Digital Portfolio
EDU 614

Mary Jerzak

Agnes Scott University

Mary Jerzak

Reading History

I remember learning the alphabet in kindergarten. As a class we sounded out the letters and then individually were asked to make the sounds. We used big pencils and specially lined paper to practice writing out the letters. In first grade, we learned to read in sentences. I had some behavior and emotional problems at that time, and remember hurting myself in class during one of the reading periods. I stabbed myself in the hand with a pencil, without really knowing the reason. This experience is probably one reason why I remember my first grade teacher, Ms. Manio, so well.

My parents were never really involved in helping me learn to read, except for buying me books or taking me to the library. I would always check out at least a dozen books, and usually end up with a stack as tall as me. I was always excited about reading.

I served as language interpreter for my mother, who has limited speaking and reading ability in English, which probably accelerated my communication skills. I remember around this time in my life, around the age of 5 or 6, my mother was trying to learn to read English and also apply for U.S. citizenship. It was a tense period for us and my mother began resenting me for my reading skills. She ended up not completing her English courses or passing the citizenship test. I think it is something she still holds against me, even though it is unreasonable to think that I was responsible for her education. In general, my family was not actively involved in my learning, but distantly supportive. I still have negative feelings about the whole situation.

However, my reading did not suffer for it. I am an avid reader and have always enjoyed reading very much. I hope to avoid negative experiences with my students and hope they develop the same love of reading that I have.