A Teacher's Reflections

My recent visit to the Concord Museum in Concord, MA to see their annual literacy trees (my words), trees decorated in the theme of a children’s book, was outstanding.  Each tree makes a book come alive.  But first, here is the museum.

The Concord Museum is steeped in history.  After all, this is the birthplace of America’s Revolutionary War.  It houses artifacts from the town’s famous authors and artists.  It is a treasure trove of paintings, furniture, clocks, silver – all local, from the Revolutionary War forward.

Louisa May Alcott’s teapot that she used after the Civil War.

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s writing chair.

A highboy and stunning art that knocked my socks off.

A museum of this quality also showcases some of the best in children’s literature each year by decorating trees in the theme of a book.  Alongside the tree is a chair and the book itself, so children and adults can read the book, and become enveloped in the story.

             
Margaret Wise Brown’s book with beautiful new illustrations.
“From the horses to the cattle to the cat, all find comfort – as the chilly winter approaches – in the warmth of the barn and each other.” 

  
Check out the tree topper on Elmore, a fabulous book.
“Elmore is a prickly porcupine who has trouble making friends until the goodness of his forest community shines through.”

   
This book about the beginning of the universe has glorious illustrations.
“This seamless blend of science and art reveals the composition of our world and beyond – and how we are all the stuff of stars.”

      
I am going to buy this book.  One of the best I’ve read in a while.
“Rabbit loves carrots a little too much.  When his friends offer to help, they’re just asking for trouble…a lot of trouble!”

      
A classic and a favorite book!
“When all the letters of the alphabet race one another up the coconut tree will there be enough room?”

 Children write notes to adorn the “I Am Human: A Book of Empathy” tree.
“This comforting book shows that it’s okay to make mistakes and that we can show compassion by offering a kind word or smile.” 

The tree decorations are hand painted birds – so lovely!

“Young Ava and her mother prepare to become citizen scientists in the annual New England Christmas bird count.”

The bird photos also line up across the snowy bottom.

And the best part of all is reading aloud to your child.
With over thirty trees and their books on display, there were many families and children doing just that – reading aloud- and also discovering parts of every book adorning the trees.

Jennie