At the request of fellow bloggers, here is a video of me reading aloud the classic children’s picture book, “Ox-Cart Man.”
But first, I wanted to show you a mural the children made last year that hangs as a permanent display at school. It depicts the start of his ten-day journey to Portsmouth. This art was made with paint and tissue paper. The making of the mural was a joy for children. That speaks volumes for the book “Ox-Cart Man.”
I hope you enjoyed the story as much as the children did, and as much as I did. Good books are meant to be read over and over again.
Jennie
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About Jennie
I have been teaching preschool for over thirty-five years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about.
I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
A Teacher's Reflections 
Thank you, Jennie 🥰
You’re welcome, Ritu. 😊
I watched this full-screen on my PC monitor, and felt as if you were reading it just for me. A lovely story of the seasons, and self-sufficient farming in the early days. The illustrations are perfect too of course.
But I still wish he hadn’t had to sell his faithful ox. 🙂
Thanks, Jennie.
Best wishes, Pete.
Aww.. that’s so nice. Thank you, Pete. I think kissing the ox goodbye was a nice touch. 🙂
Thanks so much, Jennie. I loved you reading this book. What a treat! I can see why the children would love it too.
Thank you, Darlene! 🙂
Great Jennie – and a signed copy too! It made the words more special.
I had forgotten the book was signed. What a treat for me! Thank you, Opher.
Thank you –
You’re welcome! 🥰
What a lovely story! it shows a different lifestyle and how interconnected life can be.
A real circle of life. Thank you, Pam!
It’s a great story. There are so many positive traits mentioned. You read these so well. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it, Dan. Thank you!
Brilliant Jennie!🤗
Thanks so much, Kim! 😊
Is this the same Donald Hall as the poet and essayist?
Yes!!
Thanks. I knew the book and knew the poet but didn’t know they were one and the same.
Isn’t that something? 🙂
Thank you so much! This was wonderful!
Hugz
Glad you liked it, Ren! 🙂
All so wonderful, art and reading:)
Thank you, Becky! 🙂
Jennie, thank you so much!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Charles. 🙂
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is another wonderful post from Jennie, the excellent teacher!
Thank you so much, Charles!
This is a delight, Jennie. It’s easy to see why the children love you so much. Hugs on the wing.
That’s so kind, Teagan. Thank you! 💕
I tried everything and could not get the sound to play, Jennie. I know it was terrific just sad I couldn’t hear it.
Oh, no! I think this happened to you once before. I’m so sorry. ☹️ Thank you, John.
I know.I have not figured out the problem.
☹️
Thank you for letting me be a kid for a day! 🙂
Any day, KC! 🙂
I can see why you like this book so much. You have a great reading voice—expressive and soothing. No wonder the kids enjoy listening to you read.
Thanks so much, Pete!
I loved the story, made me smile, I was sad for the ox he sold.
Thank You for reading such a wonderful story, I will have to look for the book. I just found another book by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken. It’s “The Quiltmakers Gift” , “The Quiltmakers Journey” was the first one I found. They started me on looking at the thrift store i volunteer at, for more childrens book. My first one, which i shamefully “borrowed” from the library (and did not return, and still have today, my mom did pay for it,long story 🙂 )when i was in 2nd grade in Alaska, was “James and the Giant Peach” Your book reading was a wonderful compliment to the story and the iiiustrations >
Again…Thank You for sharing
Take Care…You Matter…
mary
Thank you, Mary. I love your story!
You’re welcome, 🙂
Hope You have a wonderful week 🙂
You, too!
I was always the child trying to hide in the rear corner of the classroom. For one of your stories I believe I would have been front and center hanging on each word, despite the fact that I was capable of reading for myself…
Those pupils you were reading to will one day read some of the same books to other children, perhaps their own or others that need to hear them. I’ve no doubt that they will also hear about the teacher who taught them to love books. 🙂
Awww… I believe you would have been one of the children right up front. Thank you, Lea! Your kind words are just wonderful. 😊
I’ve no doubt that you understand how it is for introverts and sometimes “big people” forget or try to force them to change what they cannot change. Many of us wouldn’t want to change if we could. Thank you. 😉
Yes indeed, Lea. Thank you! 🥰
Merci beaucoup. 💜📚
😍
Love your readings Jennie. ❤
Thank you, Debby! 🥰
Thank you for reading The Ox Cart Man for us, Jennie. I enjoyed the reading, and of course the illustrations. Yesterday, I spend the day reading oral histories of Vermont farmers done by the WPA in 1938-39. Many of the same scenes appeared in the cycle of farm life. I wasn’t sure if the Donald Hall who wrote the book was the same Donald Hall who was New Hampshire’s poet laureate and very curmudeonly in his last years. I learned that he was one and the same. Here is the adult version of “The Ox Cart Man”: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43020/ox-cart-man.
Hi Liz! I can imagine how interesting the oral history of Vermont farmers must be. I didn’t know the WPA documented their stories. Wow! Of course, it must have been mostly farm life. Yes, it is the same Donald Hall! Thank you for sharing his adult version poem. That must have been the same reference in “The Poet’s Dog”, the same one the poet read to Teddy the dog. Thanks, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie! The same WPA project also did oral histories of immigrant granite workers in Barre. The children might be interested in the description of maple sugarin’ in this one: https://www.loc.gov/resource/wpalh3.37130721/?sp=2#
Thank you, Liz!
You’re welcome, Jennie!
Pingback: Reading Aloud “Ox-Cart Man” — A Teacher’s Reflections – Bev K. Taylor's
Thank you for sharing the story, Bev. Your site wouldn’t let me ‘like’. Much appreciated.
Reblogged this on By Hook Or By Book and commented:
For anyone not familiar, Jennie is a longtime teacher from my home state of MA. As a children’s librarian, I worked with many early childhood teachers during my 26 year career, and I’ve got to say, Jennie is representative of the very best of them. Her love and and enthusiasm for her students is always on display. Check out her sharing of the Caldecott winning classic Ox-Car Man!
Thank you for your very kind words, Kim! I am honored to be on your blog. 🥰
I only speak the truth Jennie. Teachers like you are an inspiration!🤗
Aww.. thank you so much, Kim. ❤️
That was so lovely Jennie, what a great story and I loveed the illustrations, I bet the kids do too.
Thank you, FR. They certainly do, even after all these decades.
Wonderful Jennie! You should consider making a real series of it, and becoming a inffluencer. With a own WebTV-channel. Michael
Haha! Thanks, Michael! Last spring when we went into lockdown, I made a YouTube channel so the children could continue to hear me read aloud. I posted a picture book and an episode of chapter reading, every day. It gave them a sense of normalcy, and they could still be connected to school and their teacher.
Sorry, now i am remembering this. It was a great idea, and i am sure they all are very gratful having you around. Michael
Thank you, Michael!
Thank you, Jennie.
You’re welcome, Norah.