Creating Love for Literacy
Happy Valentine’s Day! What better day to talk about building a love for literacy?
How do you show your love for literacy and literacy learners? Creating a Culture of Literacy (with LOVE) speaks about not only expressing your love for literacy, but also considering the relationships we build with literacy learning.
“Is a passion for literacy evident when you walk into the building or your classroom? Is this question the norm within your school: What are you reading? Do you value and empower your student voices? Do you show your students that you love them – daily? Do you ever tell them?”
When working with adults, this may feel like crossing a professional boundary. But these feelings can be expressed in many ways. For example, author Renee Watson says, “Our choice of literature, the books in our classrooms, can say: ‘I see you. Your story matters. Where you’re from is important.’” And isn’t that what we all want? To be seen, heard and understood? Relationship building with learners can contribute to their success.
“Begin by finding some common ground as a meaningful relationship with the tutor is often cited by learners as the reason they remain in literacy programs.” – Ennis & Woodrow
In 2022, the Literacy Month theme was “Literacy Connects Us”. In all relationships, literacy can help connect us and keep us connected. It can also help build a relationship with — a love for — the written word. Instilling a lifelong love for reading is effective when teaching children, but it is never too late for adults to also create a love for literacy. Learning about the student’s motivations for learning, mitigating anxiety and building up their self-esteem can help a reluctant reader learn to love literacy.
“We are social beings, and we relax more when we get to know people. When we are more relaxed, our emotions are not blocking our ability to learn, and we can actively listen to the tutor.” – The Wealth Model in Adult Literacy
Check out the resources below to learn more about building positive relationships with adult learners and cultivating a love for literacy.
Resources
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