a "controlled environment" if I can use that word for the students that have no delay in learning.
ReplyDeleteYour research on early literacy falls into many areas of education you won't to first make sure the students are capable of learning/understanding the material being taught, can they follow along without getting confused along the way, will they be able to speak and be understood. These questions can be included with your advocacy plan in more clearer and precise way and you do want to make sure that enough information is presented so that it shows a concern for the students.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteIt is such an important topic - early literacy. I went to a conference once and we put so much emphasis solely on 'reading' early literacy however this woman from Northwestern University has been doing research on early literacy in regards to math reasoning. It totally makes sense because if children understand left to right orientation, greater and less, mathematical vocabulary - equals, sum, more than, each etc. they are better equipped to do better with reading.