Reflecting on the Community

The community that I am teaching in is the White Lake, Walled Lake or Commerce Area. The three small towns boards blend together and all make up the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. My school is mostly in White Lake however it is a school of choice. The surrounding area is mostly lakes, fields and sub-divisions. To get to any "city" one needs to drive about 15-20 minutes, even to the closest expressway. The lakes make the roads very curvy and seem like you are going in circles.

One of things that it has taught me about my community is that the families seem to enjoy outdoor activities. Many of my students love to ride bikes, go on the boat, play sports or just go for walks along the trails. Many of my students favorite activity is on the water (i.e. wakeboarding, swimming, etc). Also, the community is beautiful which is well reflected upon at the school.

One of the places that my group choice to visit was the Outdoor Education Center. The reason why we picked this location was because the students visit it during school also on the weekends. As well as, this is where my fifth graders go to fifth grade camp. I was very excited to see where we would be spending our camp. I found that the camp represented the community very well. It was located on the lake and most of the learning activities were done outside. While there, we saw a rock climbing wall, obstacle courses, lakes, canoes, hiking trails, horse trails, etc.

While the literature the students need while at the camp can be as basic as reading signs or being able to follow a map. We found the new vocabulary they take away from the center combined with their experience will make from some rich literacy pieces. From describing their fear while climbing the tower or riding the American beauties, they would be able to develop small moments with rich, descriptive words. Also, vocabulary such as learning how to 'belay' while rock climbing. Their writing after or while there will be full of excitement, fear, conquering goals and so much more.

Another thing I learned while visiting the center was that the students take classes there, even while at fifth grade camp. They are expected to take notes while they are there, write feelings down and observations. These types are writings can make an written piece great as well as help with their writing in science (cross subject connection). I also was surprised to see the amount of literature the center had to offer about nature. I think since many of the students have a lot of property or live on the lake, many of these books would be an interest to them. Another important part of a the literacy community is building a safe environment. The students are taught to team build and that everyone has worth. While the entire class visits, this can be the start or build upon 'safety' in your classroom. At the center everyone has an opinion and it has to be heard. During reading workshop or writing workshop this is an important thing to have established in your room.

Other community activities we investigated were recreational sports and the St. Pat's Fair in Walled Lake. Similar writing activities were available for these activities. However, one thing we talked about with these activities was knowing what students like or do on the weekends can help guide a teacher to rich literature. It can also help encourage 'non-readers' to become readers!