Jennifer Salazar

EDRL 524
Professor Nickel
September 6th, 2016

Course Journal
Reading Autobiography:
A. Since I was little, I always loved when my mom would read to me. Once I was able to hold
and read a book myself, I was a happy human being. I loved SSR in elementary school. It made
me excited and content to be able to sit somewhere quiet and read to myself and dive into
another world.
B. Harry Potter series was hands down one of my favorites that my mother would read after bath
time and also later, on my own. Lemony Snicket was another great read in my youth.
C. Throughout college, reading texts books was hard for me to digest. It was a lot of small print
and lots of pages. I couldnt identify with it and I felt forced. As I got older I learned to skim and
try and enjoy learning something new. In all honesty, joy reading is my favorite and I am sure it
is the same way for a lot of other avid readers.
D. I read so many books at once and bounce back and forth. I love being in another world and re
living certain stories. It expands my mind and always gives me perspective or a smile.
E. The Alchemist is a current read that I am thoroughly enjoying. It has brought me perspective
on destiny and how life is unpredictable. What will be, will be and thats all there is to it. To
enjoy life while we can and try and not worry about what we cannot control.
F. I have sensitive eyes and am a slow learner, especially now with Lymes Disease, so digesting
information can be tough. I also for some reason am not the best speller so I second guess myself
a lot. Even though I feel since I read a lot, I should be a better speller.
G. To be patient with myself and learn the best I can even if it is at a slower rate.

September 10th, 2016

Book Review Style and Preference

I have not done many book reviews, but last semester for one of my multilingual writing classes
we had to take a text and review it. I found it very interesting to take a point, summarize, and
counter act the argument to show both sides. It helps the reader really grasp what the text is
conveying to the audience and if it is worth the read. How does it benefit the reader? What is the
level of difficulty? Does it connect to other readings? These are some important questions to ask
before reading a text and when writing a book review. I have not studied the different style of
book reviews, but I am intrigued to find out more in depth about the procedures and layout of
them.

Cover to Cover
In the text, Cover to Cover, the first chapter goes over the different stages of publishing a book
and the process that goes along with it. I never knew some books were published with hard back
and paperback at the same time. It really depends on popularity of the book and what the
publishers and authors believe is necessary for the market. The text also breaks down the
different parts of a novel and describes its purpose, which is very beneficial to know. It generates
a better understanding of the foundation of a book and what pieces put it all together.

What is Reading?
There are so many components to reading. Being able to work with a text, read it, digest it,
understand it, and analyze it. Can one relay the information back and in depth understand the
meaning and messages that the author intended readers to grasp? To me, reading is beyond
analyzing. It is a place for me to escape reality and connect, gain perspective, relax, and enjoy
someone elses world. It is a creative process and one that many do not connect with. From a
very young age, I grew a deep passion and love for reading. My mother read to me as a child and
I always grew up wanting my own library and to constantly read new books to escape into
another world.

September 19th, 2016

Young Adult Book Choice:

I chose Harry Potter because it is a childhood novel that reminds me of evenings after bath time
gathered around the rocking chair listening to my mother read with my siblings. It was an easy
choice for me to make because Harry Potter is hands down one of my favorite series of novels.
There are so many fun ways to engage readers in this book. If anything pointing out the
perspective one can gain from this magical text is one of many reasons to read it!

Position Statement:
Leisure Reading Board Task Force (2013-2014)
I chose the article called, Leisure Reading. This text discusses the positive impact reading has on
students in the at home environment. Encouraging children to take some down time or free
time to pick up a book can enhance their performance in reading. This holds true from personal
experience. The more I read on my own the more I enjoyed books and it helped my overall
reading in multiple ways. I was able to digest the reading more, sometimes my reading was faster
depending on the level of the book, and I was able to connect parts of reality to the novel or
make parallels the more I interacted with a book.

