Leading in Literacy

McGennis, a dual elementary and special education majorattending Charlotte on scholarship to teach reading, is leading her class in an interactive persuasive writing activity that will help them make their case. One that is an important part of the students' journey to lifelong literacy and in their student teacher's development of skills essential to success in the classroom.

In her final semesters at UNC Charlotte, McGennis is being directed toward more opportunities to apply what she's learned and practice her craft through a curriculum that has been hands-on since she arrived at the Cato College of Education. An out-of-state student, McGennis arrived at the University from Pittsburgh for Charlotte's elite dual-degree program in special education and elementary education.

Over the course of the writing lesson at Berewick Elementary, McGennis floats between groups to listen for student understanding and review their progress.

"T - A - P . . . topic, audience, parameters. We underline the topic, star the audience, and tap the parameters." She stops to repeat and invites the young readers to join in: "Topic, audience, parameters."

By learning mnemonic devices to understand the elements of a persuasive piece of writing, students are gathering the building blocks they need to become independent readers and critical thinkers.