This is a blog repost of Jim Trelease, the (late) author of the million-copy best seller, The Read-Aloud Handbook. This week I had a lovely, heartfelt comment on this long-ago post from Jamie Trelease – Jim’s son.
“Thank you, Jennie, for those kind words and great stories about my late father. You captured his intensity for finding new and and creative ways to inspire children to read. It was folks like you that made each edition of The Handbook current and relevant. Keeping his message and ideas alive, was more important than all the honors and accolades he received. Keep up the great work.”
My goodness!
From the son of my mentor
who made me the teacher I am today.
I love this blog post. I want my readers to know about Jim Trelease, his book, and all that happened to me along the way. I want to keep his memory and his work alive.
Jim Trelease visiting my classroom.
It happened like this…
Jim Trelease, the man who put reading-aloud on the map as #1 for children, has died. Back in the 80’s I found his book, The Read-Aloud Handbook. It was my ‘bible’ when our kids were little. At the same time my reading aloud in the classroom became the best part of the day, because it made the biggest difference. My head was always spinning and my heart was always overflowing. The children couldn’t get enough. I started reading chapter books when the lights went out and it was rest time. I told children that the words go into their ears, then into their brain so they can make the pictures in their head.
The first chapter book I read to children was Charlotte’s Web.
I attended a teacher conference, and Jim Trelease was the keynote speaker. He was powerful, dynamic, and as good of a speaker as he was a writer. I was mesmerized. This was heaven. I looked around at the teachers in attendance, and many were chatting away with each other. I wanted to scream.
What?! This man is telling you everything that’s important. This is the Holy Grail in teaching. Pay attention!
Instead, I wrote a letter to Jim Trelease telling him that there are teachers who do what he writes about. I included a copy of a newsletter I sent to parents about reading aloud and chapter reading.
That was that…until a year later. Jim Trelease contacted me. ME, as in OMG! He was doing the 7th edition of his million-copy bestseller. He asked if he could visit my classroom. Well, yes! He spent the whole morning with me and the children. He took notes and watched us do an impromptu play performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I remember him being behind the sofa as I read aloud The Magic Porridge Pot. He watched me tracing the words with my fingers.
Jim spent lunch with fellow teachers at school, asking many questions, and with past parents. I was not there. He returned to my classroom for chapter reading- that’s what he was most interested in seeing. When I turned out the lights he was surprised, and I told him that helps children hear the words and make the pictures in their head. I also told him that the head of the English Department at the prep school in town does exactly the same thing when she reads to her seniors- heads down, lights out.
Jim returned to take photos and ask more questions. I am included in the 7th edition.
I highly recommend this book, because it includes remarkable stories of reading aloud. My favorites are the junior high school teacher in Boston, the kid from Russell, Kentucky, and Cuban cigars. Here is the story of how reading aloud made Cuban cigars great:
https://jenniefitzkee.com/2017/11/30/why-reading-alou…ban-cigars-great/
Oh, there’s more…
I was born and raised in West Virginia. When my childhood friend died, my sister who still lives in West Virginia sent me her obituary. At the end it said “in lieu of flowers please send donations to Read Aloud West Virginia.” Wait, I’m the queen of reading aloud, and I’m from West Virginia, and I’ve never heard of this organization? I immediately typed ‘read aloud Massachusetts’, ‘read aloud New Hampshire’ and quickly realized there was only one- in West Virginia.
I emailed the director to tell her about my friend who had died, and to tell her that I read aloud in my classroom. We had a long conversation, and I asked her if she knew Jim Trelease.
Well, Jim Trelease helped to found Read Aloud West Virginia. Who knew? What a connection! Since then, I have been a strong supporter of Read Aloud West Virginia.
Oh yes, it gets even better…
Jim came to my school to do a conference for families. He was terrific!
Recently I was invited to be a guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I talked about reading aloud, and more. It was terrific! At the end of the show, one of my former students spoke (that was a moment), and Dollar General donated $50,000.00 to Read Aloud West Virginia. Yes, I jumped up, screamed, and cried on the show.
Jim emailed me shortly after the show and said, “You go, girl! Move over, Meryl Streep”, in reference to Meryl being selected to read aloud Charlotte’s Web. It was his way of saying it should have been me.