Article Response:
Engaging Students in Literacy at Johnston High School is an article written by Sarah Brown
Wessling and colleagues to achieve real student engagement. The text talks about collaborating
for change. This is a brilliant key component to making change in the world, specifically school
systems. Working together brings an element that gives opportunity and voices that advocate for
positive change. Educators working together is so beneficial for the students and the flow of the
classroom. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and seeing that people in the world truly care about
change for students and making education a positive environment.

September 23rd, 2016

Book Reviews:
Reading about book reviews was extremely helpful since I have only written one in my academic
career up to date. Being able to read through the text to get a feel for the author and what
messages are being displayed is important. Then going back and taking notes objectively on the
literature is important. Taking other comments from previous readers is a great way to
accumulate perspectives on the given text. Summarizing and analyzing the text is an important
element when writing the book review. Pointing out errors and the other side is also essential to
highlight pros and cons of a book and then addressing the audience. Organizing and structuring
the book review is another key point for writing a good book review. It makes it easier for
readers to digest and flow when trying to comprehend the review.

Readicide:
Gallagher (2009) is a piece written about adolescent reading and noticeability of their reading
habits. As mentioned in the review it states, the systematic killing of the love of

reading, often exacerbated by the inane, mind-numbing practices found in

schools (Gallagher, 2009). I found it fascinating that even though with good intentions we are
slowly killing the love of reading by pushing a rise in reading scores. I find it sad that children do
not get the opportunity to fall in love with reading or the chance because they are being pushed
to meet standards and get burnt out. Reading is not for everyone but no one should dread it!
Some statistic mentioned within the text from USA Today had reported 27 percent of adults did
not read any type of book in 2007. As a future English professor I would hope that even adults
would find some type of text that they felt they could gain some knowledge from or learn
something new. Low income students are mentioned in the article, and relays important facts
about the percentage of students that are reading grade-level. What can be done to raise the
number of readers and getting them to better understand what they are reading? Being able to
please all students is very hard to do.
October 3rd, 2016

Rosenblatt:
Rosenblatt writes about transactions between readers and books. How a person dissects reading
beings it to life for them. They background they have and experiences help contribute to how a
person understands what they are reading. Rosenblatt suggests that one of the first ways to teach
a student is literacy experience. This will help specific students gain such experiences. This piece
by the author really highlights literacy and the connections it takes between the reader and text.
There are multiple avenues that readers take when emerged in the literacy world. A brilliant point
brought up by Rosenblatt leads to primary literacy not being on enjoying literature, but focused
on outcome. This can be a huge issue and create an environment where readers become
suffocated with text without having genuine interest. Print is delicate for beginner readers,
causing any type of manipulation to be sensitive to their adaptation when learning to handle text.
Their experiences are essential to their development in reading.

Six Word Memoir:

The book opened and magic happened. Jen Salazar

October 10th, 2016

School Board Meetings/ Miller Reading Program (yes or no):

Millers book, The Book Whisperer, was created from a standpoint that students should enjoy
reading. Its morals and values are crafted by the understanding that reading for students should
be independent and give them freedom of choice. Giving students a choice on reading is foreign
to most classrooms Miller has every sat or taught it. I think I would adopt this style because from

her results, she has had much success on the matter. I also promote students to enjoy reading and
give them the trust to work on their own and use their experiences to produce growth in reading.

Book Review:
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, is one of my favorite action books I own. I am a huge
fan of action, romance, self-growth and all that fascinating stuff all within one novel!
When the world is divided post war by wealth and poverty, a young girl named Katniss displays
sacrifice when volunteering to take her sisters place in the "Games" where teens and children
fight strategically until death to win. The first novel focuses on Kaniss' experience in the arena.
This book keeps me on my toes and gives me a perspective from another time when the world
has changed and turned people into survival mode. This is a great novel for those who love
looking at the world from a different lens. It also has plenty of relationships within the story and
self-growth.
Teens reading this would benefit from learning about what others go through even in a fictional
situation. Empathy and suspense leave the reader wanting to read the rest of the series, along
with some romance.

