Tag Archives: reading aloud

Reading “Little House on the Prairie”, Then and Now

Posted on June 16, 2017 by Jennie

I have two stories to tell; both happened on the same day this week, yet they are fourteen years apart.  Every year my last chapter reading book at school is Little House on the Prairie.  Here is what happened: Story … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , | 58 Comments

Look What Happened!

Posted on May 20, 2017 by Jennie

Independent reading.  SSR.  Call it what you like.  It is crossing over from learning to read words, to learning to read.  Parents and teachers alike take a deep breath and clasp their hands together when this happens.  There are no words … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

“The Stop Game”, From Dinosaurs to Poetry

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Jennie

I invented a game for reading-aloud children’s books that are, well…long or potentially boring in the eyes of the child.  Poetry!  Fact books!  In my heart, I know these books are hugely important.  I just needed to find a way … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, Poetry, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

The Heart of My Old Books

Posted on May 11, 2017 by Jennie

My dear old books have witnessed decades of children carefully listening to their words.  They have made children laugh, feel scared, ask hundreds of questions, and come to understand the heart of well-written words and a good story.  Words are … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, Imagination, reading, reading aloud, storytelling | Tagged , , , , , | 57 Comments

Isabelle’s Story

Posted on May 6, 2017 by Jennie

I read-aloud at the library; great literature and a captive audience of children. Isabelle is part of my book group that includes first and second graders.  As the year has progressed she has grown from shy and quiet to relaxed and chatty.  … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 63 Comments

The Best of Jim Trelease

Posted on May 3, 2017 by Jennie

I love a good story, especially one that involves reading aloud and the stunning difference it makes with children.  Here is a favorite story of mine, from the million-copy best selling book, The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease: “During his … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, Jim Trelease, picture books, reading, reading aloud, storytelling, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

A Gift of Charlotte’s Web

Posted on March 22, 2017 by Jennie

When Sydney’s mother asked me if she could get every child in the class a copy of Charlotte’s Web, I was speechless. “Scholastic has the book for a dollar this month.  It’s really not much”, she said. Not much?  Are you … Continue reading →

Posted in chapter reading, Early Education, Imagination, reading, reading aloud | Tagged , , , , , , | 49 Comments

Thank You, Sergeant Curran, Our Pen-Pal

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Jennie

“Thank you.”  Those are the most fundamental words, next to “please”, that shape children’s character.  It is far more than manners; saying the words is one thing, doing the words is another. My class is thanking Sergeant Curran, stationed in Afghanistan.  We’re doing … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Kindness, Learning About the World, patriotism, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , | 48 Comments

Jim Trelease Quote, Reading and Writing, and a Journey of Teaching

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Jennie

A great quote can pack as much power as a good book.  When both come together in one package, then you have it all.  That’s Jim Trelease.  That’s The Read-Aloud Handbook. “People would stand in line for days and pay … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, Imagination, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 38 Comments

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Jennie

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go,” -Dr. Seuss- Today Dr. Seuss would have been one-hundred-and-thirteen years old. His books continue to be popular with children. … Continue reading →

Posted in Early Education, picture books, reading, reading aloud, Teaching young children | Tagged , , , , , | 37 Comments