Textbook Assignment #2

I know that picture books are so critical when teaching different literary elements. This holds in elementary schools as well as middle school and even high school. Picture books are instrumental and helpful in the classroom and can bridge the gap for many students.

What I Learned (W)

I learned that if you deliver a book talk in such a way that students and teachers will connect with the story, you will need to have several copies of the book! I found myself adding new titles to my amazon account after watching the videos in this chapter. I also learned that there is a difference between picture books and picture storybooks.

What I Still Need to Learn (L)

I still need to learn how to deliver a short and to the point book talk properly. I find myself getting excited about a book and giving away too much information or having to backtrack because I missed an essential part of the book.

How Will I Share (S)

I loved the article that was attached to the chapter reading, and this taught me the importance of sharing the history behind the story. I think it is so interesting how and why picture books come about and believe that sharing this history will help students in their creative writing.

I love stories and books that begin with, "Once upon a time"! They are magical words and have a way of pulling the reader into the story. I know that traditional literature is stories that have been on the bookshelves of libraries for years and will continue to be on the shelves for years to come. These stories also can come in different shapes, sizes, and versions. I once did a unit while teaching 3rd grade, where my class compared and contrasted different versions of Cinderella.

What I Learned (W)

I learned about the different elements that traditional literature encompasses.

Myths begin as a story that describes a natural element.

Legends go along with historical events but are not always true.

Folk Tales are "tales from the folk and

Fables most likely involve animals that are telling a story of a moral.

What I Still Need to Learn (L)

Although the criteria are listed, I would love to be in a room with experienced librarians as they evaluate traditional literature. I also wonder how often new versions of traditional literature is published.

How Will I Share (S)

Sharing that traditional stories can be "brought to date" is essential. A favorite story of my children is The Three Little Tamales. They always knew The Three Little Pigs, but after reading this one, they have a new favorite folktale.

I know that poetry is not a genre and that it differs from novels in verse. Children's poetry has always been a favorite of mine, and there was an importance in celebrating National Poetry Month in my classroom when I taught years ago!

What I Learned (W)

I learned how to evaluate poetry for children.

• A familiar subject for children
• Imagery for young readers - sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and textures
• Rhyme - not necessary, but suitable for scaffolding
• Rhythm - how is it used, does the "beat" match the subject of the poem
• Sound - alliteration, consonance, assonance, onomatopoeia

What I Still Need to Learn (L)

I would like to observe a lesson in poetry from a librarian. How would s/he start the process of collaborating with a grade level? I've been visiting PLC on my campus, but I would love the opportunity to observe the collaborating piece from an experienced librarian.

How Will I Share (S)

I will continue to share poetry with students and model ways to write poetry. It's fun and can pull creativity out of our students that they can often keep hidden.

I know that historical fiction is any story set in the past. However, history can be subjective, and teaching historical fiction to children can be difficult.

What I Learned (W)

It was very knowledgeable to dive into the criteria for evaluating historical fiction for children. Because it can be so subjective, it's nice to have guidelines when selecting historical fiction for your schools' collection.

What I Still Need to Learn (L)

I need to learn to properly genrify books that are Historical Fiction. Reading over the criteria given in this chapter will help. Also, looking at reviews will help as well.

How Will I Share (S)

I want to have conversations with my students and teachers when it comes to historical fiction. I am one that considers The Watsons Go to Birmingham, 1963, a historical fiction novel, but I never would've put that date into perspective until reading the words in this chapter. Sharing conversations will help guide the placement of books in my library.

Realistic Fiction is set in current times and is stories that can take place in the real world.

What I Learned (W)

I have never heard the terms Contemporary Realistic Fiction (CRF) or Modern Realistic Fiction (MRF) and would not have known what those acronyms meant if I saw them in a library.

What I Still Need to Learn (L)

Realistic Fiction tackled real, sensitive, and challenging topics. I find myself reading the reviews of the Realistic Fiction that is purchased for my library because I want to be able to have conversations with students if they had questions. I would like to know the most controversial topics and how to have open discussions with students.

How Will I Share (S)

In general, I like to share my love for Realistic Fiction. I also think it is a great starting point for students that don't know what to read. I think of Realistic Fiction as the windows and mirrors in book terms!