Here is my annual end of school year letter to parents:
Chapter Reading
June 9, 2023
Chapter reading is one of our treasured moments of the day. We bring to life the imagination, the world, and the past. The anticipation of ‘what happens next’ stirs excitement every day. Children listen and think. They ask questions. Ask your child, “At chapter reading where do you make the pictures?” You will hear your child say, “In your head.”
When we finish a good book and then start a new one, emotions run high and low. The end of a good book is so satisfying and pleasant, yet…it is over. That is the wonderful roller coaster of reading. And, with each chapter book we read, we ride that roller coaster again and again.
We have finished Little House on the Prairie, and it was thrilling; from Jack the dog, to building a house, to Indians in the house. Pa and his neighbor Mr. Scott dug a well, and we learned about the bad gas deep inside the earth (Pa had to save Mr. Scott) that only a candle can detect. Of course, I had to bring in my grandfather’s childhood portrait wearing a miner’s hat with the same candle. Laura and her family had fever ‘n’ ague (malaria), an illness that people thought came from eating watermelons. There was also fear of Indians, which was an opportunity for Gloria to discuss diversity and prejudice.
We read a second Doctor Dolittle book, Doctor Dolittle’s Journey (ask your child about Long Arrow and Spider Monkey Island), and we added a new book to our chapter reading this year, The Wild Robot. It is simply wonderful, and the children know there is a sequel.
These are the chapter books we have read this year. Good books are meant to be read over and over again. We encourage you to revisit these wonderful books with your child:
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles
The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Florence and Richard Atwater
Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Doctor Dolittle’s Journey, adapted by N.H. Kleinbaum
The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown
The fundamental constant that gives children the tools to succeed in school is language. The more words that children hear, the better they will do in school. Reading aloud to children is far more than an enjoyable experience. It increases their language development! In kindergarten through grade four, the primary source of instruction is oral. The more words that a child has heard, the better s/he will understand the instruction, and the better s/he will perform in school, in all subjects. Therefore, we will always campaign to read aloud.
A wonderful guide to book recommendations and to understanding the importance of reading aloud is the million-copy bestseller book, The Read-Aloud Handbook. I have used the book since my children were little. The author, Jim Trelease, visited the Aqua Room and GCS. We are featured in the seventh edition of the book.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Brilliant Jennie!
Thank you, FR!
You’ve given the children a wonderful start in life. I know whenever they read a good book in the future – they will think of you!
That’s so nice to say, GP. Thank you!
I remember only a handful of teachers to this day and that’s because those few took the time to make an effort with us students.
That extra effort is a joy if you love your work, and it doesn’t take a lot of extra effort to make a difference. I remember only a handful, too. Sigh.
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Excellent!!! Through your encouragement, you are teaching parents how to encourage and teach their kids.
Thank you, Frank. That’s what I hope for.
such an immeasurable gift
The #1. 🙂
Thank you for these suggestions!! I hadn’t heard of The Wild Robot and can’t wait to buy it to read to my granddaughters!
Best book!! I read the sequel to my children’s library group, and #3 is coming out in September.
Oh exciting!! Believe it or not, my twenty year old and I still read younger chapter books to each other for the sheer joy of it, I’m going to order these right away!
I do, too! My favorite is “The Poet’s Dog” by Patricia MacLachlan. I don’t read it aloud to my preschoolers, as it’s for elementary age children (or adults like us.) I have read it aloud to Hubby many times. THE best…promise.
I will look it up! Thank you!
You’re welcome!
I read almost all of those as a youngster and remember them into adulthood. Such great memories.
I’m glad it brought you great memories!
I was fortunate to have had a ‘wordy’ father who encouraged me to read, and there were always books around, but I don’t recall ever having been ‘read to.’ Because of several class interruptions in school, due to World War 11, we were often told to “read quietly, children!” Think how much luckier ‘your children’ were Jennie! Cheers!
Reading aloud wasn’t as much of a ‘thing’ back in the day. Once a child learned to read, they read on their own. Yet, hearing the words has a whole different effect for children and helps in comprehension. You were lucky to have a ‘wordy’ father. Many thanks, Joy.
I love how you never tire of chapter reading from the same books every year, and your enthusiasm never wanes. You must know many off them off by heart by now.
Best wishes, Pete.
Every time I read one of these books, it’s like starting anew, with joy and excitement. Really. Thank you, Pete. Your words are true.
Fabulous! I’ve not heard of My Father’s Dragon.
Thank you, Monica.
Inciting curiosity in children has a ripple effect, a beneficial one.
It really does, Pam. Thank you, and beautifully said.
This is why I love you!! 💕🥰
Awww… 🥰
One of many reasons.. . ❤️☺️
❤️
I imagine you could turn off the lights and ‘read’ them from memory by now, Jennie.
Ah, every time it’s like a new book.
You are such a great influence on the children.
Thank you!
I see some of my favourites here too… Wonderful Jennie…. ❤ 😀
Thank you, Sue!
❤
I know and like them all, but my favorite is the copy of The Wild Robot you gave me.
Yes!!! #3 comes out in September, but I need it a month earlier to read to my library group. I plan to write a compelling letter to Peter Brown. Glass-half-full, here.
Brings back memories. I loved most of those books growing up. Little house launched my life long love of history.
I’m glad you remember these books growing up. The Wild Robot is fairly new, and one of the best. I feel the same way about history and the Little House books. Last week I was the ‘schoolmarm’ at the 1833 schoolhouse in town for all the third graders. It was wonderful. Blog post soon.
Can’t wait to read the post. She has made it on the banned book list if you believe it. This might have been in years past.
🙂
What a wonderful program you have created, Jennie. These are fortunate children.
Thank you, Dan.
These are wonderful books, and you’re giving the children a very rich experience with all these great stories. I hope they reread these books on their own one day.
Reading is life!
It is!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Please enjoy another wonderful post from the excellent teacher, Jennie!
Thank you, Charles!
What a treat storytime is. Yes, good books were meant to be read again. ❤
Yes, and yes! 😀
❤
Great chapter books for children, Jennie
Thank you, Robbie.
I love how you keep parents informed and encourage them to read aloud with their kids. A wonderful letter, Jennie. Happy Reading.
It’s the most important and rewarding thing I do. This year I had last year’s students return as a ‘guest reader’. Reading aloud makes a difference, and many parents get it. Thank you, Diana.