Blog #9 Historical Fiction

• Historical fiction tells a story in which real events tell a story and are true to the time and place however, the characters are fictional living and dealing with issues of that time.

• I could use this genre in different subject area such as social studies, history, science, reading and several other subjects. I would select a historical fiction to tie in with social studies and history. The experience of historical fiction would begin before the story was read. I would assign various homework assignments in which the students would place themselves in this time period. They could start off by making a entry into their journal (writting) and describe their typical day and the technology they used to get through the day: microwaves, computers, cell phones, television, etc. Then one day during the week they would eliminate these "convinences"and make a journal entry which they could compare to their daily lives. They could describe how they felt, what the house sounded like when it was quiet etc. Later, they would interview their mom and dad or grandparents and ask them what life was like when they were kids. We would have a class discussion so that students could relate their experiences and share their thoughts. We would then read a historical fiction story and the children could relate or have more insight into what life was really like during that time period. Their senses would be stimulated and therefore, more likely to engage and relate to the characters and time the story is set in. To follow up I may ask the children would life may be like for children 5 or 10 years from now.

Blog #8 Part 2

Super Definition: Contemporary Realistic Fiction is based on real life situations in which a character(s) deal with a problems and in many cases rise above or overcome their dire situation such as: divorce, poverty, sexuality, ghettos, gangs, abuse, race issues, gender issues,loss etc.

I would definitely use contemporary realistic fiction in the classroom because these are real life situations that my students could be facing. Even if they have not experienced some of these hardships they maybe able to relate in different way or be aware of the real world around them. This genre may also be effective in dealing with real world issues like 9-11 and the aftermath and toll it took on Americans emotionally. Some students may relate to losing a sister, mother, or father. They also can get a better understanding of there own emotions.

For Blog #8 Shelly Shouted Soft Ball at Eight!

For Blog Number 8
Shelly Shouted Soft Ball Soft Ball
Tonight at Eight!
It's at Braun Station
Don't Be Late!
She went up to bat
1-2-3 strike Your Out!
The pitcher was mean throwing
balls she's never seen!
But she came back to school in one piece
Till she went to get her cola and there she
went OOPS! and twisted her ankle.
Poor Shelly she won't be shouting
Soft Ball Soft Ball Tonight at Eight

Love ya Dr. Harris get better soon!

Blog #7

What is modern fantasy?

Modern fantasy is literature that is set in the real world but characters have been altered by the author and set in an imaginative setting. Many times animals such as rats, mice, horses, turtles are humanized. They have human like qualities which allow them to speak, dress and act out adventures to tell a story. Human characters in modern fantasy are often given super natural powers which normally could not happen in real life situations.

Make up your own activity for your books.

Materials: Qualified teacher, box, colors, clay, feathers, paper, glue, and all kinds of fun stuff.

Facilitate a guided open group discussion on modern fantasy:

1. Give the children the definition of modern fantasy like the one above. Then facilitate a guided open whole group discussion on what modern fantasies they have experienced. This will give you chance to make corrections on wrong assumptions and shape their idea of modern fantasy.
2. Depending on the grade some may say: Nemo, Toy Story, while other grades may relate to Shark Boy Lava Girl or tell stories of recent books they've read like Little Quack, The Tale of Despereaux. (While this may not be exactly base all on books they can relate to modern fantasy by what they are exposed to at home etc. However, you should have some literture on hand they are familar with and have had exposure to in class. Identify characteristics of modern fantasy in these books.)
3. Then ask them questions like: Can a clown fish really talk? Can a mouse save princess with a sewing needle? Can a boy really live in salt water with sharks? .
4. Then, tell them that you have a box and in it lives a silly monster. Tell them to write a story and draw the silly monster for all to see.
5. The silly monsters and stories will be posted in the hallway.

Have all kinds of materials ready like clay, buttons, feathers, glitter etc. Be prepared for their imagination to run wild !

Blog #6 Traditional Literature

Traditional Literature is a written expression of a particular culture which is done with exceptional high quality and is often in the form of folktales, fables, myths and legends.

Traditional Literature can be used to engage students by exposing them to other cultural traditions. Some students may find out that some cultures are not that different or find out that in some area what seemed taboo is not in another culture. It's also thought provoking. It makes the student look at their own culture and wonder if the things they do may seem taboo to other cultures.

An interesting concept lesson I may have my students do is have them author their own folktales, fable, myth, and legends. They could write a folktale about their heritage or a legend based on science concepts. I may even encourage the children to make sure that it's humorous but not required. The key is to let the children be creative and have fun.