Jim Trelease, you have come full circle. Because of you, I read aloud and make a difference. Because of you, I connected with Read Aloud West Virginia, and because of you, they are the recipients of much needed money. Most importantly, you were my friend. Thank you!
This is my favorite of your many quotes:
God Bless you, Jim. You have inspired and changed lives across the world.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
The book sounds wonderful.
Thank you, it really is!
Great stuff Jennie!!
Thanks, Opher!
“It happened like this…“
I know exactly what that means! A true and wonderful story is to follow, and this is clearly a wonderful story. You are the best, Jennie!
If and when I ever write that book about my 40+ years of teaching, I think the title should be, It Happened Like This. Thank you, Dan. I’m very glad you liked this story.
That would be a great title, Jennie. And you should write that book,
Thanks, Dan!
What a wonderful uplifting post, Jennie. And to get such aa awesome note from the son of Jim Trelease is so special. Thanks for sharing that. Reading out loud is so beneficial in so many ways. Thanks for encouraging it.
I’m glad it uplifted you, Darlene. Yes, getting that note from Jim’s son was just wonderful. Reading aloud makes the biggest difference. 🙂
If Jim was responsible for making you the teacher you are today – we have an awful lot to thank him for. Jamie should be very proud of his father!
That’s so nice, GP. Thank you! I bet Jamie is very proud of his dad.
wow, jennie. I remember you writing about Jim and his book, and the connection you created is so amazing. and the note from his son, that’s powerful
I felt the same ‘wow’, Beth. You can see why I had to post this.
I remember your writing about Jim Trelease! Leaving behind a legacy of children’s literacy is about as good as it gets.
Hear, hear! Thanks, Liz.
You’re welcome, Jennie!
You’re an inspiration, Aunt Jennie! It’s amazing to think of all the lives you’ve touched and made better.
Awww…that’s so nice, Jimmy. Thank you!
I am floating on a cloud of joy to read this. What an honor to have known this man and to be able to put his advice into practical application. So many have received the opportunity to be more than they ever knew they could be due to his efforts and YOUR enthusiasm! xx
What a lovely comment, Annette! I am floating on joy, too. He was such an inspiration to so many. I’m very lucky, and he certainly nailed it on reading aloud. Thank goodness I can keep his message going, with enthusiasm! Many thanks!
I am gobsmacked. He seems to real, Jennie, like he’s exactly how we teachers would hope he would be. Thanks for sharing your memories.
What a terrific thing to say. Thank you, Jacqui! You are spot-on. I’m so glad you enjoyed this.
Keep up the good work, Jennie. You are changing lives for the better.
Thank you, Anneli! Will do!
He indeed has made the world a little brighter…and so has Jennie.
Thank you, Don. That’s so nice. Yes, he did, and I try hard, too.
What a great man, Jennie. A beautiful tribute post 🦋🩵
He was, indeed. I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Robbie. Thank you.
My pleasure
Thank you.
Beautiful, beautiful, Jennie. Thank you so much for sharing. 💕
Thank you, Vicki!
You are very welcome, dear Jennie! 🥰
How wonderful to have him reach out to you and visit your classroom. Admittedly, I have not heard of him. I think this a lovely post in his memory
Thanks so much!
I saw your visit on the Kelly Clarkson show, you did awesome. Reading Aloud is something I did every day with my classes no matter what grade I was teaching. Wonderful post and great tribute to a great man.
Thanks so much, Carla. I wish all teachers were like you and read aloud every day to students. You know what a difference it makes. He was such a visionary and a great man. Glad you enjoyed The Kelly Clarkson Show, too. 🙂
Of course, I recalled that Jim Trelease was one of your heroes, and obviously I remembered your kindness in sending this book. I’m sure it meant a lot to Jamie that you thought so highly of his dad. We both know that there are so many benefits to reading aloud including but not limited to:
One of my favorite parts of the Read Aloud West Virginia program was learning how Steve and you loaded up a truck with books and drove to West Virgina to deliver them. That demonstrates your commitment and belief in the importance of literacy.
I was literally (pun intended) thunderstruck when Jamie commented on the blog. I’m glad he know there’s another person who was touched by his father. I’d almost forgotten that Steve and I loaded up a truck and delivered zillions of books to RAWV. That was a big school fundraiser in honor of my 30th year of teaching.
