Adapted from: http://www1.appstate.edu/~goodmanj/3850/literacyautobio/literacyautobio_revised.htm
Questions for Planning Language and Literacy Autobiography
PERSONAL LANGUAGE AND LITERACY AUTOBIOGRAPHY
Do a search and find at least three differentdefinitions of literacy and/or descriptions of types of literacy. Only one may come from a dictionary. These must be significantly different from one another. List these here with sources.
- “To be literate means that you have the skills to understand what you read, communicate with others and engage fully and confidently in life’s activities and opportunities – at work, at home and in the community.” http://abclifeliteracy.ca/adult-literacy
- “Literacy involves a complex set of abilities to understand and use the dominant symbol systems of a culture for personal and community development. The need and demand for these abilities vary in different societies. In a technological society, the concept is expanding to include the media and electronic text in addition to alphabets and numbers. Individuals must be given life-long learning opportunities to move along a continuum that includes reading, writing, and the critical understanding and decision-making abilities they need in their communities.” http://www.ns.literacy.ca/docs/ALT_report.pdf
- “Literacy is the ability to understand and employ printed information in daily activities, at home, at work and in the community. It is not about whether or not one can read but how well one read” http://communityliteracy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Literacy-in-British-Columbia.pdf
How do you define literacy?
The fundamental components of literacy include the ability to read and write, as well as possessing considerable knowledge in a specific field or particular subject area. While these elements are fundamental to the definition of literacy, they must be expanded on to include the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute using multiple resources that are being deployed using various modalities across many contexts. It is also important to note that the definition of literacy must include the continuation of learning, which enables individuals to develop their knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in their communities and wider societies.
- Brainstorm 3 unique areas of knowledge that you possess. List these here, and explain how each area fits within your definition.
- Dance fits within my definition of literacy as I have considerable knowledge in this specific field. I can easily identify dance vocabulary, movements, and ability level in other dancers. I can understand both verbal and written dance instruction and choreography, as well as can pick it up visually. I am able to interpret the music and create art within my movements. I am able to communicate effectively within the dance community and can accurately pronounce and identify numerous dance movements and styles. I have a significant knowledge and appreciation for the many different styles and origins of dance. I also make it a habit to continue to practice and take dance classes to ensure that I am developing my dance knowledge as well as living up to my full potential in this area.
- Dogs fit within my definition of literacy as I posses a lot of knowledge in this particular subject area. I am dog literate as I am able to visually identify almost all breeds of dogs. I am also able to identify specific characteristics or temperaments of dogs. I can understand and interpret a dog’s body language, such as a wagging tail means the dog is happy or excited. I am able to create through drawings and paintings what a dog looks like and can label all of the parts of the dog’s body. I can communicate with other dog owners and veterinarians using accurate vocabulary about temperament, feeding, play and breed. I can also communicate with dogs through the use of hand signals (and lots of training). I continue to educate myself on dog breeds and temperaments through repeated exposure and continued reading and research on the topic.
- Baking fits within my definition of literacy, as I am quite knowledgeable in this craft. I can identify baked good items both visually and gustatory. I can read and understand recipes, and am able to comprehend the majority of the terminology used in order to create beautiful tasty baked goods. I can communicate with other bakers while successfully using baking terminology. I can interpret meaning in specific baking phrases such as “a bakers dozen” meaning 13 instead of 12. I can bake many different recipes originating from many different countries and cultures. I continue to practice my baking skills and expand my baking knowledge through doing it as much as I can, and developing my recipes through trial and error.
- For each of the three areas, explain specifically what it means to be “literate” in that area. What do you need to know or be able to do?
- To be literate in dance you need to be able to understand and apply specific dance terminology. You must be able to count and understand the rhythm of music. In order to be dance literate you must be able to execute specific dance movements, such as various types of jumps and spins. You must be able to pick up other dancers choreography as well as be able to interpret music and create choreography of your own. To be considered literate in dance you must also poses knowledge in regards to the many different styles and histories of dance.
- In order to be dog literate you must have a vast understanding of all of the different breeds and temperaments of dogs. You must also know how to accurately care for dogs, for example knowing what type of grooming is appropriate or what type of food is best for a given breed of dog. To be literate in dog you must also know how to read and interpret their body language as well as be able to anticipate their needs. You must also understand all of the relevant terminology associated with dogs and different breed types, such as coat patterns and colors. To be dog literate you must also be able to effectively train and handle all breeds of dog.
