A little book can do big things.
Way back in September, I picked up Odd, Weird and Little by Patrick Jennings (EgmontUSA, 2014) on impulse since I enjoy
the author’s work. Once I got it home, I realized that it might be a bit too
elementary for my readers and considered sending it over to my colleague at the
elementary school. Then I read it. Not only did I think that it would be enjoyed
by some of my students, I thought it would make a fun read aloud for a small, self-contained class of students with learning challenges.
I read the first chapter to them when they came to library one afternoon last fall.
They (and their [absolutely amazing] teacher) were tickled and asked to bring the book back to their
classroom to finish. It took them a while to get through the book. I thought that maybe
it got lost in the shuffle of a busy school year, but it turns out that Ms. A.
was really reading deeply with them. In fact, you might say they were immersed
in this odd, weird and little book.
She gathered stuffed animals and objects to represent the
characters and to recreate scenes.
She had her students make and write predictions. They also made
character connections.
They asked a social studies teacher, who is also an artist, to draw Woody for them.
Working as a team, they created an alphabet based on the
book. Then, they searched for images to highlight their alphabetical
connections and put them in a slide show.
I had the good fortune
to sit in on their final presentation. It was utterly delightful. All the students clearly enjoyed
their work; had great affection for the story and comfortably presented their
part of the presentation.
This clearly is not a case of a teacher "teaching" a book to death, but making one come alive for her struggling students. Every day, she sets the bar high and coaxes and cajoles the best from them.
They are now reading and enjoying Mr. Jennings’ next book,
Hissy Fitz.
I can't wait to hear what they think.
I'm honored and touched and thrilled by how closely the kids and their amazing teacher read the book. I would love to see that presentation. Toulouse would, too.
ReplyDeleteBe still my heart! Thank you so much for commenting! These kids are now seventh graders! I am going to take a screen shot of your comment to share with them and the teacher!
Delete