Multigenre: Literacy

We wear the mask that sighs and groans,
It greets assignments with more moans, -
This debt we pay to lit'racy;
With weary, heavy hearts they be
Ignore responsibility,

Why should English be otherwise,
In reading, grammar, and criticize?
Nay, let them only see us, while
We wear the mask.

We frown, but oh great Christ, our bliss
To thee our love to read amiss
We write, but oh paper is cruel
Beneath fingers, and lacking fuel,
But let the world dream otherwise,
We wear the mask!







In my multigenre, I'd like to focus on specific activities that could help students read and write better. It can be from "reading carts" to interesting grammar lessons. I'm not so interested in getting students into specific works of literature, but literature as a whole. But I also want to combine grammar and writing with reading to increase overall literacy.




Barb: Hey wht u up 2?
Val: Not mch doing ths sheet 4 eng class
Barb: Y?
Val: Cuz I want a good grade
Barb: Kk. Wnna go out l8tr?
Val: Sur Ill txt you wen im dun

This is how students communicate to each other on a regular basis, whether via texting with phones or through instant messaging on the internet. I wish students wouldn't communicate this way, because it negates what they learn (or what I hope they learn) in class: proper grammar, interest in reading, and writing skills. Maybe, if I can figure out a way to make these things fun for students to do, they'd be more interested in practicing these skills on a regular basis. It might not change their habits when speaking to one another, but it will hopefully change their habits for reading and writing.