L&L Narrative

The Language & Literacy Narrative assignment required us to reflect on our experiences in writing, reading, and speaking through one moment in time where language and literacy played a major role. Through a narration of one particular moment, be it a family, cultural, school, or social event, we decoded a larger social significance of our experience.
For my one moment, I chose the very first day I was being taught how to read Spanish by my Nana, and I connected my personal experience to the difficulties first-gen immigrant kids face learning English as a second language to convey how literacy is deeply tied to patience, guidance, and family involvement.
After the L&L Narrative, we also had to produce a cover letter. The purpose of the letter was to reflect on what we learned during phase one—regarding audience, new concepts, and insights—and to reflect on how our narrative essay conveys what we learned in class.

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Language & Literacy Narrative and Cover Letter 

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However, this final version was the result of several drafts. Some of our very first readings were about the importance of receiving feedback and revising, of creating several drafts. Though the core stayed the same, my final piece is leagues better than my very first draft.

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Final L&L Narrative 

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First Draft

 
Some of the feedback I received for this draft was:
      • I think you have a great draft here. I would consider editing the description of the Nacho book and making sure you draw a clear connection between your experience with Mami Jacquelin and how it was different with your brothers. Then you can conclude very clearly about the outcomes of literacy in your personal story being marked by resources, time, a loving family member, etc.
      • Remove the first paragraph.
      • Consider editing the description as it goes on too long.
      • Talk about teamwork through the narrative. You can talk about how your grandma was a teacher figure, and that’s what helped you learn Spanish.

 

Second Draft

 

Some of the feedback I received for this draft was:
      • Add more details (imagery for the moment)—try to use all five senses
      • Develop the conclusion a bit more—don’t conclude the story, but try to focus on the bigger idea/issue. More than one teacher/more support? Add more for kids who don’t have that.
      • I wonder if there’s more to say about how schools teach literacy versus through family and close mentors…
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Final Cover Letter

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First Draft of Cover Letter

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Some of the feedback I received for this draft was:
      • This is a solid first draft.
      • Wonderful for  ” so in a way, this is my way to honor and recognize what she did for me.”
      • I would just add a paragraph that connects what you learned in the class and how it informs our understanding of the narrative.