The Four Resources Model of Literacy model can be applied to Leon’s story, using the literary approach.
1) Code breaking: Although this begins with phonics decoding, it extends to syntax and language. By discussing the background knowledge of how words are spelled, how vocabulary is utilized and the word choices, it increases the background knowledge of the reader so that they may have additional background knowledge so that reading is easier.
Within the literary approach, the teacher can use the setting, illustration, and language to assist in generating meaning of the words and the language that is utilized to provide additional information. Leon’s story, although mostly utilizes standard English, occasionally switches to Black English, which can provide additional information to the reader.
2) Text Participant: The
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The literary approach provides opportunities for the reader to consider the relationship between the characters. The reader can create visual timeline to provide additional background information on Leon’s history and compare and contrast to other historical events that occurred at the same time.
4) Text Analyst: The text analyst needs to consider the biases within each text while determining the explicit and implicit messages within.
Within the literary approach, the reader can view the Leon and his life, and determine where his own biases may be. His use of language may convey implicit messages that may provide additional information about Leon’s bias.
Although I utilized the literary approach, the Critical Multicultural Analysis approach, which melds the six approaches, would provide excellent opportunities for students to build tremendous understanding of the stories that they are exposed.
I wonder, though, given the complex discussions that can result from this method, how effective is this in the classroom, especially given many of our time