What+We+Can+Learn+from+Heath’s+Research+Study

~ Teresa, Blakely, Will

//Directions:// As a group, discuss and decide what Heath offers us through her work. Based on Heath’s findings regarding the differing “ways with words” of these communities and the work of the teachers in this region to meet the needs of the children from these different communities, what lessons can we as future and current teachers of writing take from her study? What do we need to be aware of and how can we address this based on what you’ve / we've read here? When time is called, you will present your ideas to the class.


 * Different groups use language differently.
 * A child's background and culture informs their approach to using language. All children do adhere to certain rules regarding language.
 * Trackton students had to learn school, because in their homes, they were not engaged in language and writing in an academic way. They did, however, have experience recognizing certain language features like logos etc. Teachers need to be sensitive and explicit in the "teaching of school."
 * Roadville students came to school more prepared for what the teachers expected and did not have to learn those expectations on the fly.
 * As teachers we should be aware of the huge influence that home life can have on preparedness. Formal conventions are a form of prior knowledge that we should not assume all students have. Even things such as inquisitiveness might need to be taught, because we cannot assume that students always know what is expected, or that they will ask questions if they do not.
 * Teachers need to know their students, and need to be active in the classroom. Actively engaging students and actively adapting teaching methods and curriculum to best suit your students.
 * Styles and value of the narrative varies vastly among different cultures. Teachers should understand their students' use of storytelling.