Linguistic Dimensions Study Johanna Diaz Community Description CTGE 5531

Who are these individuals? My students are culturally diverse. They have different backgrounds, cultures, and languages. Who are these individuals?

My students as individuals! They are family oriented They assist at their parent’s business They are involved in their churches My students as individuals!

Literacy Practices Outside of School Literacies Sports (Students are literate in sports such as basketball & Soccer They read in their churches They help lead Sunday class for the younger kids at Church They enjoy reading young adult literature Survey Conducted 12 out of 25 students read for leisure 2 other students watch the discovery channel to learn about the world All students have an independent reading book for downtime in class Literacy Practices Outside of School

Observations made in class Student Talk 10/23-In student writing I often find them making mistakes with the different versions of the word “there” 10/24-I heard a student use the word, “mitch” to another fellow male student, I asked them not to use that word or any other like it. I did some research and it is meant to mean the male version of the b---- 10/27-I have a lamp in my classroom and today a student acknowledged it as something they like because it makes them feel safe like when they are home. 10/27-I heard the word, “FACTS” used as slang Now students will say “FACTS” when a teacher makes a point or another student states something that they agree with 10/28-I had a student cry today because another student questioned whether she had extensions vs. a weave in her hair 10/30- Students loved their home cooked meals and complained about the school lunches being stale. 10/31-We read a poem where there was a mention of a trout and during our discussion I had one student say, “fishes” for the plural of fish. 10/31- As they were packing, students were discussing how important it was for them to dress up as something that their friends would like. Wanted acceptance. Observations made in class Student Talk

Most of our students come from the South Bronx Most of our students come from the South Bronx. Most families are working class. The school is highly secured with window gates and the doors are looked all day. We have many bodegas in the area and Latin cuisine. Many of the residents in the area speak Spanish from Dominican and Puerto Rican backgrounds. We also have a growing population of African Americans in the area. With the closing of some private schools last year our South American Population is also growing. Community

Anecdotal TV Shows: Bad Girls Club Love and Hip Hop Platanos maduros Teachers learn a lot about their students through: Overheard conversations and Classroom discussion TV Shows: Bad Girls Club Love and Hip Hop Favorite Foods: Arroz con habicuela Pizza Crunchy chips Platanos maduros Students gossip: Talk about how they do their hair Make fun of others laugh Talk about what teachers wear Anecdotal

Student Writing