When you think about a picture book you usually think its a book that only displays pictures and a less amount of words. That's correct but picture books are also grouped into different categories like; the Mother Goose Stories, Concept books, Alphabet books, counting books, Wordless picture books, toy books, pop-up books, easy to read books, picture storybooks and post modern picture books. When reading a picture book the elements of illustrations are very important. For instance Color is used to by artist to convey character,mood and emotion. Line is considered to be the most common and expressive element in picture books. Shape is the two-dimensional form representing an object.Texture the illusion of texture is created by an artist to communicate the sensation of roughness, smoothness, hardness, softness, and so forth. Style is not a separate element bu the impact of all of the elements together.Point of View Illustrators use a variety of perspectives to give readers different vantage points from which to view the events in a story. Distance refers to how close or far the viewer is from the scene in the illustration.Media painterly and graphic in which illustrators us to create their artwork.
Its very important that you understand how to read picture books. "The first critical step is to select a picture book in which the pictures are an integral part of the story and that meets the development needs and cultural context of the children with whom you will share the book with. Then make sure the children are within easy viewing of the book, if children cannot see the book, they will probably disengage from the experience."(Pg 100).
After reading the chapter a few things stood out to me that I would use in my own classroom. Having the students make picture books of their choice, A Literature Response Journal and also having the students complete a Reader's Theater(Drama). Each of these activities challenges the students understanding of books with words and without words.
some of the books I would use are:
1.Is it red, Is it Yellow, Is it Blue
2.The Water Hole
3.The Cat in the Hat
4.Where the Wild things are
5. Hugo
6. Curious George
7.Madeline
8. Were Back!
9.The Lorax
10. Shrek
Picturing Books
"Picture books are for everybody at any age, not books to be left behind as we grow older. The best ones leave a tantalizing gap between the pictures and the words, a gap that is filled by the reader’s imagination, adding so much to the excitement of reading a book." ~Anthony Browne, UK Children’s Laureate, 2009-2011
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Monday, March 18, 2013
Traditional Literature
The Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, The Ginger Bread Man, Snow White And the Seven Dwarfs, Rumpelstiltskin etc. are wonderful traditional tales for students to read to each other or as a class. Traditional literature are not only stories that expand out children's mind it helps children understand the personal dimension and standards of behavior of a culture and the same time reduce stereotypes It provides children with a framework for the literature, drama, and art they will later encounter, it provides entertainment and pleasure:children enjoy reading and hearing folk tales and it provides strong rhythm, rhyme and repetition of patterns.
As I was reading two things stood out to me. One is that folk tales are told in a numerous amount of ways for instance the Cinderella story has 700 different versions. Having the students explore different versions of Traditional Literature helps the student understand and except different cultures. Two was that Traditional literature can be taken beyond just reading in areas such as social studies, science and math.
One activity I would use in my classroom would be to have the student's write their own version of the following stories; Cinderella The Ginger Bread Man, Three little pigs and Lion and the Mouse. Having students complete a fun and engaging writing assignment allows the student to feel comfortable and explore their own imagination when it comes to writing.
The following below are some of the different version of the Cinderella Story:
As I was reading two things stood out to me. One is that folk tales are told in a numerous amount of ways for instance the Cinderella story has 700 different versions. Having the students explore different versions of Traditional Literature helps the student understand and except different cultures. Two was that Traditional literature can be taken beyond just reading in areas such as social studies, science and math.
One activity I would use in my classroom would be to have the student's write their own version of the following stories; Cinderella The Ginger Bread Man, Three little pigs and Lion and the Mouse. Having students complete a fun and engaging writing assignment allows the student to feel comfortable and explore their own imagination when it comes to writing.
The following below are some of the different version of the Cinderella Story:
Monday, February 25, 2013
Reading By Children: Independent Reading, and Writing and Literature Circles
Preparing for Independent reading:
Since I have been an education major, in many of my classes it's required to complete observation hours. During my observation hours I have noticed many teachers classroom with their own Classroom library. From this chapter I have understood why having a classroom library can be very effective in the classroom. you can organize it by grade level, genre, topics or even by authors. It also prevents students not being able to find something to read during the hour. One technique I would take into consideration when having my own classroom is knowing my students literacy personalities. Its good to know what types of books your students like to enjoy and what types of books they don't enjoy. Finding out these little details about your students they will become motivated and engaged readers and writers for sure.
