Literacy Timeline

Berenstain Bears

1991

My mom used to read to me and my brother when we were little. My favorite book was "Spooky Old Tree" by Stan and Jan Berenstain. I would ask her to read it over and over. I remember laying with her as she read in a theatrical voice. These times helped foster my love for reading and books.

Mom & College

1993

My mom went back to college with two kids under the age of five. She worked two jobs to make ends meet. Her determination was very inspiring and helped shape my love for literacy and learning.

Kindergarten

1995

I distinctly remember my kindergarten teacher reading to the class. I remember thinking I wanted to become a teacher just like Mrs. Scalf someday. These memories helped shape my love for reading and learning.

Boggle

1997

When I was in elementary school, my mom taught me to play Boggle. We played almost everyday. It always felt good when I beat my dad and brother. This is one of my fondest memories of learning to love words.

Teacher's Kid

1998

My mom finished college and began teaching third grade. I admired her very much and loved being the teacher's kid. Although I did not realize it at the time, I think this event was the happening which most influenced me to become a teacher.

Spelling Bee

2000

In middle school, we had spelling bees every week. I am a tactile learner and would put my fingertips together as I spelled out each letter. The other students thought I was doing something magical, but it was really just my learning style. I vividly remember misspelling "until" by putting an extra letter at the end. I was so disappointed in myself, but really enjoyed having an understanding of language and phonics.

Music and Lyrics

2002

I believe music is like poetry and plays a role in how words and literature has shaped me. My mom and I would (and still do) discuss lyrics and their meanings as we drive and listen to the radio or CDs. I remember her telling me about a song that had played called "Are You on the Road to Lovin' me Again?" by Debbie Boone. We discussed the meaning of the song and continued this practice throughout my life. It helped foster a love in me for poetry and music.

Junior Essay

2007

I have a paper I wrote my junior year of high school. I kept it because my teacher, Mrs. Massey, wrote a long note about my writing skills. It meant so much to me to receive that sort of feedback. This event helped reinforce my love for writing.

Preschool Teacher

2008

In 2008, I began teaching preschool while I was going through college. I loved reading to the children and acting out the different voices. I always felt a sense of accomplishment when I could see them get lost in the story. It was exciting to help children develop a love for literacy. Helping them helped my love for literacy flourish.

Grad School

2016

I began grad school in 2016. Grad school requires A LOT of writing. At times I have felt beyond exhausted with the amount of work required. When I receive valuable feedback, as I have with Mrs. Schulz, Mrs. Carlisle, and Mrs. Hancock, it helps reinforce my love for writing and rejuvenate my motivation. I have been stretched and pushed to my limits, but it has grown me so much as a writer and a reader.