Children, literature and tools for teaching are just waiting at the edge of imagination: yours and your students. Read on to learn more!
When teachers in K-6 classrooms combine children, literature and tools for teaching, magic happens. Magic is an essential ingredient in literature for children, which, when enhanced by the following teaching tools makes dreams come true in the classroom.
These tools can be used together or separately. They are:
- Focus on the students - by creating dramatic interpretations of the book, chapter, or scene being read, students are able to express themselves, in addition, all students can participate
- Teach by doing - teachers model how to dramatize a story by acting out the details with the students, therefore, the students learn by doing what has been modeled.
- FUNdamental Learning -Students who are allowed to be creative, learn to a deeper level. They enjoy the work presented, taking ownership for their learning. This develops a student's sense of self as well as community.
Focus on the Students
Begin the children's literature unit with stories that reflect the interests of the students in the class. This can be developed in different ways. For instance, prior to the unit, the classroom teacher can brainstorm topics of interests with students. The list created by the brainstorm can then be voted on. The top two or three topics are then used to pull together reading materials for the class to study.
Alternately, the classroom teacher can have the students make a list of their (the students) countries of origin or heredity. Stories from those countries can then be collected and used for the unit. This is an excellent way to present literature in a multicultural classroom, as it allows the students to connect with stories that relate to their own lives. In addition, this unit can be linked to world history furthering the discussion as well as the learning processes.
Finally, the classroom teacher, if they have a prescribed curriculum, can have the students preview the books from the curriculum and then vote on the one or two they wish to use for their dramatization. What is important to remember is that children, literature and tools for teaching are a winning combination.
Teach by doing
One of the fundamental theories of teaching is that when something is modeled for a student, learning is easier. This theory has been proven in classrooms across curriculum around the world.
Once a story has been chosen by the class, depending on the age group and ability of the students, the classroom teacher has several options. They can choose to model a character, or with some of the students, model a scene.
In early elementary classes, picture books would be used. Students can either become the pages of the book by posing, i.e., recreate what is shown on the pages without speaking parts, or act out the story impromptu. By allowing students to give an impromptu presentation, they do not have to concern themselves with memorization, which can often be difficult.
Students who are differently-abled or who speak English as a second language are more able to pose to recreate the pages. The teacher would read the text or other students can hold up cards with text for the audience to read. Of course all of this would depend on the dynamics of the class as well as the school community.
Fundamental Learning
Children's literature can be taught in a manner that students enjoy greatly with fundamental learning. Learning that is fun inspires creation. Creativity sparks the learning processes into action. Students who are active participants in the learning process grasp concepts with enthusiasm as well as retain what they have learned.
Even with standardized curriculum, teachers can incorporate these creative ideas for children, literature and tools for teaching to enhance the students learning.
Happy Ending
Children, literature and tools for teaching will bring about happy endings for all. Teachers will have the joy of seeing their students succeed. In addition, students will enjoy literature to the fullest by becoming active parts of the learning process. Finally, the audience, be it other students in the school or parents and family, will enjoy watching the stories their children have studied come alive before their eyes.
