Iliana's Life Mind Map
Tracking and organizing of my academic life as it relates to literacy and numeracy.
1. 1980
1.1. Moved from El Salvador, Central America to California, USA at the age of 7.
1.1.1. Had to learn to speak English.
1.1.2. Assessment showed I was at grade 4 level but was put in grade 2.
1.1.3. Language barrier caused anxiety and frustration and would run home crying everyday.
2. 1983
2.1. By grade 4 I could read and write well but had limited vocabulary.
2.2. Performed well in school mostly getting A's and B's but excelled at math.
2.3. At home I had limited exposure to books and/or English support. Parents had very limited English skills. Books in home were merely second hand, dated encyclopedias.
3. 1984-85
3.1. In grades 5 and 6 I took pride in being the best at math (times tables). Winning two awards
4. 1985
4.1. Book reports were a chore. Found ways to cheat the system by only reading first and last chapter or timelines at back of books. My grades were still A's and B's
5. 1986 Canada
5.1. English no longer a problem.
5.2. Hated living in Canada. Making friends was a challenge for a 14 year old.
5.2.1. Tried learning a new language (French) But the school wouldn't let me without prior knowledge of it.
5.2.2. Social Studies in grade 8 covered Canadian politics and government. I didn't understand it and got C's and D's which made my parents angry with me.
5.3. Schools here are indoors and schools in California are outdoors. I hated school becuase I had to sit in cubicle like classes.
6. Late 1980s Early 90s
6.1. Math had become exceedingly challenging in grades 10/11
6.1.1. In grade 10 the teacher granted me a C for the great effort I'd put in.
6.1.2. In grade 11 continued to fail miserably with a 20% in math 20. Teacher encouraged me to drop out of course.
6.2. Tried Independent Reading Course in grade 11.
6.2.1. I couldn't find books that interested me. Read Steven King novels for the reports and found my old way of doing reports still worked. I got a C in this course.
6.3. Teachers were not helpful or interested in finding ways for me to succeed at reading or math.
6.3.1. The lack of teacher motivation and belief in me made me think I was just plain stupid and lazy. My parents echoed similar thoughts.
7. Late 2008 - present
7.1. In 2008 I achieve a certificate in Interior Decorating from MRU.
7.2. In 2009 I returned to MRU for upgrading.
7.2.1. I achieved A's in all courses. In math 15 and 30 = to 20 and 30 pure I achieve 97% and 98% respectively.
7.3. Now I've returned again for my certificate as EA.
7.3.1. I have done exceedingly well keeping my grades high.
8. Early 2000's
8.1. Had two children, girl and a boy.
8.1.1. Began teaching my daughter in play from an early age.
8.1.1.1. She had an extensive vocabulary by the age of 1. 100 words.
8.1.1.2. She new her alphabet by 18 moths and could play spelling games by end of pre-school.
8.1.1.3. Was above average reader by end of grade one. Read at grade 2 level.
8.1.2. Insisted we have appropriate "fun" books for children to read.
8.1.3. Son was slower in his academics. Later was diagnosed with LD, ADHD and DCD.
8.1.3.1. Over the last few years I worked hard to make sure he is encouraged, motivated, and that appropriate resources are made available to him.
8.1.3.2. Advocate for him in school and try to educate teachers on how better to help him.
8.2. Still had little belief in myself. More so after being a stay at home mother for a number of years.
8.2.1. Eventually decided to return to school for the first time.
8.2.1.1. Achieved a diploma in writing children's literature.