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My first experience with literacy began at home during bedtime, when my dad read stories aloud to my sister and me. These moments introduced me to the joy of listening to stories. Our favorite books were "Chicken Licken" and "Dandelion: Come As You Are", which helped me associate reading with comfort and meaning. These early experiences laid the foundation for my development as a comprehending reader.
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My first experience with literacy began at home during bedtime, when my dad read stories aloud to my sister and me. These moments introduced me to the joy of listening to stories. Our favorite books were "Chicken Licken" and "Dandelion: Come As You Are", which helped me associate reading with comfort and meaning. These early experiences laid the foundation for my development as a comprehending reader.
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Another important moment in my literacy development was learning to write my name for the first time with my nonna. She patiently guided my hand and encouraged me as I practiced forming each letter. This experience helped me connect written language to my identity. She did not know many words in English, however she helped me learn to write my name in a short sentence.
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In first grade, I began developing foundational reading and writing skills. During this time, I often confused the letters b and d, which created challenges in both reading and spelling. I practiced copying short, simple sentences such as “I like to play” and “I am 6 years old,” which helped strengthen my sentence structure and handwriting.
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By fourth grade, I developed a love for reading. I enjoyed reading books such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "The One and Only Ivan" which helped deepen my interest in fiction. My homeroom teacher, who had a strong passion for English, greatly influenced this increased interest by encouraging thoughtful discussion and a deeper appreciation for reading. During this time, I began to excel in ELA, particularly in grammar and reading comprehension.
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In sixth grade, I wrote my first full essay using persuasive writing. I chose to write about why school uniforms should not be required, a topic I felt strongly about at the time. The assignment required collaborating with classmates to gather reasons and evidence to support our position, as well as developing rebuttals to address the opposing side’s arguments. This writing process helped me understand how to support opinions with evidence and I felt a strong sense of pride in my finished work.
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In 8th grade English class, I was introduced to the language of Shakespeare, which challenged me to think more deeply about language and meaning. Reading Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth required close reading and discussion to fully understand the language and themes. Although the language was complex, this experience widened my horizons of literature as I read Old English. I learned how language can be used powerfully to convey emotion and conflict.
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In ninth grade, I read classics such as "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey", which were the most challenging books I had encountered up to that point. I was introduced to epic storytelling and rich historical context required careful reading and thoughtful analysis. Working through these texts strengthened my patience when reading.
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When I applied to college, I wrote an essay about my passion for both dance and education. Writing this essay allowed me to reflect on how dance has shaped my life, from ballet as a child to salsa, and how those experiences connect to my love of teaching and working with students. Crafting the essay helped me articulate my personal interests and values. This process gave me confidence in sharing a personal reflection and conveying what motivates me academically and personally.
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In college, I learned to write using APA 7 formatting, which taught me the importance of proper research methods and accurately citing the ideas of others when presenting my own work. This experience helped me develop stronger academic writing skills including organizing my ideas clearly and maintaining academic integrity. Learning to navigate research and citation effectively has been essential in shaping me into a more confident and responsible writer.
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Teaching 5th grade has given me the opportunity to relearn the basics of reading and writing in a whole new way. Helping my students understand concepts like creating paragraphs and essays with strong evidence, clear organization, and supporting details has deepened my own understanding of the writing process. These experiences remind me of how foundational skills are essential for developing confident writers.