Notes from my ED-LTCY 346 class this semester, Fall 2014 at Boise State University. Children’s literature is the foundation for a rich and effective language arts program. Children’s literature motivates readers, provides them with invaluable language experience and offers them opportunities to learn about themselves and the world. Effective teachers create classroom libraries that support their…
Tag: children
Children from fourteen different families reflect kaleidoscopic diversity
Families, by Susan Kuklin features frank, funny, touching, and often surprising interviews, children from fourteen different families talk about how they identify themselves as a family. The range of families profiled in this engaging book reflects the kaleidoscopic diversity of families in America today: there are mixed-race families and immigrant families; families of gay and lesbian…
The Velveteen Rabbit – A New Edition for Readers of All Ages
Do you remember the first time you read THE VELVETEEN RABBIT? The magical story of a stuffed bunny yearning to be real and the vivid feelings of loneliness, longing, love, and friendship seem to strike a chord with all who read it. Now new readers, children’s literature lovers, collectors, and fans of the story can…
Celebrate and Support Our Teachers
“In education today, we talk about what to teach and how to teach, but rarely do we talk about what a teacher is, “reflects Claudia Allums in What Is a Teacher? Remembering the Soul of Education Through Classic Literature. “As a matter of fact,” she adds, “all of the emphasis on the ‘what’ and the…
Words Their Way: Word Study for Phonics, Vocabulary, and Spelling Instruction
By Michael Strickland Too much that is known about how to teach spelling isn’t being put into practice. I can think of no subject we teach more poorly or harbor more myths about than spelling.—Richard Gentry, 1987 For decades, more people seem to have considered themselves poor spellers than good spellers, despite the fact that…
Racism Takes a Toll on Kids’ Mental Health
“We know that children who experience poor health and well-being are less likely to engage in education, employment and other activities that support them to lead healthy and productive lives, and to participate meaningfully in the community. – Naomi Priest Most adults say they can probably recount an instance of blatant or subversive racism. Equipped with…
Children’s Books that Build Character
A column called A bicycle for a little girl had me thinking about its connections to children’s literature, reading and learning. “Aren’t you the little girl who is always in here looking at bikes?” Emily nodded. “Is this going to be your bike?” Again she nodded. He smiled and turned to me, “You know, the…
Young People's Pavilion 