- To be a literate baker you must be able to successfully bake any given good. You must also be able to read, write and follow recipes accordingly. In order to be baking literate you must be able to accurately use measuring cups and spoons as well as have a vast understanding of all baking relevant terms and phrases. You must also possess knowledge in regards to ingredient types and alternatives.
- For each of the areas, explain what steps you went through to achieve literacy. Who taught you? What motivated you? What do you need to do to reach the next level of expertise?
- I have achieved dance literacy through many years of training and dance lessons. My dance career started off when I was young and I have been dancing ever since. I have trained in most forms of dance including, tap, modern, jazz, ballet, pointe, lyrical, theatre, acrobatics and hip-hop. I have had many influential coaches in my life, however, none more vital than the director of my childhood dance studio, Nela Halways. Nela is an ex prima ballerina who had studied dance at the University of Simon Fraser. In order to reach the next level of expertise I would have to continue training and expanding my knowledge, both in terms of execution as well as style.
- I have achieved dog literacy through repeated exposure. I have had dogs in my family since I was a very young and have always taken on a large role in raising and taking care of them. Because of my fascination and love for dogs, I take it upon myself to interact with as many of them as I can each day. If I am unsure of a breed or a temperament characteristic I will often ask the owner or go home and do some research myself. I also volunteer for the SPCA as well as do part time work with a dog walking company to continue my learning and exploration of these beautiful creatures.
- I have achieved baking literacy through baking for friends, family and myself. My mother and grandmother have been vital in helping me to achieve this literacy, as they have acted as mentors to me, always giving me useful tips and ideas to expand my knowledge on the subject. While my mother and grandmother have played a significant role in my baking literacy, a lot of my learning has been done through trial and error. In order to reach the next level of baking, I must continue to practice my baking skills and progress to harder recipes.
- Areas of expertise have their own specific language. What are some of the terms that are associated with each of the areas you chose?
| Vocabulary Word Lists | |||
| Letter | Dogs | Dance | Baking |
| A | Agility training, Adoption, AKC (American Kennel Club), Allergy, Assistance (dog) | Accent, Alignment, Allegro, Arabesque, Assemble, Attitude (spin/jump), Axial, Across the floor, Art, Artistic, Acrobatics (style), Audience | All purpose flour, Apron, Artisan |
| B | Breed, Breeder, Bone, Behaviour, Ball | Balance, Ball change, Battement, Beat, Body, Ballet, Ballroom, Barre, Bows | Bake, Batter, Beat, Blend, Bakers Dozen, Boil, Blanch, Baking powder, Baking Soda, Baking sheet, Batch, Biscuit, Bittersweet chocolate, Bread, Brown Sugar, Brownie, Butter |
| C | Canine, Check-up, Chewing, Chow, Claws, Coat, Coloring, Commands, Companion, Competition, Cropping (ears), Crossbred, Crate (train) | Chasse, Choreograph, Choreographer, Choreography, Collapse, Contagion, Contraction, Coupe, Contemporary, Classical, Can-can, Cha-Cha, Charleston, Chorus (dancers), Clockwise, Counter Clockwise, Costumes, Curtsey | Caramelize, Combine, Cream, Cut-in, Chill, Cool, Crimp, Cube, Chop, cup, Chocolate, Cocoa, Convection oven, Cookie, Cookie Sheet, Cooling Rack, Crepe |
| c | Dame, Dewclaw, Dock (tail) | Dance, Demi, Demi-point, Developpe, Diagonal, Dig, Downstage, Dip, Director, Direction, Dress rehearsal | Drizzle, Dust, Dissolve, Dot, Dough, Dash, Dark Chocolate, |
| E | Endurance, Exercise | Eleve, Extension, Elegance, Emotion, Emote, Entertain, Express | Eggs, Egg Yolk, Enriched, Flakey, Fructose |
