Literacy Dig

The weekly assignment for week two required for groups to observe literacy in action.  The open field of Bloomington allowed for many options on where to take this observation.  As a group, Laura, Riley, Allison, Josh, and I chose to view this taking place in the arboretum.  Because of the multiple students walking through the area, as well as the beautiful weather on the chosen day, this was a wonderful place to view literacy. 
I was assigned to observe and record the physical environment to describe the area that we were located in.  I completed this task by taking a picture on my cell phone, drawing a very simple map, and picking up a leaf off the ground. The physical environment was very opportune for many literacy's to take place.  As it was on Monday September 6th a very beautiful day, there were many students leisurely laying in the arboretum. The trees, water, grassy area, and central location on campus attract those who are looking to sit outside in between classes.  There are small brooks, benches, and wide sidewalks winding all through the area.

I was not surprised by the observation in any way.  The three literacies that occurred were sometimes interrupted by causal talk between the couple that we observed. I found the observation interesting because of the location that we chose.  By not completing this observation in a closed area, there was much room for complications of retrieving the data. Seeing that there is literacy found even in a arboretum on a beautiful sunny day only reinforces my knowledge that there is literacy everywhere and that teaching it will be one of my most important tasks in the future.