Action/Adventure
By Jennifer Salazar
1. Suzanne Collins- The Hunger Games Series
2. Veronica Roth- Divergent Series
3. Rick Riordan- Percy Jackson Series

October 17th, 2016

Board Meeting:
Statement on matter:
I believe we should adopt Millers reading program because it advocates for students to have
some freedom and choice. It gives them the chance to build a non-forced relationship with
reading.
3 solid arguments:
1. Millers students have not failed the state assessment in four years.
2. 85% of students score in the 90th percentile.

3. She has taught diverse populations with success.

3 questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.

If we adopt this program, what will we do about parents who may not like the program?
What if some students do not like this method?
What if the school district demands certain books to read?
Will my students be ready for required testing?

October 24th, 2016

LGBTQ:
In 2009, a 21st century modern tale was translated from the original copy in Dutch to English
and printed in America. This classic tale with a spin is a LGBTQ children's book. King & King is
a young children's book by Linda De Haan and Stern Nijland. The story is a perfect way to
introduce children to the LGBTQ community. This great novel opens with a story about a Prince
named Bertie who is not yet married. His grouchy mother, the Queen, is ready to pass on the
torch and suggests Bertie find a princess. Bertie informs his mother he has never cared much for
princesses, hinting that he will not find his soul mate by marrying a woman. The book takes you
through the journey of meeting princess after princess, and Bertie is not interested. This piece of
the novel helps highlight that no matter how many princesses Bertie meets, his mind is not going
to change.
King & King has a nice twist using past times and connecting it with the LGBTQ community.
Giving a classic ring to the tale and giving children perspective while connecting with history. It
also informs children that this community is not new and has been around for a long time.
The brilliant children's book transitions into Bertie finally meeting Princess Madeleine, who is
escorted by Prince Lee. Prince Lee catches Bertie's eye and they fall in love. They marry and the
novel ends with the King's kissing.
This sweet romantic children's book is a perfect way to introduce children to the LGBTQ
community. It may be a controversial subject in today's world, but a very important topic for
children to begin to understand. This sweet tale is a modest way of introducing it. A text that can
thoroughly be enjoyed by adults too.
1. Marcus Ewert- 10,000 Dresses

2. Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell- and tango makes three

3. Linda De Haan & Stern Nijland- King & King
Favorite Genre:
After doing all this reading and exploring through different genres, I still believe my favorite
genre is fantasy! I love exploring in other worlds, different times and anything that involves
magic. It has always expanded my mind and opened my imagination and creativity. As a child, I
adored these types of novels and even as I grow up, I find I still love them the same. It also is a
nostalgic moment for me. As a child Harry Potter and fairy-tale books were read to me. It would
be a rush to take a bath to curl up by the rocking chair and listen to a good book while being
curled up in my blanket. I hope the magic of this genre is also adored and loved by others for
similar reasons or other personal choices.

Book Resources:
A lot of people already know about goodreads, but I absolutely love it! I had it on my iphone too
as an app to see what my friends were reading and their suggestions. I got it years ago when I
was at Long Beach State for my undergrad! It is so helpful to have resources to guide you to find
different genres when in need.
https://www.goodreads.com/

October 31st, 2016

Article of Choice:
What Really Works When Working With Struggling Readers by Richard L. Allington

Allington discusses reading programs and approaches to help readers grow. I found this article
very interesting because it highlights different aspects on what teachers can do to guide students.
The author suggests several decoding methods are important because readers differ in how they
learn. After he did some observing he noticed inventive writing activities were few and far
between. I believe writing and reading should be given for pleasure to the students to enjoy.
Although, some may have a hard time implementing this due to higher authorities in the school.
Focusing on meaning is far better than trying to get students to learn based off skills. I
appreciated this article because it gave me perspective and led me to question what is best for
emerging readers.

