'Culture View of Reading'

Culture, oral language in relation to culture, and identity are an integral part of the reading process; they cannot be treated separately.  Models of reading theory often leave out these components potentially reinforcing the concept that students are a ‘blank slate’ and need the same teaching.   Aspects of student identity and oral language must be included in models and conversations regarding reading.  

Every part of the ‘Simple View of Reading’ and ‘Scarborough’s Rope’ can be connected back to culture and oral language (which itself is directly related to culture/heritage).  Teachers of reading must understand these connections because it informs how best to teach the student and what they need to learn to be successful in school.  This is especially critical because school uses Standard American English, both in its oral language and in its medium for reading and writing.  Not all students come to school with a background in Standard American English; but they do come with an asset background from their own oral language.  These students need to be taught the phonemic awareness, phonemes, phonics skills, etc to be successful decoders.  School focuses, for comprehension, mostly on texts that may not reflect student background (Window texts, not Mirror texts*).   The literacy class offers a rich space for students to learn about themselves, the world and other heritages to foster understanding and a global citizenry.    

The ‘Culture View of Reading’* is a way of thinking about these pieces and how they can be put together.  It takes a step forward to connect various components of reading theory and links them to what comes from culture and what comes from oral language.  The educator must reflect as they move from culture and oral language to teaching literacy with CRP to truly meet the needs of the unique students in their classes. 

*Notes:

-'Mirror texts' are those that reflect and represent the student reading the text.  'Window texts' are those that allow a student to learn about other cultures and histories.

‘The Culture View of Reading’ is the intellectual property of Cheryl Urbanczyk & Learn Literacy.  The graphic and concept can be used without change but must be referenced/attributed to ‘Learn Literacy’.  Thank you for keeping the goodwill of sharing intellectual property that is properly attributed.