Reading As A Social Practice: Delia Lerner & The SP Curriculum

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into a crucial topic in education: how to develop reading as a social practice in schools. We'll be looking at the guidelines of the Currículo Paulista (São Paulo Curriculum) and the insightful theoretical contributions of Delia Lerner. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Understanding the Framework: Currículo Paulista and Delia Lerner

To really understand what practices are effective, we need to first lay the groundwork. The Currículo Paulista provides the official guidelines for education in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It emphasizes a comprehensive approach to learning, focusing on the development of students' skills and competencies across various areas, including language and literacy. This curriculum views reading not just as a technical skill but as a social practice – something that is deeply intertwined with our lives and how we interact with the world.

Delia Lerner, on the other hand, is a renowned educator and researcher who has made significant contributions to the field of literacy education. Her work emphasizes the importance of creating authentic reading experiences for students. She advocates for a classroom environment where reading is not just about decoding words but about understanding, interpreting, and engaging with texts in meaningful ways. Lerner believes that students should be exposed to a wide variety of texts and encouraged to read for different purposes, just as we do in our daily lives. This approach aligns perfectly with the idea of reading as a social practice, where the context and purpose of reading are just as important as the mechanics.

Think about it: when we read a news article, a novel, or even a social media post, we're not just recognizing words. We're engaging with ideas, perspectives, and information that shape our understanding of the world. That's what reading as a social practice is all about – making those connections and engaging with text in a meaningful, real-world way.

What is Reading as a Social Practice?

So, what exactly is reading as a social practice? It’s more than just decoding letters and words. It's about understanding that reading is a dynamic, interactive process that happens within a social context. When we read, we're not just absorbing information; we're engaging in a conversation with the text, the author, and even other readers. We bring our own experiences, knowledge, and perspectives to the reading process, and those things shape how we interpret the text. Reading becomes a way to connect with others, share ideas, and build understanding.

In a classroom setting, this means creating opportunities for students to read and discuss texts together, to share their interpretations, and to learn from each other. It also means exposing students to a wide range of texts – not just textbooks and worksheets, but also novels, poems, articles, websites, and even social media posts. The goal is to show students that reading is not just an academic exercise but a vital skill for navigating the world around them. By understanding the social nature of reading, educators can create more engaging and effective learning experiences for their students.

Coherent Practices for Developing Reading as a Social Practice

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: what does a teaching practice that aligns with this vision look like? According to the Currículo Paulista and Delia Lerner's theories, there are several key elements that should be present in a classroom that fosters reading as a social practice. Let’s explore some of them:

1. Creating Authentic Reading Experiences

One of the most important things we can do is to create authentic reading experiences for our students. This means giving them opportunities to read texts that are relevant to their lives and interests. Instead of just assigning textbook chapters, we can incorporate news articles, blog posts, and even social media content into our lessons. When students see that reading is connected to the real world, they're more likely to engage with it.

For example, instead of just reading about a historical event in a textbook, we could have students read primary source documents, like letters or diary entries from people who lived through that event. This allows students to connect with the material on a deeper level and see how reading can give them insights into the past. Authentic reading experiences make learning more engaging and meaningful.

2. Fostering a Community of Readers

Another crucial element is fostering a community of readers in the classroom. This means creating a space where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas about what they're reading. We can do this by incorporating discussions into our lessons, encouraging students to ask questions, and creating opportunities for them to share their interpretations of texts.

Think about setting up book clubs or literature circles where students can choose books they're interested in and discuss them with their peers. This not only encourages reading but also helps students develop critical thinking and communication skills. A strong community of readers supports individual growth and fosters a love of reading.

3. Providing a Variety of Texts

It's also important to provide students with a wide variety of texts. This includes different genres, formats, and writing styles. By exposing students to a diverse range of materials, we can help them develop the skills they need to navigate the complex world of reading.

Consider incorporating newspapers, magazines, websites, and even graphic novels into your curriculum. Each type of text presents its own challenges and opportunities for learning. By reading a variety of texts, students become more adaptable and confident readers. Exposing students to diverse texts is crucial for developing well-rounded reading skills.

4. Teaching Reading Strategies Explicitly

Of course, we also need to teach reading strategies explicitly. This means showing students how to decode words, make inferences, and understand the structure of different types of texts. But it also means teaching them how to think critically about what they're reading and how to connect it to their own lives. Explicit instruction in reading strategies is a fundamental aspect of effective literacy education. When students are equipped with the right tools, they're better able to tackle challenging texts and become independent readers.

5. Encouraging Reflection and Critical Thinking

Finally, it's essential to encourage reflection and critical thinking. This means asking students to think about the author's purpose, the intended audience, and the social and cultural context of the text. We can also ask them to consider their own biases and perspectives and how those might be influencing their interpretations.

By encouraging reflection and critical thinking, we help students become active, engaged readers who are able to understand and evaluate information effectively. This is a vital skill not just for academic success but for navigating the world around them. Developing critical thinking skills empowers students to become informed and engaged citizens.

Examples in Practice

Let’s get practical! How can we actually implement these ideas in the classroom? Here are a few examples:

• Using News Articles: Instead of just reading a textbook chapter about a current event, have students read multiple news articles from different sources. Discuss how the articles are similar and different, and encourage students to think about the perspectives of the journalists and the people they're writing about.
• Creating a Class Blog: Have students write blog posts about topics they're interested in. This gives them an authentic purpose for writing and reading, and it also helps them develop their online literacy skills.
• Analyzing Advertisements: Advertisements are a great way to teach students about persuasive language and media literacy. Have students analyze the messages being conveyed in different ads and think about the target audience.
• Reading and Discussing Novels: Choose novels that are relevant to students' lives and interests. Set up book clubs where students can discuss the characters, plot, and themes. Encourage students to connect the novel to their own experiences and to the world around them.
• Using Social Media: Social media can be a powerful tool for engaging students in reading and writing. Have students analyze social media posts, discuss the use of language, and even create their own posts to share with the class.

The Importance of Context and Purpose

Throughout all of these practices, it's important to remember the importance of context and purpose. Reading is not a neutral activity; it's always done in a specific context and for a specific purpose. When we understand the context and purpose of a text, we're better able to interpret it and engage with it meaningfully.

For example, reading a scientific article requires a different set of skills and strategies than reading a novel. When we teach students how to read different types of texts, we're equipping them with the tools they need to be successful in a variety of situations. This understanding of context and purpose is a cornerstone of reading as a social practice.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! Developing reading as a social practice is all about creating authentic experiences, fostering a community of readers, providing a variety of texts, teaching reading strategies, and encouraging reflection and critical thinking. By incorporating these elements into our teaching, we can help students become engaged, thoughtful readers who are prepared to navigate the complexities of the world around them.

It's not just about reading words on a page; it's about understanding, connecting, and engaging with the world. Let's empower our students to become not just readers, but active participants in the ongoing conversation that is literacy. Guys, let's make reading a vibrant, meaningful part of their lives! This approach, guided by the Currículo Paulista and the insights of Delia Lerner, will truly transform how we teach and how students learn to read.