Reading, Writing, and Oral Communication

Artifact Description: During Fall semester 2021 in Foundations of ESL and Bilingual Education (EDUC225), I was required to read a self-selected novel relating to bilingual education, create a presentation, and present my completed product to the class. Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe García McCall is the novel I selected.

IPTS Connection: This Google Slide presentation connects with the sixth IPTS and knowledge indicator “understands that the reading process involves the construction of meaning through the interactions of the reader’s background knowledge and experiences, the information in the text, and the purpose of the reading situation” (6B). I selected this book with the intention of making connections text to text, text to self, and text to the world. Using this strategy will help students’ reading skills increase and make connections from the text to their own lives, current events, and history. This strategy can also be used as a think aloud.

What I learned: Throughout this assignment, I was able to connect further in depth to the novel. I found major themes throughout the novel and highlighted quotes that related to each of the themes I selected. I realized that by using this text strategy (connecting to text, self, and world) would be effective and beneficial as self-reflection can be integrated. I really enjoyed working on and learning from this assignment. 

Artifact Description: During Fall semester 2021 in Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students (EDUC340), I selected novel The Color of My Words by Lynn Joseph to integrate within a fourth grade classroom.  

IPTS Connection:  This Google Slide of The Color of My Words connects with the sixth IPTS and knowledge indicator “understands how to design, select, modify, and evaluate a wide range of materials for the content areas and the reading needs of the student” (6G). This artifact highlights points in which students can find ways to find their voice and the meaning of being heard. Students can connect to themes such as love of family, community, love and acceptance of one’s self.  

What I learned: By selecting and reading this novel, I learned more about Lexile reading levels and major themes. I also understood the overall message of The Color of My Words which connects to the power of words, personal freedom and government intervention.