Mrs. A’s Poet Society

The NCTE Definition of 21st Century Literacies includes these powerful words:

Literacy has always been a collection of cultural and communicative practices shared among members of particular groups. As society and technology change, so does literacy. Because technology has increased the intensity and complexity of literate environments, the twenty-first century demands that a literate person possess a wide range of abilities and competencies, many literacies.

It is for this reason that I have been researching ways in which I, as a reading teacher in 2009, can infuse technology into my student’s literacy education. We have successfully incorporated think.com both last year and this year. This virtual “Facebook” for our class has proven to be both an educational and social outlet for my students. We have also put our favorite books into a kind of film version through the use of PhotoStory. Perhaps most of all, I am anxiously awaiting our district’s approval of the use of reading responses to be logged through a wikki (that is supposed to be coming next fall!)

When I learned about the Poetry Slam Blog through literacyworkshop.org, I was thrilled. This unique opportunity to showcase my talented students’ journey through the beauty and complexity of poetry, coupled with my thoughts as their teacher as we travel the road together was one I was anxious to try in a blog. I am new to this technology, so be warned! I am learning with my students.

Welcome to the changing face of literacy in the 21st century! Enjoy!