Reading Journal
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| Title of Article + Proper MLA Citation for Works Cited page | Fishman, Andrea. Literacy and Culture Context: A Lesson from the Amish. Language Arts , December 1987, Vol. 64, No. 8, The Social Aspects of Language and Learning (December 1987), pp. 842-854. National Council of Teachers of English. http://www.jstor.com/stable/41961687
Accessed on 2 Sept. 2020 |
| Summarize the article — include your reaction, thoughts, anything to help you remember its claims. 100 to 150 words | Through basic connections at home with family, children should be introduced to reading/writing. In the essay, Eli Jr. was introduced to many basic literacy skills just through simple games, books, magazines, and repeating hymns. Learning literacy skills in this specific Amish family is nearly more for finding ones identification rather than educational purposes. |
| Define new terms and concepts by quoting or paraphrasing the original author. | “Despite what may seem to be the esoteric nature of these texts, none remain in their special places gathering dust, for all are used regularly, each reinforcing in a characteristic way the Amish definition of literacy and each facilitating Eli Jr.’s image of himself as literate.”
Esoteric: intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest. |
| How does this reading connect to other articles from class and/or your own research?
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This essay connects directly to, “Inviting the Mother Tongue.” Fishman states that these children have been “reading the world” for years before coming to school. When a mainstream audience reads an Amish text they will see a lot of mistakes. However, this is normal. Amish people do not see these as errors. Just like in, “Inviting the Mother Tongue,” every language and writing should be accepted. |
| Based on the reading, craft one question to act as a springboard for class discussion. | Do you agree with what the Amish community has to say about public schools? |