It was really great for me to read these two chapters because it opened my eyes to the idea of teaching aspects of English through other means besides a classic piece of literature. I guess I just get caught up in the notion that when I teach deeper reading and critical anaylsis skills, it should be based off of a piece of literature or through newspapers (because that is how I was taught). However, I love the idea of taking what our students encounter everyday in their world and using it to teach them how to critically analyze language and writing. I have to remember that not every student that goes through my class is going on to be an English teacher. Their needs and critical skills need to be developed through the means that they will encounter when they are older and out of my classroom. I fully believe that a student can learn so much through a piece of literature that we as English teachers love and appreciate, and these works should not be taken out of the classroom; however, I have been challenged by this reading to mix things up by bringing in elements and "everyday" examples to teach our students through means that they encounter in their everyday life and will continue to be influenced by in the future. By looking at the language and meanings in advertisments, statistics, and other media, students can look back on this part of learning and realize just how it important and beneficial is this part of their education.
I also just wanted to mention how I was reminded of the importance of keeping in mind what technology we expect to have alongside our lessons and assignments. I never really considered the importance of making sure that when we incorporate technology into the classroom it should enhance what we are teaching, and that we make sure every student has the same opportunity and resources available to them. I think it is really important that we as teachers keep in mind that not every student may have a computer at home or that the resources they need are right at the tip of their fingers. Yet, at the same time, I will be willing to let any student teach me the ways of technology because I already feel that I am behind the times in this area, and I definitely hope that technology can be used to expand aspects of English and my students' thinking.
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I was thinking the same thing as I read through the Gallagher chapter. That so many times I think that students need to be taught through the world renown literature and that they need to appreciate it that I forget that the things that some of these students are going to read may never be what I enjoy reading or what I'm required to read. It makes me think that I need to remember I need to teach students skills that can help them be better readers at any kind of reading material and the same with writing.
I've contemplated the idea of implementing classic lit w/ the kind of new lit kids would enjoy together, a lot. I think that will be one of the fun parts of teaching. For instance, we can use books that are popular for their age level that have won awards each year, then find classic lit that teaches the same values to help students gain an appreciation for classic lit.
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