| F | Fang (teeth), Fetch, Fitness (training), Fleas, Forelegs, Four-legged, Fur, Furry, Frisbee | Fan Kick, Flexible, Flexed feet, Floor Pattern, Fouette, Featured, Flamenco, Floor, Folk Dance, Form, Formal, Fox-trot | Fold in, Flour |
| G | Gnaw, Grooming, Grow, Guide dog, Guardian | Grand Battement, Grand Jete, Grapevine, Garment bag | Glaze, Grease, Garnish, Grate, Grind, Gluten, Glucose, Griddle |
| H | Handling, Harness, Heart worm, Heel, Heard, Hound, Housebreaking, Howl, Humane | Heel dig, Hitch Kick, Hip-Hop, Hyperextension, Hula | – |
| I | Instinct, Intelligence | Improvisation, Isolation | Ingredient |
| J | Joint | Jazz, Jump | – |
| K | Kennel, Kibble | Kick | Knead, Kitchen |
| L | Leash, Leftovers, License, Life-span, Litter, Loyal, Large (size breed) | Lyrical, Leap, Lunge, Leotard, Lift | Lukewarm, Loaf |
| M | Marking, Miniature, Mixed (breed), Mutt, Muzzle, Medium (size breed) | Modern, muscle control, musicality, music, Mambo, Movement | Marble, Melt, Mix, Moisten, Measurement, Meringue, Milk Chocolate, Muffin, Multigrain |
| N | Non-Sporting (group), Neuter | – | Non-Stick, Nuts |
| O | Obedient | – | Oats, Oven, Oil, Oven Mitt |
| P | Pack (animal), Pad, Panting, Paws, Pedigree, Pet, Petting, Pooch, Pound, Praise, Puppy, Purebred | Parallel position, passé, pas de duex, Pirouette, Pivot turn, Plie, Pointed (toes), Perform, Performance, Partner, Patterns, Polka, Position, Posture, Practice, Production, Program | Proof, Preheat, Punch down, Peel, Partially set, Pan, Pastry, Pantry, Pie |
| Q | – | – | – |
| R | Rabid, Rabies, Registration, Rescue, Responsibility, Retriever | Release, Recital, Releve, Rond de Jambe, Rhythm, Rehearsal | Rolling boil, Refrigerate, Rind, Raw Sugar |
| S | Sporting (group), Small (size breed), Scent, Service (dogs), Shelter, Shots, Sire, Sit, Size, Snarl, Socialize, Spay, SPCA, Standard, Stray, Submissive | Song and Dance, Stage, Stag leap, Spin, Spotting, skip, slide, stagger, straddle (jump), style, suspended, stretch, syncopation, Shuffle, Steps, studio, Strut, Sway | Scald, Score, Softened, Soft Peaks, Stiff Peaks, Sift, Simmer, Stir, Steep, Shred, Steam, Sugar, Salt, Scone, Shortening |
| T | Toy (group), Terrier (group), Temperament, Territorial, Tick, Toys, Training, Treats, Type | Tap, Theatre, Torso, tempo, turn out (position), Triple, Talent, Tango, Teaching, Technique, Timing, Tuck, Twist | Teaspoon, Toss, Tablespoon, Temperature |
| U | Undercoat | Upstage, Unitard | Unsweetened Chocolate |
| V | Vaccination, Veterinarian, | Variety act, Visual | – |
| W | Working (group), Wag, Walk,Water, Whiskers, Washing, Weight | Waltz | Whip, Whisk, |
| X | – | – | – |
| Y | Yard, Yelp | – | Yeast |
| Z | – | – | Zest |
- How would you characterize the group of people with whom you share these literacies? Name the group.
- Dance Literate: “Dancers”- People who practice the art of dance and/or have significant knowledge in both terminology as well as dance styles and forms.
- Dog Literate: “Dog Lovers”- People who love all dogs and have knowledge and interest in their health and wellbeing.
- Baking Literate: “Bakers”- People who are able to successfully and skilfully compile ingredients in order to produce a delicious baked good.
- How do other people who don’t share these literacies react to your interest and/or knowledge in these areas?
- Individuals who do not possess as much dance knowledge as I do will often ask me to perform dance movements or will have me clarify the execution of given movements.
- People who are not dog literate will ask me for help in training their furry friends. They may also come to me with questions regarding diet, exercise and temperament of a given breed or breeds of dog. If a friend or family member is getting a new dog or puppy they will often come to me for advice and guidance along the way.
- People who are not as literate as I am at baking will often ask me to bake things for them. They may also call me with questions regarding tricky terminology or tips to make their baking experience successful.