Owl Moon, by Jane Yolen, is the story of a young child who is finally taken owling in the woods by his or her father. For the sake of discussion, I am assuming the main character is a young boy. The activity of owling involves hiking in the snow into the woods during the dead of night to call, sear for and find an owl. The boy has been waiting for this opportunity for a long time and has watched his brothers go again and again on this adventure to bond with their father and it is finally his turn! The experience proves to be just as amazing as he anticipated and seems almost reverent in the author’s portrayal of the adventure. Once they find an owl, the both stand awestruck with the mysterious and majestic qualities the owl has.
From the illustrations, I gathered that the little boy models his father's behaviors perfectly and consistently repeats to himself the things his father has told him about owling; to be silent, brave and hopeful during the search. I think that after reflecting on this remarkable adventure experienced by the small boy, I think that his father takes his children on these trips at an older age so that the knowledge they gain is more that simply how to find an owl. At an older age, children would be able to learn that patience, persistence, hopefulness and respect for nature is very important to their family and that after following these values through, the goal, or finding an owl, can be accomplished! These were simply my first thoughts, but I believe that the almost non-existent character of the father is more of an influence on all other aspects of the story than any other character. The little boy’s character is more of a reflective aid to help us see the wonderful and wise man the father really is.
I would highly recommend this story for any classroom throughout the elementary school and in upper grade English classrooms for reflection and analysis. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the beautiful illustrations.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
Elizabeth George Speare
Born in Massachusetts on November 21, 1908, Elizabeth George loved to read and tell stories from a very young age. As she grew older, among the rich history of New England, she also gained a great knowledge and passion for the past, but it would not be until she had married Alden Speare in 1936, move to Connecticut and raise two children into their teen years that Speare would finally begin to bring her two passions together into writing. Her first works actually had nothing to do with history, but of home and family life in the form of articles in newspapers and magazines. Once, she felt a sense of confidence in her abilities, Speare began to consider writing something larger. Around this time Speare stumbled upon a true story from New England history about a fascinating woman, who she believed would make the perfect heroine for a historical novel. And so the story of The Witch of Blackbird Pond was born! From the first accidental premise, Speare developed a complex story plot and in depth characters appropriate for any audience.
She believed the novel to be quite an accomplishment for a housewife and accidental writer and apparently many others did as well. In 1959, Speare won the Newbery Medal for The Witch of Blackbird Pond and later in 1962, won another for her next novel, The Bronze Bow. Speare also won a Newbery Honor Award in 1983 and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award in 1989. With all of these amazing accomplishments under her belt, her story is quite amazing to me. It just proves that, unfortunately for all those with fancy degrees in this area, talent in writing is really something that a fortunate few are just simply born with and comes naturally to them. Elizabeth George Speare is just such a person and is a great role model for many people that may not have much experience now in writing, but have wonderful ideas, for any sort of writing, to get their imaginations in gear and create something!
Information gathered from the following websites:
http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/catalog/authordetail.cfm?authorID=4099
http://www.edupaperback.org/showauth.cfm?authid=85
http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/speare.htm
She believed the novel to be quite an accomplishment for a housewife and accidental writer and apparently many others did as well. In 1959, Speare won the Newbery Medal for The Witch of Blackbird Pond and later in 1962, won another for her next novel, The Bronze Bow. Speare also won a Newbery Honor Award in 1983 and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award in 1989. With all of these amazing accomplishments under her belt, her story is quite amazing to me. It just proves that, unfortunately for all those with fancy degrees in this area, talent in writing is really something that a fortunate few are just simply born with and comes naturally to them. Elizabeth George Speare is just such a person and is a great role model for many people that may not have much experience now in writing, but have wonderful ideas, for any sort of writing, to get their imaginations in gear and create something!