Student's Independent Reading:
Every child has a problem finding a book, even myself when I was younger and still now I do. One supportive technique I would use in my classroom is the "Goldilocks Strategy" by Ohlhausen and Jepson (1992) this technique was designed to help students find a book that is "just right" for them. Another technique I really enjoyed reading about is the "book talks". I cant remember ever having a book talk in class when I was younger. Having the students discuss books they have already read with their peers not only builds relationships in the classroom but connects them to each other by finding out that students among them enjoy reading similar or different books. book talks are mentioned as brief "teasers" that entice other readers to read a particular book being introduced. Having a reading journal is another strategy I would use in my classroom it allows the students to write about the texts they have read. But the key to success with writing journals is to establish with the students the guidelines for journal entries.
Independent Writing:
"To learn to read is to learn to walk. To learn to write is to learn to rise." Jose Marti
Their are four major steps a teacher must consider when preparing for independent writing; Explore, Draft, Edit and Publish. When preparing writing in the classroom its very helpful to have all classroom materials ready for your future writers. Its also important to have enough supplies for all your students not just a few.One on One conferences I would use to discuss with a student by his/her self to help my student move forward in their writing. Teachers can have a writing folder or writers notebook that has:
1. A list of topic ideas
2. A list of books that "spark" an idea
3. A list of action words, describing words, or other word choices
4. Writing rubrics, checklist, or guides
Defining Literature Discussion:
I found it very helpful to know that its very important when selecting books for literature circle time. That is should be based of the teacher knowledge of quality literature and of students literacy personalities, cultures, reading strengths and needs, independent reading levels and cross-curricular goals.
Forming discussion groups can be heterogeneous with more than five or six students. the students decide on a book and once they have chosen a book an initial meeting is helped with the teacher for further assistance. Their are four ways a teacher can encourage productive discussions:
1. Building community and ensuring active involvement
2. Model discursive skills
3. Model active listening
4. facilitate deeper conversations
Links I would use in my classroom that are very helpful to an engaging reading, writing classroom are:
http://wblrd.sk.ca/~bestpractice/reader/process.html
http://www.readingrockets.org/webcast/1005
http://www.litcircles.org
http://www.learner.org
Since I have been an education major, in many of my classes it's required to complete observation hours. During my observation hours I have noticed many teachers classroom with their own Classroom library. From this chapter I have understood why having a classroom library can be very effective in the classroom. you can organize it by grade level, genre, topics or even by authors. It also prevents students not being able to find something to read during the hour. One technique I would take into consideration when having my own classroom is knowing my students literacy personalities. Its good to know what types of books your students like to enjoy and what types of books they don't enjoy. Finding out these little details about your students they will become motivated and engaged readers and writers for sure.
Student's Independent Reading:
Every child has a problem finding a book, even myself when I was younger and still now I do. One supportive technique I would use in my classroom is the "Goldilocks Strategy" by Ohlhausen and Jepson (1992) this technique was designed to help students find a book that is "just right" for them. Another technique I really enjoyed reading about is the "book talks". I cant remember ever having a book talk in class when I was younger. Having the students discuss books they have already read with their peers not only builds relationships in the classroom but connects them to each other by finding out that students among them enjoy reading similar or different books. book talks are mentioned as brief "teasers" that entice other readers to read a particular book being introduced. Having a reading journal is another strategy I would use in my classroom it allows the students to write about the texts they have read. But the key to success with writing journals is to establish with the students the guidelines for journal entries.
