Culture and Literacy

Now that I am viewing the world through the eyes of a teacher, the connection between culture and literacy is of great importance. When I was a student, I would have called "bullshit" on anyone who told me that my environment and the people with whom I associated would impact my educational career. Because I fraternized with disinterested and disgruntled juvenile delinquents, I too shared their habits and turned my back on the lessons taught in school. My only saving grace was that I was naturally bright and my mind would not be dulled by dim-witted behavior. Now I can see that the importance a cultural sect places on literacy affects the importance an individual places on developing skills in such literacies. As a teacher, it is important to wstablish a culture of the room, and therein place value on the rewards of a strong education.