Learning about Story and Literature
The word “literature” best reflects the meaning of chapter 1.
Chapter 1
is about the value of literature.
Literature teaches what it means to be human. It allows the reader to
experience life, and to think in new ways about their own life experiences,
understandings, and emotions. Literature allows the reader to relate on a more
personal level with the events and characters in the story. Many times,
Elementary schools focus on how to “use” children’s books to teach something
else and forget the value of literature. Lynch – Brown, Short & Tomlinson (2014) state, “we are often so focused on using literature for other purposes that we
lose sight of literature as having value in and of itself for children’s lives
as well as serving the purpose of enhancing their academic learning”
(p.6). It is important to remember that
both aspects of literature are important.
As a first grade teacher, I try to find books that I know my students can relate to. For
example, on the first day of school I read the book “First Day Jitters” because
I know they can all relate to feeling nervous and having to meet new friends
and entering a new school. After reading the book, my students realize that
they are not the only student in the class that feels that way. It helps them
understand their own emotions and experiences through the characters in the
story.
"Quality in writing and illustration"
Books that
are “high-quality” offer readers enjoyment and stay in our memories. These
books have the ability to stay interesting and remain meaningful for many years
because of the imaginative use of language, images, and the artistic style.
These books have valuable insights on what it means to be human and are
engaging. On the other hand, books that are focused on the child as a consumer
represent books that are low quality because they are used as advertisements.
However, I have noticed that these are the books that my students are most
interested in. I don’t want my students to read “low quality” books but I do
want them to read books that they enjoy! I think these "low quality" books can be a starting point for some students to help them realize that reading is enjoyable and also help them realize what they like to read about.
Lynch- Brown, Short & Tomlinson (2014) state, “this report also noted
that the greatest gains in vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension came from
independent reading by children” (p.8). I found this to be interesting because
there is not enough independent reading time in school. We are focused more on reading aloud and
teaching students strategies as they read, than allowing the students to
independently read. My daily schedule does not include scheduled independent
reading time. I assign independent reading as homework, but if I do not model
it in school then how can I expect my students to do it for homework? It is
also hard to hold students accountable for independent reading. This year, I plan
on “sneaking in” independent reading time as part of my morning routine because I want
to improve my students’ vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. I also want them to love to read as much as I do!
Lynch-Brown, C., Short, K., & Tomlinson, C. (2014). Essentials of children's literature. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
Camille-
ReplyDeleteYour reflection on literature and its value is spot on. It is so easy as teachers to get caught up in following the curriculum and teaching content that we forget the importance of literature to naturally teach students life lessons. I have read the book First Day Jitters to my students as well and I love that right from the first few days of school they are seeing how readers can connect to the literature that they read. This is especially meaningful when the teacher is making this connection too.
I found the sentence about the importance of independent reading to be striking as well. I am lucky that in my school independent reading for about 30 minutes each day is a part of our curriculum. During this time students are focused on an individual reading goal that they identified on their own or worked with me to craft. Ideally these goals do not make reading a "task" but instead give the students a purpose and motivation to use the time effectively. I am glad you are finding a way to make independent reading a part of your classroom this year!
Literature is so important in the sense that it allows students to connect to feeling they may be having. First grade is a magical grade and yes, the book you read on the first day is perfect. Even those kids who won't admit it, they are nervous:)
ReplyDeleteCamille,
ReplyDeleteWe can definitely relate to literature a lot when it comes to our own personal lives. When we read literature we think about how we can relate to the characters in the story or imagine ourselves in the situation of the character. I know I do this all the time when I am reading a book. I think you chose a perfect book to read to your first graders on the first day of school because they are able to relate to the book and know that they are not the only ones feeling alone and nervous on the first day of school.
I definitely agree that there should be quality in writing and illustration because you always want your students to be interested in what they are reading. They should first pick up a good read that is interesting to them so that they are not immediately turned off by reading and then read the "low-quality" books.
When you mentioned that there is not enough independent reading time in school, I totally agree. I remember when I did my student teaching in a second grade classroom, the teacher would offer D.E.A.R. time or independent reading time to her students right after lunch time. This would be for about 20 minutes when students would DROP EVERYTHING AND READ (D.E.A.R). I think this would be of great use for your class and perhaps you can squeeze independent reading time after lunch.
Camille,
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you how literature plays a huge role and how it teaches us what it means to be human. I also try to chose and read books to my students that they can relate to. Doing so, story time isn't just a past time but a time where our students are thinking critically and they can share how they feel. Love the illustrations too!