Independent Writing:
"To learn to read is to learn to walk. To learn to write is to learn to rise." Jose Marti
Their are four major steps a teacher must consider when preparing for independent writing; Explore, Draft, Edit and Publish. When preparing writing in the classroom its very helpful to have all classroom materials ready for your future writers. Its also important to have enough supplies for all your students not just a few.One on One conferences I would use to discuss with a student by his/her self to help my student move forward in their writing. Teachers can have a writing folder or writers notebook that has:
1. A list of topic ideas
2. A list of books that "spark" an idea
3. A list of action words, describing words, or other word choices
4. Writing rubrics, checklist, or guides
Defining Literature Discussion:
I found it very helpful to know that its very important when selecting books for literature circle time. That is should be based of the teacher knowledge of quality literature and of students literacy personalities, cultures, reading strengths and needs, independent reading levels and cross-curricular goals.
Forming discussion groups can be heterogeneous with more than five or six students. the students decide on a book and once they have chosen a book an initial meeting is helped with the teacher for further assistance. Their are four ways a teacher can encourage productive discussions:
1. Building community and ensuring active involvement
2. Model discursive skills
3. Model active listening
4. facilitate deeper conversations
Links I would use in my classroom that are very helpful to an engaging reading, writing classroom are:
http://wblrd.sk.ca/~bestpractice/reader/process.html
http://www.readingrockets.org/webcast/1005
http://www.litcircles.org
http://www.learner.org
Friday, February 22, 2013
Modern Fantasy
The link below is a discussion between a teacher and a student about how Harry Potter is considered Modern Fantasy. Modern Fantasy is a genre of books with its roots in folktales legends, and myths, fantasy takes us beyond the world as we know it, defying the natural laws of physics, to a world where animals can talk, people can perform magic, and other worlds exist.
Modern fantasy can be broken into two different categories which are low and high modern Fantasy. Stories that are considered low fantasy take place in the real world but magical elements of fantasy make them impossible such as books titled Charlotte's Web and The tale of Peter Rabbit. High Fantasy takes the information and experiences from the real world and projects them into an "other world". Books that are considered high fantasy are: The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe, The Wonderful Wizard Of OZ and The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
There are so many opportunities for readers in today's classroom to respond to Modern Fantasy in different curriculum areas such as History, science and language arts.
One of the books I would use in my classroom that show excellent Modern Fantasy is "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon". I would order a full set of books and give each one of my students a book to read for a daily homework reading assignment. After completing each night of reading the students would then record in a journal about what they were picturing while reading. The students would keep this information in a reading log and once they have completed the book they would turn that reading log into me for a grade.
Modern Fantasy Video
Fantasy read a longs I would use in my classroom are:
1. Arthur series
2. Frog and Toad
3. Clifford the big red dog
4.Magic Tree House
5.Little Bear
2. Frog and Toad
3. Clifford the big red dog
4.Magic Tree House
5.Little Bear
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Historical Fiction
As a future teacher I have to say
historical fiction provides students in today’s class with historical truths. Historical
fiction does more than give information to the reader, but it connects the
reader to that particular time error. “Historical fiction helps children
realize they are not just outsiders looking in on great historical events; it
helps them appreciate that everyone plays a role in shaping history (Pg. 209)”.
When looking into historical fiction books past and future authors have written
offers so much to the students in our classroom. For instance it conveys a
sense of life as it was lived, happens to ordinary people, broadens
perspectives and helps children understand that the present and future are
linked to actions of the past.
One approach I would use when introducing
historical fiction to a group of students would be to start off with a Read aloud
story. Starting off with a read aloud allows the students to focus on the
message the writer is making and how the author comes up with such important
information. Some of the stories recommended in the text were Barefoot: Escape
on the Underground Railroad, Follow the Drinking Gourd, Sweet Clara and the
Freedom Quilt, Liberty Street and Show Way. Depending on the age level of
students I am working with accommodations would be made to fit their particular
learning needs/style. After reading a book together as a class I would hold a book
discussion, having these types of conversations about historical fiction provides
an avenue for deep comprehension of text.
Historical fiction can be used all
across the curriculum border in areas such as Math, Art, Music, Science and
History of course. ALL of these
curricular aims are shaped form historical fiction. For instance history can be
taught in art with having the students learn about famous Artist and what contributions
they have made to American history. Also with Language arts; having the
students learn about the lives of famous authors who are also brought to life
in several historical fiction books.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Biographies and Informational Books
As a future teacher it's great for students in the classroom to experience nonfiction books. Nonfiction is the literature of fact consisting of biographies and information books that revolve around the social and scientific world. Nonfiction can benefit the students in our classroom in six major different ways. 1. It offers a key to success in later schooling, 2. It is ubiquitous in the larger society, 3. It is the preferred reading material for some children, 4. It addresses children's interest and questions,5. It builds knowledge of the natural and social world and 6. it includes many important text features.
