LU|ZONE|UL Collection:
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/321
2024-03-28T17:38:55ZDefining Literacies: The Complex Literacies Use And Understandings Of Tree Children
https://zone.biblio.laurentian.ca/handle/10219/324
Title: Defining Literacies: The Complex Literacies Use And Understandings Of Tree Children
Authors: Wood, Jeffrey W.
Abstract: This nine-year ethnographic study describes how three children, Emily,
Tristan, and Simon learned, used and understood literacies over time, across
sites and within specific discourses. In documenting the literacies of these
children, I have gained insight into the processes by which they became literate
as well as how each of these children scaffold their own learning by using
multiple literacies and sign systems. Emily, Tristan and Simon helped me to see
literacies as complex in their conception and use and that all sign systems (e.g.
art, dance, reading, writing, maths, sports, videogaming, etc.) operate using
common semiotic principles. Sign systems as literacies are multimodal,
meaning-focused and motivated; they involve specific social and cultural
practices which differ depending on site and community. During every literate act
the children in this study made extensive use of the semantic, sensory, syntactic
and pragmatic cuing systems to make meaning, regardless of the literacies used.
Emily, Tristan and Simon taught me that we need to see children as literate, as
symbol users, and meaning-makers from birth. In order to support literacies
learning we need to begin by recognizing and supporting the literacies learning
process that is already in place.2007-08-01T00:00:00Z