Life Changing New Literacies

Intro
In chapter 15 of Best Practices in Teaching the New Literacies (Donald J. Leu, et al), the authors define new literacies, provide "principles that inform instruction in New Literacies," and help us understand how the New Literacies fit into the Common Core State Standards as a way of understanding the importance of teaching our students these New Literacies.

To begin, the authors define the difference between "New Literacies" and "new literacies" theories for the reader.  "New Literacies" is the general, all encompassing theory about technology in which the internet has become a defining, multifaceted technology that is essential for our students' success.  Therefore, it is necessary to teach our students how to become literate in using this technology.  This is where the "new literacies" come in.  These "new literacies" encompass all the little pieces that make up the skills and strategies necessary to survive and thrive in these rapidly changing technological innovations.  This lower case theory is used as a lens for viewing the requirements of the Common Core State Standards.

CCSS  
Because the Common Core State Standards never actually say the word "internet," teachers often overlook incorporating teaching literacy as a part of technology.  But if children are being taught to use computers/technology even at the tender age of 1, it would make sense that we should begin teaching them about new literacies at this time as well.

The authors cite various resources that accomplish this:
Starfall:  http://www.starfall.com/
ReadWriteThink.org:  http://www.readwritethink.org/

The authors go on to make a very interesting point:  teachers can give students who are struggling in reading a boost by teaching them this new technology first.  This positions these students, who were formerly seen as "dumb," as "experts" within the classroom - and maybe even outside of the classroom.

My Point of View
The idea of making the "last student" the first, has the power to change a students life.  Many times, students who struggle with reading have low self-esteem.  Even though schools try not to make the variety of reading levels obvious in each classroom, the students are well aware of their differences.  Not only are they aware of their differences, but they are painfully aware when they are the ones with the low reading level.  There has been much research regarding the correlation between a student's self-esteem and his/her instructional reading level, and it has been shown that there is a positive correlation between the two.

Moreover, once kids get this idea in their heads that they are "dumb," it creates a kind of wall in their thinking and becomes very difficult for them to think around.  My son has had difficulties with reading since he was in preschool, and he has always been well aware of this fact.  The trouble was, I wasn't aware that he was so acutely aware of his difference until it was too late.  I knew my son had difficulties with reading, but I also knew he wasn't stupid - he just learns differently than other students.  It took me years to break down that "dumb" wall that had formed in his head.  It took me years to get him to believe that he truly was smart, regardless of his reading level.  Just now, in 7th grade, he is beginning to enjoy reading.

Conclusion
My son was lucky.  He always made friends very easily and is well adjusted.  But I have seen other kids who weren't so lucky.  I have seen kids who withdraw from those around because they feel so different.  I have seen kids who get pushed to the side because their struggle takes up too much time.  I have seen kids who get teased mercilessly for being "dumb."  This idea of giving these kids back the power using one of their own strengths could totally change the way they view themselves. Suddenly, the roles are reversed.  Suddenly, these "dumb" kids have a purpose.  Suddenly, these kids who were ignored or made fun of have an expertise that all the other kids need - they are now a hot commodity, and that role has the power teach them valuable life lessons.  Its like the "starfish" story:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uytlJ8urv4I