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1: Why did you choose this text

I chose this text because an early memory I have is reading this book series at my grandmother's place.

2: How did you engage in literacy through it? How did it contribute to your literacy journey/expanded your own literacies

In some ways, this series opened the door to novels that I could engage with. It was popular so you felt you were missing out had you not read this series. There are numerous themes and settings explored here that create a fantasy image in your head that you can imagine. I would read during the summer and talk to her about what I read

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1: Why did you choose this text

My preferred method of reading comes from the Manga series that I grew attached to at an early age.

2: How did you engage in literacy through it? How did it contribute to your literacy journey/expanded your own literacies

Personally, this series has taught me so much about life and loss and values more than any book has ever done for me. The story elements and the characters play a huge role and the words they say to display the story, as a reader are engaging and thought-provoking. It truly opens your mind to different avenues of literacy and story telling.

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1: Why did you choose this text

I chose this because I've been delving into more audio books recently and this is one of those books that resonates and challenges me.

2: How did you engage in literacy through it? How did it contribute to your literacy journey/expanded your own literacies

This audiobook, in particular, forces you to evaluate yourself and come up with solutions and to stop making excuses for the way your life is going. Looking inward instead of outward. I go back and listen as much as I need to when I'm feeling down. Sometimes hearing the words from another individual can make you think differently as opposed to reading it.

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1: Why did you choose this text

My favorite song of all time after listening to and finding out about the singer.

2: How did you engage in literacy through it? How did it contribute to your literacy journey/expanded your own literacies

Everything about this song resonates with me. The message and the melody of it truly take me away every time I listen to it. Songs can have an enormous impact on someone, and words are integrated so carefully that really make you listen. While studying, music can have a calming effect which can aid in your studying time. Often times I will re listen to the same songs and knowing certain music can open the door to conversations with people as a connector. Songs play an important part in students education and I will utilize song and beats in my own classroom to teach literacy because of the meaning behind it

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1: Why did you choose this text

I chose this because it was a story I read to my students during fieldwork

2: How did you engage in literacy through it? How did it contribute to your literacy journey/expanded your own literacies

Choosing this book came easy because of the uniqueness of the art and the story of how it came together with the quilt. Reading this book over and over again to prepare for the read-aloud was special and made me appreciate the words and the pictures and the story it tells. It has become my favorite children's book and at any opportunity I can get I will showcase this book.

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1: Why did you choose this text

I chose Duolingo because I have been using it very frequently as of late

2: How did you engage in literacy through it? How did it contribute to your literacy journey/expanded your own literacies

The ability to have access to multiple different languages to learn about and demonstrate a will to talk to someone in their native language goes above and beyond. It teaches you language and pronunciation if willing to put in the time and effort. Utilizing important conjugations is rewarding. I am learning Spanish through this method and it aids me in understanding little by little

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1: Why did you choose this text

This video inspired me to do the exact thing in my own classroom someday

2: How did you engage in literacy through it? How did it contribute to your literacy journey/expanded your own literacies

The way Dr Emdin described his reality pedagogy impacted me so much that I want to practice this in my own classroom some day. I go back every now and then and watch this video because he adequately points out the importance of being students of your students. They will best tell us how to teach them and its important to bring their culture and their background into the classroom. Highly enjoyed this ted talk

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Reality Pedagogy: Christopher Emdin at TEDxTeachersCollege

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1: Why did you choose this text

I chose this because going to different types of Museums has become a great way to get outdoors and learn about a variety of topics

2: How did you engage in literacy through it? How did it contribute to your literacy journey/expanded your own literacies

Growing up, I never really enjoyed going to a museum. It started growing on me in my adult years because of the variety of objects being presented and texts that explain the origin. There are so many rich and nostalgic pieces in museums that it could seem overwhelming, but that's why you go back and explore new parts. Museums aid me in my projects and is a great way of researching information.

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1: Why did you choose this text

I learned about this book through a friend and the messages in it are profound

2: How did you engage in literacy through it? How did it contribute to your literacy journey/expanded your own literacies

I almost didn't pick up this book but I am glad I did. It's translation is different and at times difficult, but if you put in the time to understand and digest the information in pieces, the knowledge you acquire is immense. It's a special book that teaches about philosophy and values and virtues. Often when I'm reading this I will look up what words mean which is a great way to keep track of definitions and meanings behind the words. I try to convey some important messages in this book in real life wherever they resonate with me.

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1: Why did you choose this text

Podcasts are a great source of information and with there being so many it becomes a good source of a variety of information and topics and real world events

2: How did you engage in literacy through it? How did it contribute to your literacy journey/expanded your own literacies

To pass the time, I will often listen to a variety of podcasts. This is a great way of learning about the life of guests that they bring on and sometimes they offer insight on topics for the average American. The time is well spent while going to work on the train and it keeps your mind focus on the task.