At the beginning of fifth grade I
decided that I needed a new best friend, since my old ones had moved
away. I invited a boy named Jordan over and we went for a hike
together through my neighborhood with my mom and brother. We became
lost and walked a lot further than anticipated. All through the long
trek Jordan and I were contentedly discussing good books and writing
stories. Through this experience and our shared passion for reading
and writing, we became fast friends.
It was partially due to this friendship
that in high school I began to branch out in my reading, encountering
great literature for the sake of being able to discuss it with him
and other friends. This in turn led me to become an English major
(and I believe our continued enthusiasm for writing inspired him to
study Creative Writing). After
college we formed a writing group with the aim of encouraging and
inspiring creative writing, a group which exists to this day.
Jordan and other friends have supplied
me with a source of motivation for the pursuit of activities in
literacy. Peer influence plays a major role in the lives of students,
and is a force I wish to harness in my teaching. Through
collaborative projects and group discussion, I hope that my students
will be influenced for the better by their peers.
(And not like this!)
Joshua, firstly, I LOVE the picture from the Christmas story! (One of my favorite movies!) Secondly, peer pressure is a great topic for students, because it IS so prevalent in their lives. I love that peer pressure influenced you in a positive direction as a child. You are very lucky to have a friend that likes to discuss literature with you! Sometimes I wish I had someone to talk to after reading a great book or learning cool new facts from literature.
ReplyDeleteTo piggy back on Leanna's comment, in what ways might we use peer "influences" to help students develop their literacy skills? I'm thinking student interest, choice, collaborative opportunities.
ReplyDelete