Information gathered from the following websites:
http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/catalog/authordetail.cfm?authorID=4099
http://www.edupaperback.org/showauth.cfm?authid=85
http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/speare.htm
Sunday, January 27, 2008
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare, is an amazing book that has a lot of potential for teaching may different subjects in the classroom to a variety of age and reading skill levels! I first read this book when I was in about the fifth grade during the summer for pleasure. At the time I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense and learning about the time period through the characters' experiences. At this age, the story would be very beneficial to students who need to be read aloud to, learn to enjoy the act of reading or practice their understanding of plot, since the plot of the story is very complex. I read it again in middle school for an English class and had my interest in historical fiction renewed after looking at it from a different perspective. At this age, I remember my teacher trying to teach us to read between the lines and gain information and understanding through what the authors implied through the actions of the characters, such as Kit or Hannah. Again in reading this weekend, I was more aware of the life lessons present in what the characters learn throughout the book. I was completely unaware in the 5th grade that I was being taught a lesson of standing up for what you believe in and not being afraid to be yourself. These are fairly common themes of children's stories, but in this case, the lessons are presented in what appears to be a true story in its historical context. Cleverly, the author sends her message through the plot of the story. I think at a young age students can benefit from learning of a historical time and enjoying the suspense of the story, but in my opinion more is to be learned at a slightly older age, even in college years, about life and the sticky situations we are faced with at times!
Because I am going to be a teacher, and have taken many education courses so far, I now automatically think about lesson writing and how to incorporate ANYTHING into my future classroom! So, my thought on this books are as follows:
The story itself, as a whole, is too lengthy and confusing to be used in early elementary classrooms, such as 1st and 2nd, but sections of the book, where Kit gets herself in comical situations could be used for story starters, discussions about the historical time Kit and Hannah live in and even some discussion of lessons learned if I were to paraphrase the story so that the students could understand the lessons the author has tried to portray. I also think that the younger grades would enjoy drawing scenes of the story from descriptive passages about Hannah's house or the ship, the Dolphin. This would greatly improve their listening abilities and planning abilities in thinking about the described place and putting it on paper!
This book would be great to use with younger grades, possibly 3rd and 4th, for a read aloud or partner reading to learn about the historical time period that the book takes place in. The students could compile a list of all the new things they learned from reading this story about the daily lives of the early Americans. As a class we could briefly research the Salem witch trials and talk about how the lessons that are present in the story would have effected the events of the time, if the citizens of the colonies had followed them.
In the older grades in middle school and possibly high school, students could do extensive work in researching on aspect of colonial life that appears in the book. Although this would be an easier read for many high school students, the book would be a great, quick starter on a colonial unit. This kind of unit could be done in either an English class or History class. This kind of great literature can be used in many different areas of learning.
This has been a wonderful story at many different parts of my life and I would highly recommend reading it to anyone, especially teachers in their classrooms with their students!!!
Because I am going to be a teacher, and have taken many education courses so far, I now automatically think about lesson writing and how to incorporate ANYTHING into my future classroom! So, my thought on this books are as follows:
The story itself, as a whole, is too lengthy and confusing to be used in early elementary classrooms, such as 1st and 2nd, but sections of the book, where Kit gets herself in comical situations could be used for story starters, discussions about the historical time Kit and Hannah live in and even some discussion of lessons learned if I were to paraphrase the story so that the students could understand the lessons the author has tried to portray. I also think that the younger grades would enjoy drawing scenes of the story from descriptive passages about Hannah's house or the ship, the Dolphin. This would greatly improve their listening abilities and planning abilities in thinking about the described place and putting it on paper!
This book would be great to use with younger grades, possibly 3rd and 4th, for a read aloud or partner reading to learn about the historical time period that the book takes place in. The students could compile a list of all the new things they learned from reading this story about the daily lives of the early Americans. As a class we could briefly research the Salem witch trials and talk about how the lessons that are present in the story would have effected the events of the time, if the citizens of the colonies had followed them.
In the older grades in middle school and possibly high school, students could do extensive work in researching on aspect of colonial life that appears in the book. Although this would be an easier read for many high school students, the book would be a great, quick starter on a colonial unit. This kind of unit could be done in either an English class or History class. This kind of great literature can be used in many different areas of learning.
This has been a wonderful story at many different parts of my life and I would highly recommend reading it to anyone, especially teachers in their classrooms with their students!!!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush
Most people who have had some experience reading with children have probably read or heard of the book, The Legend of the Bluebonnet by Tomie dePaola. Although the bluebonnet legend that dePaola tells is a great example of a legend for children, the story of the Indian paintbrush is not only a great legend for children but is inspiring and discusses, subtly, the differences and uniqueness we all have. In the story, The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush, dePaola uses the character of Little Gopher to allow children to identify with this story. Little Gopher is a small child, much like the readers of the book, who feels different and isolated from his peers. I don't know of a child who doesn't know what that feels like at some point in their lives! Little Gopher perseveres through his confusion, trusting what he believes is his "calling" and in the end is recognized by his people for his contribution to their tribe and remembered through the appearance of the Indian Paintbrush flower every spring from then on. The legend teaches children that your talents, dreams or self image may not always fit into society neatly at the time, but, as corny as it sounds, if you stay true to yourself and accept who you are as an individual in the world, then you will find peace in your life and will be recognized in some fashion for your character.
