The school year is beginning, and I turn to the most important thing I do in teaching – reading aloud. This is an earlier post that explodes with many picture books I discovered, and how they became the golden key. This is the beginning of many book reviews and stories behind what happened when I read aloud. Stay tuned!
My very first day of teaching was filled with nerves. There I was, sitting in front of fifteen children, ready to read-aloud a book that was new to me- Swimmy by Leo Lionni. Thus began my love of children’s books and reading. My life was about to change. It was more than the book; it was the full experience with the words and illustrations, and the children.
Suddenly the library and local book store became my favorite stops. I vowed to start my own book collection. One of my first purchases was Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. Breathtaking! What does a teacher do when the book is so good that children need more? We created a giant mural, and then we went “owling”- at school, at night. Parents brought spotlights, and we called to owls in the woods behind the playground. Years later, parents still recalled that remarkable night.
Books started to trigger more than marinating vocabulary. I bought Caps For Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina. The children made caps, and we performed a play for the school. I had never done a play performance with children. I quickly realized that adding this step made reading even better, not to mention building self confidence.
Fairy tales followed, and the favorites I added to my collection were Rapunzel by Paul O Zelinsky, The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Paul Galdone, and Jack and the Beanstalk by John Howe. Yes, play performances were stellar. One line in Jack and the Beanstalk prompted us to write to the author. Jack’s mother said to Jack, “You stupid boy.” John Howe kindly replied to the children with a handwritten two-page letter on why he used the word “stupid.”
I couldn’t read enough. I read all kinds of books. In time I just knew the good ones, like Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion, King Bidgood’s in the Bathtub by Audrey Wood, and The Three Robbers by Tomi Ungerer.
I cried when reading-aloud books like The Keeping Quilt by Patricia Polacco, Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney, and Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig. Tears are a good thing- they teach love so that children learn to feel for others.
I laughed my head off reading-aloud books like Would You Rather by John Birningham and Rotten Ralph by Jack Gantos. Belly laughing is a terrific experience with children!
Books became geography lessons. Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton was the best in learning north, south, east and west- much like her book The Little House was the best in teaching history. I began to use a big book atlas to expand on learning. At any opportunity we opened up this marvelous tool to bringing books to life. It was common to become sidetracked. Isn’t that great?
Children need to understand emotions. That’s an important part of preschool. I discovered There’s an Alligator Under My Bed by Mercer Mayer, Pig Pig Grows Up by David McPhail, Are You My Mother? by P.D. Eastman, and Humphrey the Lost Whale by Wendy Tokuda and Richard Hall. Together, we worry and wonder.
What happened next? Children wanted to read on their own. It is a common scene in my classroom:
Today I continue to read these books (and many, many more), along with new ones that I collect along the years. There are rhyming books, poetry, books that I sing…
I teach from the heart, thanks to reading-aloud. In the words to the song, “Make new friends and keep the old. One is silver and the older gold.” A book is a friend, whether silver or gold!
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Books are indeed our best friends. They kept me company as a lonely child on the prairies and took me to many places. Thanks for instilling that fondness in the children.
Thank you, Janice. It’s the most important thing I do in teaching. I’m glad books brought so much to you as a child.
As always, you get to the heart of the educational experience. Bringing books alive with plays, outdoor experiences, and practical appreciations of the life lessons contained in those pages.
Gold indeed, Jennie, and worth more than its weight.
Best wishes, Pete.
I do think this the heart of education, Pete. Yes, gold. Thank you, and best wishes.
What a gift, Jennie. When I’m shopping with my daughter she is sometimes allowed a $5 small toy if she’s good. Unless we are in a book shop, then she can have whatever she likes. He hasn’t worked that out yet. 😁
You are doing the right thing! Now, if only all parents took their children into a book store, that would be wonderful.
I live picture books!
The best! 😀
Books definitely are friends, Jennie. I still have many of my “friends” from my childhood.
Indeed they are, Robbie. And I do, too!
There have been many joys parenting but being able to read aloud to them is right up there. I think as they got a little older I cried most over Morpurgo’s works
Utterly extraordinary writer. Lovely reminder of those easy pleasures Jennie
Oh, the memories! The pleasure of reading aloud a good book stays with you and your child forever.
One of the joys of the Harry Potter books was getting them at the start of the school holidays and reading them to the kids after which they’d read them
Yes!!
