41.082 - Meanings, Flows, and Relational Spaces: A Symposium in Honor of Steve Witte

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

Spatially oriented research provides researchers with a way to capture relational dynamics between people and spaces as geographies of material, emotional, and imaginary practices. Framing research around the relational nature of space helps to analyze the flows and mobilities of ideas and discourses that circulate in contexts as people engage in their everyday lives. Steve Witte (2005) devoted his work to literacy as an everyday practice and this symposium gathers international scholars to honor Witte by examining lived practices in contexts as relational spaces of belonging and imagining. Moving across spaces of belonging and imagining in Canada, Australia and South Africa, the panel members will present varied perspectives on relational spaces where ideas, cultures, and literacies coalesce and become entangled.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Writing and Literacies

Chair

• Jennifer Rowsell, Brock University

Papers

• Playing Around With Literacy: Children Imagining Possibilities as They Play - Annette Woods, Queensland University of Technology; Margaret Jean Somerville, University of Western Sydney

• Rolling in the Deep: Seeing Differently - Jennifer Rowsell, Brock University

• Disrupting Privilege: Exploring the Everyday Spaces Children Inhabit Through Talk and Text - Kerryn Dixon, University of the Witwatersrand; Hilary Janks, University of the Witwatersrand

• Imagining Literacy: Teachers and Children Finding Time and Space in a Crowded Curriculum - Barbara M. Comber, University of South Australia; Annette Woods, Queensland University of Technology

Discussant

• Barbara M. Comber, University of South Australia