An excellent technique that I would use in my classroom with my students is the biographies report about authors who write nonfiction children books. I would have the students select three authors and complete a biographies. I would have the students in my classroom complete a science project on books he/she has read that is related to science. The last technique i would use with the students in my classroom is having the students research information in books authors write to make sure it's credited and up to date. These activities not only challenge the students academically but builds interest to reading nonfiction material. A website that I would diffidently use in the future that can help me pick great quality books that was mention in the chapter and i visited is; 100 best nonfiction books for Pre-K to 8th grade.
http://www.rif.org/educators/book/100_nonfiction.mspx
An excellent technique that I would use in my classroom with my students is the biographies report about authors who write nonfiction children books. I would have the students select three authors and complete a biographies. I would have the students in my classroom complete a science project on books he/she has read that is related to science. The last technique i would use with the students in my classroom is having the students research information in books authors write to make sure it's credited and up to date. These activities not only challenge the students academically but builds interest to reading nonfiction material. A website that I would diffidently use in the future that can help me pick great quality books that was mention in the chapter and i visited is; 100 best nonfiction books for Pre-K to 8th grade.
http://www.rif.org/educators/book/100_nonfiction.mspx
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Realistic Fiction
What is realistic fiction. Realistic Fiction is realistic in the sense that the setting, characters and events are plausible- they reflect contemporary places, people and situations. In today's classroom good realistic fiction benefits today's classroom in a numerous of ways. For instance a few benefits are: 1. It honestly portrays the realistic of life so children can gain a more in depth understanding of human problems and relationships. 2. It helps expand children's frames of reference and ability to see the world from another perspective.
There has been many controversial and sensitive issues about having realistic fiction read in the classroom. The issues brought up through realistic fiction that teachers should stay away from are: Death, Divorce, Moral Choices, Mental, physical and behavioral challenges, abuse, Homelessness and Poverty, Sexism and Sexuality.
Realistic fiction can be a big contribution to Literacy Development, most children are drawn to this type of writing so having a read a loud session gives the students an opportunity to think about the text and the message the author is trying to make. Also Scaffolding comprehension is another great contribute that builds the students understanding of the story structure. Realistic Fiction also opens up another door and opportunities to have open-ended discussions and reading response journals. Realistic Fiction can be stretched through today's curriculum for instance science teachers can pair these types of books with class experiments and discuss how science knowledge is important in everyday life. Another is Math, social studies and language arts.
In conclusion of Realistic Fiction teachers must keep in mind "the first amendment and the demands of censorship against concerns such as maintaining the integrity of the educational curriculum meeting state education requirements, respecting the judgments of professional staff and addressing deeply held beliefs in students and members of the community"(Pg 190).
There has been many controversial and sensitive issues about having realistic fiction read in the classroom. The issues brought up through realistic fiction that teachers should stay away from are: Death, Divorce, Moral Choices, Mental, physical and behavioral challenges, abuse, Homelessness and Poverty, Sexism and Sexuality.
Realistic fiction can be a big contribution to Literacy Development, most children are drawn to this type of writing so having a read a loud session gives the students an opportunity to think about the text and the message the author is trying to make. Also Scaffolding comprehension is another great contribute that builds the students understanding of the story structure. Realistic Fiction also opens up another door and opportunities to have open-ended discussions and reading response journals. Realistic Fiction can be stretched through today's curriculum for instance science teachers can pair these types of books with class experiments and discuss how science knowledge is important in everyday life. Another is Math, social studies and language arts.
In conclusion of Realistic Fiction teachers must keep in mind "the first amendment and the demands of censorship against concerns such as maintaining the integrity of the educational curriculum meeting state education requirements, respecting the judgments of professional staff and addressing deeply held beliefs in students and members of the community"(Pg 190).
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