1) The viewing and visually representing parts are areas that I would not expect to be components of Language Arts, but it makes sense to have them there because if a commercial for a horror film wrote their ad in a font like the one I'm using here, the horror aspect of the film wouldn't be too convincing.

2) Yes, viewing and visually representing should be a part of the list because an author can send multitudes of messages to its viewers by changing how the text looks. For example, you could use red, droopy letters to say "This is going to be scary," or bubbly letters to say "This is a feel-good film." We could avoid condoning influences of the media on our students lives by teaching them that imagery use is the majority of the reason why products are sold and that people often judge a book by its cover.

3) I've had some experience using all six areas of Language Arts in school. My favorite one is visually representing because there are some ideas that are better expressed in a form other than written or spoken. Sophomore year in high school, after reading "Lord of the Flies," we were told to make a visual representation of a theme in the book. My partner and I decided to make cupcakes and use chocolate and vanilla icing to signify who were good and bad people. Vanilla meant good, and chocolate meant bad.
Viewing: After, or while, reading a book, sometimes we watch the movie component that is based on the book we've/we're read(ing).
Writing: Most assignments are in written form because it's the easiest way for a teacher to know that his/her students understand what's going on in class. I don't like this component much because sometimes the question to be answered isn't one that I feel I have the right words for.
Listening: class discussions, what the teacher wants us to get out of a lesson. This isn't much fun, because I like to talk. Although, I like hearing what other people have to say during discussions.
Talking: Like I said, I like to talk. Giving presentations, not so much. I tend to remember group discussions about a topic because they're less formal and less stressful than a presentation would be.
Reading: Mostly homework.
My preferences haven't changed much over time, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility that they might change in the future.

About Me

I'm from Westport, CT, 21 years old, Child Development major, K-6 licensure.
I have two younger brothers, Tim (20) and John (16), and a dog (Kobe)-He's a chocolate lab. Tim is a junior at Arizona State University, and John is a junior in High School (in CT).
I've been a camp counselor for the past 5 years, going on 6, at the same camp: Camp Quinipet (aka: CQ). It's on Shelter Island, NY. Since nobody ever knows where that is, it's in between the North and South forks of Long Island, near the Hamptons. It's absolutely gorgeous there, and I love it! I hope to have my wedding there (whenever that may be).
I'm a lifeguard, but my certification expired in August, so I have to renew it before summer starts again. I'm also certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED.
I love to watch movies (I'll watch anything, but am not a huge fan of horror films). I enjoy occasional recreational reading. I like to swim, run, ski, shop, sit at the beach, listen to music, sing (I'm not very good at it...at all). I earn the majority of my money from babysitting and working at CQ (feel free to refer me for any babysitting jobs).
Everyone's always fascinated to hear how I learned about Meredith since I'm from so far away: My mom's friend grew up in Raleigh and recommended it when she heard I wanted a small school in the southeast region of the country that had a good teaching program.

Thoughts of Blogging

I tried to keep a blog in high school when Xanga and Live Journal first started, but it didn't last long. I have nothing against it, but it doesn't do anything for me. If anything, it's a bit of a hassle and reminds me of keeping a diary.