One thing I’ve tried to do as a parent is encourage reading by reading aloud and supplying plenty of books either through purchase or borrowing from the library. I love seeing my own children so enthusiastic about reading!
Good for you, Elihu! You have given your children the greatest gift. Isn’t it a joy?
Indeed! I just joined a new homeschool group and they have a monthly book club. My oldest two are so excited and also finding people who share their love of literature! 😊
Wonderful!! 😀
Such a warm, happy post, Jennie. Thank you! I love the way you closed it — a book really is a friend, no matter our age. I think you’re absolutely right that children are part of the experience of children’s books. You’re a delight. Hugs on the wing!
I so appreciate your words, Teagan. They mean a lot. Especially coming from you. I couldn’t agree more with your comments! Thank you!! 😍
You make me want to write a children’s book, Jennie. I just love the way you describe the experiences with them. 😀
I hope you do, John (I’m working on #2) as you are both a good writer and have “the touch”. Lucy, Bailey, and Twiggy- I rest my case. Thank you so much!
🙂
A wonderful glimpse into your history.
Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it, John.
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is another wonderful post from an excellent teacher–Jennie!
Thank you so much, Charles!
You are very welcome!
Wonderful!💗
Thank you!
Poor gold, Jennie. Of course, I agree. But you knew I would. So many books. Not enough hours. 🙂
Exactly! Thank you, Norah. 🙂
Oops! I’m sure I meant “pure” gold. Sorry, Jennie.
I knew you did, Norah. 🙂 Spellcheck is not always my friend.
It seems to have a mind of its own sometimes. 🙂
🙂
What a wonderful gift to give a child. You are truly amazing Jennie Xx
Thank you so much!
Books-good ones – could be an entire curriculum. How enriching.
It really could. Thanks, Michele!
I think the important thing is understanding what children need, and finding a way to give it to them. You seem to do that very well, Jennie.
You are absolutely right, Dan. And thank you!
Reblogged this on Notes from An Alien and commented:
Yeah, I know… It’s Monday and there’s a re-blog below this message…
See, what happened was…
Yesterday, Right Here, I did the Blog Conversation post; but, I’ve rigged all kinds of alarms and notifiers to make sure the next one is on Wednesday…
So… go ahead and enjoy this re-blog 🙂
Thank you, Alexander.
Solitude is essential, it is like air. Yet a life without books would sufficate and leave me lonely. With a book, one is never alone.
Thank you so much. You have given those children a gift that can see them throughout their lives.
Beautiful words, Lea. Your thoughts mirror mine. Thank you! 🙂
What surprised me was how reading to kids reinvigorated my writing — especially reminding me how to look differently at the world I had become oblivious to!
Yes!! Reading to children is just as good for the reader. The book you read and the questions children ask can completely change how you see the world. Isn’t that wonderful?
Have a wonderful start to the new year, Jennie, with all your new little friends. Happy Reading!
Thank you so much, Diana! 🙂
What a most beautiful post Jennie. It’s no wonder you’re such a gifted teacher because you have wonderful compassion. And a teacher without compassion is like a doctor without a bedside manner. These tender years are when those kids are becoming little sponges and reading is a great way to let them experience emotions. ❤
I love those words, Debby. “A teacher without compassion is like a doctor without a bedside manner.” So true! I am to lucky one to read those wonderful words and stories to children and watch the evolution. Thank you! 😊
Stay blessed my friend. 🙂
And to you, too, my dear friend. 😍
❤
Wonderful way to show the importance of books. With all the fun extracurricular activities, I’m sure your students remember the stories for many years after. Have a great start to the new school year!
Front-facing is the way to go, Marcia. Makes all the difference in the world to children, which you already know at the library. And yes, they do remember for many years. 🙂 School started for teachers this week, and for children next week. I can’t wait to read aloud! 😀
I’m going to try and put together a list of all your favorite books and see how many of them I can find and read. I looked around in our library but without a list, it was a little overwhelming. I’m going through my first childhood a little late but it’s fun. We saw Christopher Robin this weekend and I told my daughter that I didn’t remember reading the Pooh stories. I think I’m getting them for my birthday. 😉
Nice!
Check out my book reviews at:
goddessmagickreview.org
Blessed Be,
Goddess Magick Review
That is so sweet! I hope you have many more opportunities to do this in the future.
Thank you, Sarah! I definitely will. 🙂
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Thank you for the nomination. While I may not be able to participate, I am very much appreciative. 🙂
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Thank you!