Chapter 4
Leveraging the development of English TPCK within the deictic nature of literacy

From my experience, teaching English is complex, especially teaching young children. I face the intricate process of teaching my children the basics and foundation for future learning. Most of the children in my classroom at the beginning of the year can not read or write, only some can write their name independently. As a teacher, I must expose them to many “things.” I must give them opportunity to explore the rules, the exceptions, make meaning and connections, practice rules of grammar, sentences structure, decoding, and simply learning the difference of letters, words, sounds, sentences, etc. all at their individual developmental levels. Before I taught Kindergarten, I thought English was fairly simple, six years later I think the growth and progress that the each child makes in my classroom every day of every year makes me feel proud and successful. I know that I can use technology as a tool in my classroom, but I still struggle with the notion of how to do this more effectively and efficiently. In addition to teaching the necessary literacy skills, I must find ways to integrate technology in meaningful ways to enhance children’s learning this is where I feel the challenge becomes even more complex.
The point made in the chapter that states, “Today, technological change happens so rapidly that the changes to literacy are limited not by technology but rather by our ability to adapt and acquire the new literacies that emerge. (101)” I have felt many times in my own classroom, that I sometimes at various levels and times hinder the childrens’ development and growth, because of my own personal beliefs, assumptions, and choices and decisions that I make everyday. This quote makes me think more about the complexities and challenges that arise when integrating technology effectively in the classroom complied with teaching young children. I wonder what this looks like in a kindergarten classroom?
As the chapter suggests there must be professional development for all teachers to practice and share technology ideas and projects. Also there must be a professionals to support and assist teachers in this process. Teachers must be immersed in new literacies and new technologies. I feel the pressure and lack of time as a constraint when facing this new learning. I hope to feel more confident and knowledgeable when integrating technology in the classroom now and in the future from my new learning, reading, research and this course.