The Six Language Arts

I think the biggest thing that surprised me about the six language arts was that there are six of them!! When I think about language arts my brain immediately jumps to the obvious: reading and writing. However now that I've learned more about the subject it make sense that listening and talking be included in there, too. These forms of verbal communication are pivotal parts of language. The last two arts, viewing and visually representing are a little less traditional, but still important parts of learning and appreciating language. Who knew that billboards and the commercials we see on TV are all part of language arts?! You really do learn something new every day.

Now I know that many "traditionalists" would insist that incorporating viewing and visually representing into the language arts is simply giving in to the digital influences of today's society, but I think it's important to understand that as time goes by and technologies and ideas grow and change many facets of daily life are going to grow and change also. Fighting against these digital advancements isn't going to stop them. Embracing them and finding a positive side will lead to a much more productive outcome. Instead of despairing over a recent movie adaptation that slaughtered a great literary classic, why not introduce students to both and let them compare and contrast the two? Movies and other digital aids can actually enrich and enhance an individual's appreciation of a text.

That being said, I've always been a big reader. While we were growing up my mom always use to read to my brother, sister, and me, and a love of books and reading is something that has stuck with me throughout the years. As a child I was always way more interested in picking up a book than sitting down in front of the TV! Throughout my elementary and middle school years I was a self-professed bookworm and read any opportunity I got. These days I don't seem to have the luxury of endless amounts of reading time, but I make time in my schedule whenever I can to pick up a book. I've always loved getting lost in the world that the novel creates and getting to know the characters a little deeper with every turn of the page. Even as times and technology changes around me, I think I'll still enjoy picking up a good book and "escaping."

With that in mind, I'm going to put off some homework just a bit longer and spend a little time with a slightly neglected novel! :)

What Do I think of Blogs?

I've always wanted to have a blog. I love journals and creative writing. Blogging is a fun and interesting way to incorporate modern technology into creative writing. It's also a great way to vent and get thoughts out! I'm excited to begin blogging...