Significant Literacy Experiences

By jcontrer
  • Learned my first word in English

    Learned my first word in English

    I learned my first English word from Sesame street which was my favorite show as a child. The first word I learned in English was "butterfly". My mother says that I was unable to say it clearly but I made the attempt and that I seemed to know the definition of it because of the tv show.
  • Learned the letters in my name

    Learned the letters in my name

    This was the year I started Head Start. My mother showed me a video where I came home from school and I was able to identify the letters that were in my first name
  • Took ESOL classes

    Took ESOL classes

    When I was 5 years old I was put into ESOL classes in order to help me with my english. I was not able to write and read it as I should have been able to. I was only in the program for about a year but I did get the much needed help. My ESOL teacher was great as well. My whole experience with ESOL was very memorable and pleasant.
  • Began learning how to read and write in Spanish

    Began learning how to read and write in Spanish

    Up until this point I was only able to speak spanish, I never had even tried to read or write in Spanish. My mothers cousin actually visited from Alaska one winter and over the lapse of four months I was able to learn. I think I picked it up quickly because I had seen spanish texts before
  • Began trying to learn Sign Language

    Began trying to learn Sign Language

    My mother's friend would come over to our house and she had a daughter was deaf. Overtime she started to teach me and my brother sign language so we could communicate with her daughter.
  • Began writing short poems

    Began writing short poems

    I fell in love with poetry in the sixth grade and I began to write my own with some help from my teacher. This really expanded my vocabulary and writing skills.
  • Learned to write in cursive

    Learned to write in cursive

    My teacher asked to start writing pen pal letters. After sometime of writing them she started to teach us cursive writing in order to write our pen pal letters in cursive.
  • Spoke at my 8th grade promotion

    Spoke at my 8th grade promotion

    I was chosen to be mistress of ceremony for my 8th grade promotion. I spoke throughout the ceremony in both English and Spanish. This was big even for me since it was sort of my first time speaking in public in english and spanish.
  • First "College Writing"

    First "College Writing"

    I started taking Advanced Placement English. The course required us to write at a college level. The class truly prepared me for college and reinforced my writing.
  • Teaching my sisters to read

    Teaching my sisters to read

    I started teaching my two younger sisters who are a year apart how to read. Teaching them how to read reassured me that I wanted a career in education.