I have hundreds of photos of children from over the years, yet only one photo is on my desk. This scene was a party that children wanted because we read books and wrote stories. They’re all in high school now, and doing very well.
Children have more ideas and thoughts in their heads than we realize. Their brains are gigantic sponges; they see it all and hear it all. The last part to develop, and the most important, is verbalizing everything that is in their brain. In order to do that, they need words, lots of words- and then more words.
When the school year begins, I jump into reading-aloud picture books and chapter reading books with both feet. Children are constantly hearing words- oh, their brain is soaking it up. The next step is writing picture stories, because they need to use their language and verbalize what they are thinking.
In September we write about what we like to do in school.
Imagine being three or four years old and asked by your teacher what you like to do in school. And then, your teacher carefully writes every word that you say. That tells a child that words are important. The ‘frosting on the cake’ to validate a child’s words is asking the child to illustrate what s/he has said.
Writing picture stories brings thinking and language together. It empowers children.
The day after Halloween we write picture stories again. Children have many memories and thoughts. By now, their language has become more descriptive. Two months of reading-aloud is proof.
As the year progresses, we will read, discuss, debate, write, and facilitate vocabulary. This week one of the chapters in our current chapter reading book, My Father’s Dragon, was titled “Farewell”. Of course that was an unfamiliar word, so we stopped to talk about it. Children at the end of the day were saying “farewell”.
It’s all about language. The more words a child hears, the better s/he will do in school in all subject areas. Period. Now, if that doesn’t make every parent run to the library, and make every teacher institute multiple ways of promoting language, then I will keep shouting this loud and clear.
How simple; increase the number of words and a child does better in school. Write about it, and the child wants to do better. Win-win.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
We had the reading part down at home with our children but didn’t get the writing part. Turned out both of my kids were disgraphic. I didn’t even know such a thing existed.
Me, neither. Thank you, Maureen.
This is very good, my Dear Jennie. …I have had opportunities to teach, even in Schools, and have enjoyed that very much.
But most of my ‘Students’ have been older children, and people much older than that. Though small children love me and vice versa, I do not know what to do after the first 10 minutes or so. Hence Your words and ideas are really very useful to me.
The pictures that the children have drawn, and the things they have said, are Precious indeed.
Blessings on You in the Wonderful work You do. 🙂
Many thanks!
You are Welcome, my Friend, and it is my pleasure. As also my Learning! Thanks and Love. 🙂
🙂
gorgeous pic. and such an important story you tell.
Thank you, Libby!
In the years that my 3 kiddos were in school, I was a regular volunteer mom and always requested to be hands-on with students rather than the one cutting out construction paper hearts for bulletin board displays (though I did whatever was needed by individual teachers at any given time!!!).
Anyway, I was privileged to be the one who painstakingly wrote out kids stories in early grades such as you describe. Often, teachers would have the child choose a favorite, focus on it and get it ‘published’ (Another mom volunteer would laminate the pages and bind them) Boy – each kid – no matter temperament or disciplinary state would be soooooo proud!
I’d love to volunteer in your classes for sure…
🙂
Laura, what a wonderful story! There you were, writing down all the important words that children had to say. Thank you for that! Yes, when you write those words it tells the child that they’re important. Isn’t that the foundation for growing goodness and citizenship (and much more)? You helped to make a difference. And yes, I would love to have you help out in my classroom- provided you would bring your guitar and open the door to instruments. Now, that would be a dream!
…I’d be honored!
🙂
Thank you for this great reminder of the importance of reading aloud, both from picture books and chapter books. I love your “farewell” story! It’s so much fun when the kids begin using vocabulary from a story! Susan
Yes it is, Susan. Thank you!
I love this ‘And then, your teacher carefully writes every word that you say. That tells a child that words are important.’
That touched my heart.
Thank you so much!
Great idea, Jennie. I’m going to start writing down my grandson’s stories. How fun!
😀
Amazing work you do with those curious and clever little people!
Thank you, Khaya!
Love the stories; posting a child’s story and making them feel like a real author is transformational! Great article!
Thank you, Bethany!
The grade school my kids attended had a “Publishing House.” I was lucky enough to become one of the volunteers. The younger kids would be amazed when I told them they could make up stories that didn’t have to be true. They would ask, “you mean like a lie?” I would tell them, no it was just letting their imagination have fun. I would carefully write down the words they said and they would illustrate their stories. I loved doing this and the kids loved their laminated and bound books.
What a wonderful story! It’s such an important thing for children. Thanks, Dayne.
Lovely post, Jennie. I used to read to my children like that, bringing the story to life for them. I loved watching their faces change expression as the story progressed.
Thank you, Jean. Love your story, too.
So true! Especially about learning words and listening carefully to children. I have to admit I cringe a bit when caregivers are on their phones while pushing a baby carriage. No matter how young, children need to hear words, spoken to them, in order to connect with others.
You are so right. I see this all the time, too. Nothing beats that direct conversation with a child.
I totally love that you used the word validate. That is something I’ve been trying to do so much more with my own children and students. Allowing them to express their feelings, not correct or try to ‘fix’ those feelings and simply just…be 🙂 Love all your posts Jennie!
Thank you, Larissa!
What a phenomenal and innovative teacher you are! I have never heard of any elementary grade school teacher doing the kinds of hands on, integrated, exercises you do. You put everything the child learns into action. It had been awhile since I was on your blog, and I am sure happy I visited!
Happy Holidays from Paulette Motzko!
Paulette, that is so nice! Thank you for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed reading the posts. I always enjoy reading your blog. Merry Christmas to you! -Jennie-
I wish you’d email me your address. I would love to send you something.
That is very kind Paulette. P.O. Box 739, Groton, MA 01450. Merry Christmas!
Thank you my friend
🙂
There will be a smile in your mailbox soon. 🙂
You are so kind!