Twitter Chat #uga_yalit
I have only participated in one other Twitter Chat and I have to say that having discussion via tweet is an extremely fun experience. I appreciated the discussion because the questions either 1.) really made me think before I could respond or 2.) got me fired up because I have already (most likely just since this course has started) developed a strong perspective or response for that question.
I very much do not like to label things that do not necessarily require a label. Living in the gray has really become a part of my identity. So, if something doesn't need to be put in a box, I'd rather we just leave it on the floor or organize it some other way. However, I do understand the significant way this course has pushed me to think about the distinction between YA Literature as more an umbrella term and Middle Grades Literature as a sub-category. Doing so really shines a spotlight on all things Middle Grades- Middle Grades literature, Middle Grade level characters in stories, Middle Grade level expressions and definitions of social or REAL issues in literature, Middle Grades acknowledgement, Middle Grades students feeling as if there is a category of literature made just for them. This is important, and I feel sparked to continue this conversation of making this distinction.
Another aspect of the Twitter Chat that I was glad to see was the discussion of bringing parents in to this world of Middle Grades and YA Literature. The support from parents on exposing their students to the lives of minority characters through literature or exposing their students to social issues that may disrupt political views, or even exposing their students to a book that provides more insight on their own identities is crucial. The helpful responses from my classmates on suggestions of how to involve parents and the community in what students are reading really helped me think through how I may want this to look as an educator. I really like how Erin explained the importance of communication in these circumstances. I strive to help my students also play a role in communicating what they are reading because they are intrigued by what they are reading.
Overall, this Twitter Chat was a wonderful experience that has just added to the list of things to shape my thinking since I have started this course.
I very much do not like to label things that do not necessarily require a label. Living in the gray has really become a part of my identity. So, if something doesn't need to be put in a box, I'd rather we just leave it on the floor or organize it some other way. However, I do understand the significant way this course has pushed me to think about the distinction between YA Literature as more an umbrella term and Middle Grades Literature as a sub-category. Doing so really shines a spotlight on all things Middle Grades- Middle Grades literature, Middle Grade level characters in stories, Middle Grade level expressions and definitions of social or REAL issues in literature, Middle Grades acknowledgement, Middle Grades students feeling as if there is a category of literature made just for them. This is important, and I feel sparked to continue this conversation of making this distinction.
Another aspect of the Twitter Chat that I was glad to see was the discussion of bringing parents in to this world of Middle Grades and YA Literature. The support from parents on exposing their students to the lives of minority characters through literature or exposing their students to social issues that may disrupt political views, or even exposing their students to a book that provides more insight on their own identities is crucial. The helpful responses from my classmates on suggestions of how to involve parents and the community in what students are reading really helped me think through how I may want this to look as an educator. I really like how Erin explained the importance of communication in these circumstances. I strive to help my students also play a role in communicating what they are reading because they are intrigued by what they are reading.
Overall, this Twitter Chat was a wonderful experience that has just added to the list of things to shape my thinking since I have started this course.
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