As a reward some students could act out their stories. The author could be the director or play the main character. Some students could choose to bring their creation to life by making a him a puppet or get really creative and bring in material from home (like slime etc.) or they could choose to dress up at the character.

I would definitely used Traditional Literature in my classroom. Many of these stories have been told for many generations and add insight to many other cultures. It exposes children to the world, including the people, their homes, traditions, foods, etc. I also believe it is an essential tool for social studies.

Blog # 5

Picture books tell a story using pictures. The stories can be told with or without text. Most of time the illustrations in the book are just as important or more important than the text. They are very popular with young readers because the pictures match the text which helps them with emerging reading skills. Because pictures books tells stories through pictures with little to no text almost anyone can use pictures books eliminating most limitations with the exceptions of the blind.

I personally select pictures books by scheming through the pictures first then follow the text and make sure it's appealing visually and a good read aloud if text is included. Once, I find the book appealing I find the objective in the book. The picture book may focus on cognitive, social or emoitonal skills.

The next thing I do is read the book to make sure that it is age appropraite for my audience. I am also look for revleance. Is this something my audience can relate to. Although, the character is a dinosaur he is encounter daily situations the children may find themselves in? I aslo want to find out what the end result will be. Do I expect the children to learn more about good manners, colors, numbers, alphabet, length, moutains, oceans etc. or just a fun read.

Overall, picture books can be used by almost everyone. It uses pictures primarily to tell a story and can be used build cognitive, social, emotional skill or simply be entertaining. I love pictures books because it makes the story come to life.

Blog # 4 Multicultural and International Books

Multicultural books depicts how a certain culture of people live their lives. This could include various things and can include how they celebrate and what they celebrate, foods eaten and how they are made, clothing , housing, how a leader is elected and much more.

It is important the author is creditable. This means that the author has first hand knowledge or insight to the culture and could share details that someone from a different back ground could not. This may even include a visitor who may observe a culture for a certain amount of time and writes from his or her perspective. Keep in mind that the author may only be receiving filtered information.

It is also important to read or have information on the author before making the book available to make sure this is material that you want your students to be exposed to. You want a book that will stimulate their interest and gain insight to other parts of the world or other people. They can gain great insight in knowing that some things in their culture is taboo in other countries it make be considered beautiful. This can help students develop respect and understanding of difference and help open the door to discussion to other topics like race, defining beauty and having them come to realization that one way doesn't mean it's the only way.

Two activities I would enjoy doing with k-2 is having them look at their own culture and bring in one item that they could share with the class. I think the children would enjoy the hands on fun of being able to touch and see other objects from other countries in person. They could display it on a table along with their flag. Another activities that I think they might enjoy is food bringing in one food that they enjoy very much. If this proved to be too much they make a menu of what one of their favorite dishes might be and share it with the class.

International Literature is a book published in another country besides the United States other parts of the world may have a different definition. Of course, one of the most famous books of all is The Book: The Holy Bible but I found many international books that really sparked my interest and were really enjoyable and definitely worth having in your classroom. Some books I just considered classical like Henzel and Gretel where internationals books which I found interesting and help me to see books from different perspective.

International books also include so much insight to other cultures including word choice and tone which really give you insight and taste of authenticity.

For an a class activity I would have the children pick a country then I would encourage them to become experts and become our tour guide. Students would be encourage to write a mini-book entitled If I was born in China, If I was an Aztec Indian, If I was Eskimo. Whatever, interest they had they could take off an run with their imagination.

After, they were done with their mini-book I would like to see a follow up activity which compared both worlds to see if how different or alike they really are. I would try to inter agate some of this into Social Studies.

Blog #3

To effectively evaluate a book there are several questions you can ask yourself.

First ask yourself if you consider the book to be good? Is it engaging and easily read aloud. If you can read the book aloud and sounds flow naturally then this can be an easy page turner and engage the reader. This does not mean that you write with simple sight words this means that you can use words that the reader may not be familar with but when used in a sentence can be decoded. You may even encourage your reader to look it up in a dictionary and then they can add more personal insight and relate to the reading.

Does the author seem to be knowledgeable about the subject matter? Someone who has actually visited an area or done something will provide details to connect the reader to time and place. This includes details about sounds, taste, sight such as landscape, temperture, and customs in the area. This will stimulate the readers senses and connect the reader.

Does the author include characters which the reader can relate to or seem realistic? The character can be an animal, fantasy or anything of imagination but can the reader believe the character. The problem they are facing, strengths and weakness. The character should also mature or evolve in the story.

