The Power of Choice

FREEDOM!

That's what anybody wants, especially a child.

Children desire the opportunity to be independent and choose!

Literacy choice time is the perfect time to embrace this innate desire with open arms.

Literacy choice empowers students with choices and autonomy by independently working on various literacy choices that the teacher carefully sets up. Although it may seem like the children just choose an activity and are sent away to go work, the teacher still plays a passive, more discreet role that allows the children to get the most out of this time. Careful preparation prior and scaffolding during and after this time is crucial for literacy development.

Upon watching a video provided by fellow educators, I realized that this self-selected activity time is quite similar to some of my own experiences and personal observations. Although the concept is nearly identical, (only my school calls it, "The Daily 5"), the approach carried out by the teachers is drastically different. The teacher from the video carries out a calm demeanor, encouraging the children to feel comfortable in the environment in which she ultimately is responsible for. She does not rush the students or pressure them into a particular choice.

On the contrary, what I have personally observed at times by some teachers, does not take the time to allow the children to comfortably choose their activity. They are rushed and pressured in front of their peers to pick certain activities based on their abilities.

Thus, though the concept of literacy choice time fosters independence for the children, the teacher's role is still just as important as any other part of the school day. Fostering confidence and the ability to acknowledge both their strengths and weaknesses is inherent for growth.

Playing With Our Words

As many early childhood educators are well aware, there is value to letting a child play. During play, children develop, not only physically, but they develop in nearly every way--physically, socially, emotionally, and...ACADEMICALLY! Imagine a child writing in a classroom?

How does that look to you?
Are they having fun?
Is it a chore?
Are there any manipulatives assisting them?

As the authors of Reclaiming Play ask, "what literacy value is there in children's fascination with popular media products?"

Toys are not just toys.

Toys are manipulatives! They are devices used creatively to inspire storytelling, dramatic play, to gain access into peer groups and understand social norms.

It is more than likely that a parent desires their child's classroom to be child-centered, to be motivated by the child's interests, needs, and challenges. However, many (parents) are not convinced that bringing in toys from home is a powerful tool to use inside the classroom. This is understandable, and on the surface, why would a parent want toys permitted during the school day?

Here are some of the concerns teachers, parents, and other concerned individuals may express:

Isn't integrating media toys into the classroom inappropriate? (249)

Isn't play adhering to frivolous or stereotypical acts? (250)

Won't some children who don't have popular toys feel left out? (251)

Allow me to address some of these concerns...

Isn't integrating media toys into the classroom inappropriate? (249)

-We must be acknowledge popular culture into the curriculum rather than ignore it. It is prevalent in these children 's lives; it is up to us to mediate and teach them about what they are inevitably presented with.

-"It's likely that the absence of popular media toys in early childhood classrooms particularly disadvantages working-class children"(249).

Isn't play adhering to frivolous or stereotypical acts? (250)

-Culture is omnipresent in children's worlds and serves as an important and linguistic resource.

-Acommodations can be made.

-Toys provide opportunities for a rich, meaningful literacy play.

-Concrete examples of work in the classroom that can be seen as a result for encouraging the use of toys can/will be provided to the parents.

Won't some children who don't have popular toys feel left out? (251)

Despite what some may believe, wealth in this content is more about the knowledge of wealth rather than a monetary wealth. As stated in the article, Reclaiming Play: Toys as Popular Media Texts, it is stated that "children can gain social status among peers by demonstrating knowledge connected to [various media texts] with friends"(321).

Remember: Play to learn; learn to play.