EDRG 3321 Chapter 1/Children's Lit. Authors

After reading Chapter 1, my thought about reading have changed. I enjoy reading children's literature and love reading to my children, but I never realized the impact reading has on children and their learning structure. Reading definitely is important to read a chapter in a textbook, or for communication reasons, but the importance is the value of reading that every student should have. The book discuss the need to read to live in society, but the fact that our nation has fallen to want to read is scary. I personally don't read for fun, I unfortunately don't really have time. In the exception, that I do read to my children every night, at least one book, if not more. My son will make sure to remind me if I forget. To the point, I didn't know that I was helping my son so much. I know his attitude towards reading is positive and beneficial to him. I adore children's literature, maybe that's why I can't just pick up an inch thick book and get to reading. I love the pictures, big words, and fairy tales. The poem in the beginning of the chapter was incredible. I loved the way Mr. Jack Prelutsky put the imagination from books of many children into words: the giant's head, pot of gold, or the dragon. I do believe that all children can reach their full potential, but I know that this is not possible without a patient, persistant, punctual teacher. I am going to start keeping my textbooks from college from now on and grabbing as many recommended books from authors I hear about. I want to make sure that my students are provided the most enjoyable books possible to welcome them into reading and loving to read. I can't wait to have books all over the classroom and I really liked the graffiti board. That was interesting, but clever. It sounds like a great way to get students to want to read and be able to leave their thoughts and ideas for everyone to see, which could lead to debates on books in the classroom. Thinking of the excitement in the participation of the students knowing abou the subject or book they read and being able to throw their ideas and thoughts is incredible.
I also looked up a few of the authors my son had in his library of books. One author I found to be very intriguing was Ms. Laura Numeroff. She is so thoughtful and passionate about her books and teaching that she offers links to websites where she has found lesson plans, games, resources, and activities to coincide with her books. I see this author as not just a person who wrote a book but a supporter of the importance of making connections with a postivie attitude towards literature by offering games, fun, and links to the fingertips of teachers or mentors. She is obviously dedicated to the children of the classrooms that her books may touch.
Overall, the first chapter was a great introduction to this class by opening my eyes and showing me the reality of reading and life. Before this assignment I just read the books my son had asked, but after visiting the sites provided by the author, I would like to use the cutouts and activities with my son. Unfortunately, he's my guinea pig right now, but I think he'll enjoy it!

Author Profile

One author I found interesting was Christopher Paul Curtis who had an honor book for the 2008 Newbery Medal. His website has many books that he has won the Newbery Medal previously with other books and his website offers activities to use for students. Here is his website: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/christopherpaulcurtis/ .



Jacqueline Woods is also a great author who has won numerous awards for her culturally driven books. Some of her books include Our Gracie Aunt, Show Way, and Hush. Her website included special projects and sites for teachers, students, and parents! Her website is: http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/ .