If a book is evaluated in this way it is not value based. If you wanted to evaluate a book based on values you have to ask a whole other set of questions related to your subject matter and source to support or dismantle those values.

Overall, the reader should feel that they have gained insight, can be emotional connected to the characters and feel as if they have been somewhere they have not.

Blog # 2 Chapter 2 Summary

Chapter 2

It shows us how history has shaped and molded reading and how it was inspired.

Inspiration was the root for story telling. It was a way of recounting one's life in entertaining way which could be exaggerating but enjoyable. It also reveals how society influences the popularity of books.

In the early ages it was a privilege for those of wealth. It was interesting to read how books were made and illustrated and it came down to resources which were available at the time and how some of the stories still live on today such as The Little Mermaid and Ugly Duckling just some of my favorites.

I personally enjoyed reading about the Victorian Age which exploded in it's time. It instill values of respect, family and God. In today world this would seem very conservative. I felt it was real rounded by showing concern for poor children and their working conditions.

Writing there seem to be purpose for either enjoyment, instruction, inspiration and motivational.

Hello Guys

Posted some of my favorite songs you can listening to while checking out my blog or not it's up to you. Just having fun with blogger. See you in class!

**My Favorite Teacher

Who is your favorite teacher? This is probably one of the easiest questions I will ever answer. I think it's also funny and telling that some companies use this as security questions. Just in case your wondering it's not the security question I choose.

My transition from pre-school to kindergarten was a tough one because I was a mommy's girl and apparently anti-social. Every morning for a year the teachers at the pre-school had to pry my hands and then my legs from my mom. They knew they had to watch me at recess since, I tried climbing the fence to go home a couple times. Yup, I was one of those kids.

So, naturally I thought it was the end of my life when I had to go to kindergarten ALL DAY......until I met a blond haired angel, with short curly locks and a smiley face......Mrs. Luckett. She was wonderful. She just seem to say and do everything right and it brought me so much comfort. She cared if I couldn't find my crayons, she cared if I felt sick but it was also how she didn't care. She didn't care about the mess I made with the glue or that I mixed paint colors. It was awesome.

Every morning, we had a routine. We sat in circle and sang a song, then we would do the pledge, and ABC's. Even at nap time I could count on her making sure David didn't come over and try to pull our dresses up. And the one time he did I scratched him pretty badly. Guess what? Mrs. Luckett didn't scream or get mad at me instead she talk to me and David quietly about what we did wrong. Why it was hurtful and how it wasn't nice and that people shouldn't hurt each other. I still wasn't David's biggest fan but neither one of us ever did it again.

I could go on and on about how wonderful Mrs. Luckett was but the things she taught me in class were never in her lesson plans. They were things of the heart.

Blog 1 January 26,2009

Part I.

Chapter 1 Summary:

Literature is essential in the success of future readers especially when the love of reading is established at an early age. When children find enjoyment in reading they can find a world of imagination, adventure, comprehension and communication skills.

It is important to recognize that literature can help throughout the journey of ALL developmental stages: language, cognitive, personality and social development. By recognizing this we also highlight the important role literature plays in our lives.

Personalities are unique and are most obvious when we are young, while they can change throughout our lives some traits can remain constant. How we react in social situations is unique to that individuals personality.

Erickson believe there are eight pyschosocial crisis in our lifetimes which demands resolution before the next stage can begin. That successful learning leads to an adult sense of conformity sprinkled with unique qualities such as creativity.

Part II.

What is value? I thought about this question for a while because it such a broad question and means different things to different people. This is what I think value means: something we find purpose which drives the choices we make in life. For instance if someone values health they will make choices accordingly in supermarket, gym membership, etc.

What value is most important to you and why? My faith in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I value my faith because it teaches me everything I need to know to live my life in way that is pleasing to God and ensure an eternal life. It teaches me how to raise my children, how to love my husband, self-sacrifice, servitude, and numerous other lessons.

Where did you learn this value? I learned this value from the Living Word of God the Holy Bible, through answered prayers, faith, church, family, going to classes but above all being witness to the power and miracle God has done in my life, healing the sick, interceding for others, and providing my family with an abundance of what we need when it seemed impossible.

Can you teach this value? How? Do you? Yes, I believe this value can be taught by example and the choices I make in life. I try my very best and draw strength from God. It's not easy when my example is the only begotten Son of God Jesus Christ who is free of sin but I'm being molded and shaped everyday. Sometimes it can be painful because by human nature we are sinful but the power of prayer is amazing and when you know your the daughter of King and a Father who sees you through loving eyes, it is He who I seek daily to keep my heart pure.