Your points on the benefits of reading aloud are spot on! Did you ever read Jim Trelease’s story of the junior high school principal? I’m sure I posted it at some point. So good!!
Thanks for your wonderful comment, Pete.
Jennie, what a teaching legacy you have created. This is a wonderful tribute to Jim Trelease and look what sprang from your connection with him. You must have been so touched to hear from Jamie. 🩷
Thank you so much, Jane. I was thunderstruck at Jamie’s comment after many years. I’m glad I ‘told the story again’, and hopefully inspired others to read aloud.
This is a wonderful tribute to him, Jennie.
Thank you, Deborah!
You’re welcome, Jennie. 😊
Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring post! It’s people like you Jennie, and Jim, who add such a treasury of words, and knowledge, and make such a fantastic difference in children’s lives.💞
Your kind words are much appreciated, Rose. Thank you!
Jennie what a post, and what a tribute to Jim Trelease, and what a legacy he has left.. And what an honour for you too.. You also Jennie are a wonderful inspiration, as you were inspired by Jim… So too others are being inspired by you…
Loved the clip on the video and thank you , for you inspire me with each post I read.. Much love your way Jennie xx ❤
Thank you, Sue! Such kind words. Jim left a remarkable legacy, and I feel so lucky to have connected with him. He steered my ship. If I can pass that on to others, that’s as good as it gets. Inspiration is my middle name. 🙂 I’m so glad you liked the video!
Oh I have no doubts at all you are passing on that great legacy dear Jennie… And Loved the video xx ❤
Many thanks! ❤️
Love your post, Jennie!
Thank you, Cathy! This one hits home.
Oh Jennie, what a beautiful memory to have of Jim and your reading out loud awakening. What a treasure! ❤
Thank you so much, Debby! 💕
❤
What an uplifting and beautiful post, Jennie! You just gave me a brilliant idea that I have actually been thinking about. A lot of people learn better through listening versus reading. I just may begin not only writing my stories, but narrating them as well for those whose attention is more focused on the spoken word. THANK YOU!!! It is so wonderful to be back at WP conversing and intermingling with my friends. Much love to you! xo
Thank you, Amy, and your idea is spot on. We learn far more from listening than we do from reading. That goes for adults as well as children. You go, girl!
Jennie,
My condolences for the passing of your friend and mentor! Also, the fact that his son reached out to you is a silver lining, of sorts. Wonderful!
This is a terrific telling of your experiences, thank you!
I often remember the only teacher who read aloud to us. It was grade 4, and she read The Boxcar Children to us, at the top of each day. I loved it! Couldn’t wait for each day to come.
Thank you for this wonderful post!
Resa, the fact that you fondly remember your fourth grade teacher reading aloud The Boxcar Children every day speaks volumes. Jim Trelease would be smiling an “I told you so” smile.
Thank you for your condolences. Yes, when his son replied to my long-ago post I was thunderstruck, and I do think it is a silver lining.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, telling of my experiences. Thank you.
I agree with you and Jim!
My hubs doesn’t read, so every once in awhile, I read a book to him/us.
You had a wonderful experience, and it is as wonderful that you have shared it.
Thank you!
Glad to hear that you read aloud to hubs.
That’s so nice, Resa. Yes, it was a wonderful experience; happy that you enjoyed it.
Happy first day of spring! 🌻🌼🌸🌺💐🍒☀️
And to you! 🌼
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story, Jennie. You have certainly kept Jim’s legacy, and his message, alive. And you have spread that message to all of your students, your blog readers, and the viewers of the Kelly Clarkson show! Keep up the great work, and the reading!
Many thanks, Jim!
Oh Jennie! This is wonderful! So glad you honored Jim! So lovely to see that Kelly Clarkson video!!! Wow!!! Keep doing what you do!
Many thanks! This was a great pleasure to honor Jim. I’m so glad you like this, and the Kelly Clarkson video. Yes, wow for me! I will definitely keep doing what I do.😀
Beautiful tribute to your friend. I remember attending a program at my library that Jim presented years ago. He leaves a big impression. And the Kelly Clarkson show, wow, love the video of you jumping up!
All well deserved, Jennie. ❤
You were lucky to hear him speak, too. Yes, he definitely left a big impression! Thank you, Marcia, I’m glad you enjoyed the tribute – and the video!