The Beginning
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Although born Canadian, my first language was actually Portuguese. Raised in a household where my family spoke very little English, my mother believed that education and literacy were important to my development.
First Literacy Memory:
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One of my first literary memories (or at least that I remember most) was being read “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”. A simple book with big bright pictures made it easy for me to make my own connections with literacy.
Second Literacy Memory:
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I remember when I was about 8 years old, I didn’t enjoy reading much up to this point but preferred visual arts instead. My grade 3 teacher suggested I try reading Calvin and Hobbes and I loved It! I would stay up late with a flashlight reading, even though it was past my bedtime.
Third Literacy Memory:
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Written by Canadian author Gary Paulsen, it is a coming of age story about a boy with divorced parents who takes a Cessna airplane to visit his father in northern Canada. The airplane ends up crashing and he is left to survive in the wilderness with just a hatchet. His personal journey was similar to my own life experiences which was what made it memorable.
Fourth Literacy Memory: Underwear Man
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In grade 5, we were asked to come up with our own short stories. From my interest in comics, graphic novels, and superheroes; Underwear Man was born (unfortunately I don’t have a picture). Just a regular citizen who in the name of duty, threw on his boxers (on his head) and cape and fought crime. This experience allowed us to fantasize and create anything we desired which is what “fairy tales” are all about.
Fifth Literacy Memory: Grade 9 English
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This is where my literary experience took a turn for the worst. My teacher’s style of presenting and teaching was not engaging for the students. We were left to read many novels on our own time and had to hand in reports on what we had learned. However, on my own time I took up reading The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings which I enjoyed!
Sixth Literacy Memory: 2nd Year University
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I took a course at York University called Early Times: Literature and the Imagination of the Child. It turned out being one of my favourite university classes. We learned about the history of children’s literature and classical fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. I was able to revisit many childhood readings such as Charlotte’s Web, Secret Garden, Through the Looking Glass, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland which gave me a better understanding and how to apply them to children’s literature.
The End?
Definitely not! I hope to continue learning and one day teach students of all ages the importance of literacy in a way to inspire creativity, imagination and critical thinking in all their subjects.