Archive for 2015
Energetic reading offers nourishment & is a transformative experience
November 2, 2015
I am saddened to see that teaching literature is becoming more of a transaction than an experience of transformation. Forging meaning out of a book is a transformative experience, not a transactional exercise of questions and answers. To energetically read requires a reader to support assertions with proofs, to consider counterarguments, to be willing to […]
Conversation is key to literacy.
October 15, 2015
In our fast-moving, media-saturated world, reading with our children and talking with them about what matters is more important than ever before. Strong conversation skills are needed for reading fluency, comprehension, and ability to relate the ideas in a story to yourself and the wider world are the building blocks of imagination, empathy, critical thinking, […]
Why are you reading a book for children?
October 7, 2015
My work involves travel, usually on airplanes and most every time I get asked the same question; Why are you reading a book for children? After explaining that I work in the field of children’s literature I quickly add “But I read children’s books because they are really good, I like them!” My fondness for […]
“Reading offers you the opportunity “to build a self, because you create a self, you don’t inherit it.”
September 19, 2015
While recently playing with a toddler I was so taken how everything they touch, see, smell, hear and do is building the person they are growing into becoming. It brought to mind a comment from a literature course taught by Professor Edward Taylor in the1940’s. His introductory remark lives on— “Reading offers you the opportunity […]
Librarians are Fairy Godmothers in disguise.
September 10, 2015
Start the year off right—Make a librarian your best friend. Back to school is a busy time— new schedules and routines, making new friends, and new challenges. I highly suggest making a Librarian, your school or community librarian, your new best friend. Someone who will come to know you in a very unique way—knowing what […]