As I write this, I know that this has a strong message for the older crowds as well. I know a woman who is in a same sex relationship currently. The two have been a couple for many years and I consider them to be married in many ways. I respect my friend for knowing who she is, and not letting a society like ours tell her what is and is not acceptable.
Another thought that crossed my mind in reading this story, was that people who see morally wrong actions happen and do the right thing by turning them in to the proper authorities. Take Enron for example. I do not know hardly anything about this scandal, but I do know that someone had to tell. In a business world that revolves around simply making money and stopping at nothing to keep it rolling in, an honest Joe who sees something dishonest happening and sees beyond his own earning potential to tell the truth is incredible.
Children who are going up in today's society need to have stories like these that send subtle messages and that will help them cope with life. Even if they do not need these lessons yet in their young lives, they will most definitely be of great use in their rough teen years!!! I think that this story should subsequently be read to every child, especially if an educated college student can gain some insight into life from this legend!
As I write this, I know that this has a strong message for the older crowds as well. I know a woman who is in a same sex relationship currently. The two have been a couple for many years and I consider them to be married in many ways. I respect my friend for knowing who she is, and not letting a society like ours tell her what is and is not acceptable.
Another thought that crossed my mind in reading this story, was that people who see morally wrong actions happen and do the right thing by turning them in to the proper authorities. Take Enron for example. I do not know hardly anything about this scandal, but I do know that someone had to tell. In a business world that revolves around simply making money and stopping at nothing to keep it rolling in, an honest Joe who sees something dishonest happening and sees beyond his own earning potential to tell the truth is incredible.
Children who are going up in today's society need to have stories like these that send subtle messages and that will help them cope with life. Even if they do not need these lessons yet in their young lives, they will most definitely be of great use in their rough teen years!!! I think that this story should subsequently be read to every child, especially if an educated college student can gain some insight into life from this legend!
Outside Reading List
Book 1: The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush
Author: Tomie dePaola (retold and illustrated)
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: 1-24-2008
Book 2: The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Author: Elizabeth George Speare
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: 1-27-2008
Book 3: Owl Moon
Author: Jane Yolen
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: 1-29-2008
Book 4: When Bluebell Sang
Author: Lisa Campbell Ernst
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: 2-6-2008
Book 5: Goodnight Moon
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: 2-15-2008
Book 6: Little Women
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: March 20, 2008
Book 7: The Birthday Present
Author: Maria Edgeworth
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: March 21, 2008
Book 8: Ramona and Her Father
Author: Beverley Cleary
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: March 22, 2008
Book 9: Stellaluna
Author: Janell Cannon
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: March 24, 2008
Book 10: Peter Pan
Author: James Matthew Barrie
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: April 24, 2008
Book 11: Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
Author: Mildred D. Taylor
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: April 25, 2008
Book 12: A Single Shard
Author: Linda Sue Park
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: April 26, 2008
Author: Tomie dePaola (retold and illustrated)
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: 1-24-2008
Book 2: The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Author: Elizabeth George Speare
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: 1-27-2008
Book 3: Owl Moon
Author: Jane Yolen
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: 1-29-2008
Book 4: When Bluebell Sang
Author: Lisa Campbell Ernst
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: 2-6-2008
Book 5: Goodnight Moon
Author: Margaret Wise Brown
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: 2-15-2008
Book 6: Little Women
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: March 20, 2008
Book 7: The Birthday Present
Author: Maria Edgeworth
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: March 21, 2008
Book 8: Ramona and Her Father
Author: Beverley Cleary
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: March 22, 2008
Book 9: Stellaluna
Author: Janell Cannon
Picture Book? Yes
Posting Date: March 24, 2008
Book 10: Peter Pan
Author: James Matthew Barrie
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: April 24, 2008
Book 11: Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
Author: Mildred D. Taylor
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: April 25, 2008
Book 12: A Single Shard
Author: Linda Sue Park
Picture Book? No
Posting Date: April 26, 2008
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