Regulating readers' bodies: a discourse analysis of teachers' body talk. Issue 5 (3rd September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lester, Jessica Nina; Gabriel, Rachael
• Is Part Of: Discourse. Volume 38:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 688
• Page End: 700
• Publication Date: 2017-09-03
• Subjects: Discourse analysis -- discursive psychology -- reading -- bodies; Education -- Periodicals; Education -- Australia -- Periodicals; 370.5
• DOI: 10.1080/01596306.2015.1135417
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0159-6306

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this paper, we report findings from a discourse analysis study of reading instruction in eight primary/elementary school classrooms in the United States. Drawing upon discursive psychology, we specifically examined 96 hours of reading comprehension instruction, with a focus on how teachers talked about the body during the instruction and noted how this gave rise to particular constructions of what it means to be a 'good' reader and/or learner. We discuss two patterns from the analysis of our data, including: (1) emphasized versus embedded physical control as essential to being a 'successful' reader, and (2), implicit physical control and freedom as essential to literacy learning and to students' identities as readers. We conclude by highlighting implications, with a focus on student identity.