Text-Set Ideas:
Resilience is the theme for my text-set. I chose this because my projected lesson would be
targeted for freshman in college with native and ELL speakers. I was hoping to connect them
with the theme since everyone has gone through challenges in life. Some books I chose for this
include: The Hunger Games, Artemis Fowl, Article on Harry Potter, Jane Austen, The Glass
Castle, and hoping to add some media to the mix. I then hope to have my students make their
own story and characters that show or represent resilience within the story.

November 7th, 2016

Text-Sets:
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing everyones text-set and learning how to incorporate other ways of a
theme into not just texts, but media, art and more. There were so many creative text-sets that
made me want to get more creative myself.

Poem:
As far as poems, I chose The Giving Tree book that has many great pieces in it. I am excited to
share this poem with the class because it is something I read as a child and it stuck over the
years.

November 14th-21st, 2016

Missed class:
I am so sad I only made it 40 minutes into the class and could not stay, but appreciated the guest
speaker that came in to talk with us about her cognate. It helped me see the work and process it
takes to put together a nice work of art. Her topic is something I am interested in, giving students
more choices.

Poem Choice:
I mentioned previously that I chose The Giving Tree as my poem, I wanted to share it with class,
thanks to Sarah, it will be!

Graphic Novel:
I chose Smile as my graphic novel of choice. I loved the plot line of a 6th grade girl who just
wanted to enjoy life, but went through breaking her teeth, boy issues, and other obstacles during
her 6th grade year. There are so many levels that I felt I could relate to her. Graphic novels are
interesting when it comes to text. The format is extremely different and another way for students
to connect with a genre of text. It isnt heavy in writing, but it has illustrations, which can be just
as powerful.
1. Batman: The Dark Knight Returns (Hardcover)
by Frank Miller

2. American Born Chinese (Paperback)

by Gene Luen Yang (

3. Blankets (Paperback)
by Craig Thompson

Article of choice:
Building Literacy Connections with Graphic Novels by James Bucky Carter

The article by Carter suggest that there are graphic novels or everyone in ones classroom.
Whether it be for the graphics or for the developmental process of text. Graphic novels are being
advocated for more often in todays generations. It is becoming popular among students to read. I
feel like graphic novels are controversial because they are not text rich, but I believe they are
useful for creativity and ways for students to get inventive with images and make up their own
text along with it. It is a way for them to expand their minds and use their imagination. This is
one of my favorite articles because it highlights an aspect of reading that may not be traditional,
but has a lot of value to it for student benefits.

Appendix B:
In appendix B I noticed Dr. Seuss was on the list for K-1 for stories and got excited. I remember
when I was younger and read those in school! They were my absolute favorite to read. I did not
recognize a good amount of the texts in the list, I am not sure if they were after my time or if my
memory is rusty. In grades 4-5 they mentioned The Black Stallion by Walter Farley and that
brought back memories, too. I enjoyed browsing through the appendix, as it is a great reference
to see what is expected and suggested for specific age groups.

ELA Common Core:

Pros:
Organized and gives structural guidance to support literature
There is a lot of information to help guide growth in literature

Cons:
It may force them to really break down literature instead of them enjoying it at their own pace
May not align with what student is ready for in their developmental stage

November 28th, 2016

Final Reflections:

After reading all the articles, and discussing different genres, I really believe students need the
freedom of choice and to better understand their options and resources they have available to
grow as a reader. It is essential for students to know reading isnt always about evaluation.
Picking up a book and reading for whatever intention the student has is crucial. No one should be
forced to see the magic of a book, they should be able to discover it on their own. I would
strongly agree with Millers reading program and use that to build readers up and have them gain
confidence. Being an open-minded educator who is willing to adapt new pedagogies while
staying strong on their beliefs will help advocate for students.

This journal experience has been a great journey through the 524 course! It has brought me to
really keep track of my reads, experiences and thoughts during the semester. After learning from
classmates on different ways to engage readers and their experiences, it only gives me hope that I
too, will one day help others on their reading journeys. I see value in creativity, perspective and
imagination.