Kirby Larson's Blog, page 38

Marvelous Monday

Hattie and I have hit the road to San Francisco. She arrived via train and ferry; I flew in (and, boy, are my arms tired!)

Tonight, I hung out with the adorable Jenni Holm and the book savvy Sharon Levin (both thanked in the acknowledgments of Hattie Ever After), eating Thai food and being treated to the charming artwork of Miss Millie May.
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Now I'm at the hotel and gearing up for tomorrow, a full day of school presentations sponsored by The Storyteller-- channeling my inner Hattie in a reproduction vintage dress graciously handsewn by my dear friend, Carla Keats. 

I promise to post photos on Wednesday; in the meantime, check back tomorrow for a great Teacher Tuesday post on the importance of independent reading for middle schoolers!

Friend Friday

I am one of the lucky nine million people who call Jaime Temairik friend. My beach house is adorned with her charming artwork (I'm especially fond of her Ewelia Child*), my heart has been warmed countless times by her kindnesses and my ribs are sore from all the times she's made me laugh so hard ink sprayed out my nose.
I am so delighted that her newly published picture book (written by David Spellman and Lisa Lutz) is now out. Just a few days ago! 
You are going to love this book. But DO NOT give it to a child who is lobbying for a pet dog, frog or tarantula: after such a child reads this book, you will be spending a lot of time at PetSmart. You can't say I didn't warn you.
The story of how this book came to be is a terrific story in itself but one you can read elsewhere. Like here.
Congratulations, Jaime! 


*You, too, can own Ewelia -- just go to Jaime's Etsy shop.

Thursday's Thought

"Better to do something imperfectly than to donothing flawlessly.
Robert Schuller

Teacher Tuesday

I quiver with excitement when I say these two words: Donalyn Miller. The Beyonce of children's literature,  Donalyn does not lip sync. She is one hundred percent real. She teaches fourth grade Language Arts and Texas History at O. A. Peterson Elementary in Forth Worth, Texas, and is also the author of The Book Whisperer: Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child. 
You can also find her thoughtful comments on her blog, and in no more than 140 characters, at @donalynbooks.
Let's take a peek at Donalyn's past: 
    Favorite school lunch as a kid: peanut butter (creamy preferred) and strawberry preserves on Wonder BreadBest friend in grade school: Edward Glass ( he was also my next door neighbor)Times you were the new kid in school:  7Teacher who inspired you to stretch: Miss Potter, our school librarian, who set these crazy reading challenges for me. I bothered her every day for a new book, so she introduced me to authors and series I might enjoy. I read every Judy Blume, Marguerite Henry, Roald Dahl and Beverly Cleary book, the entire Young Americans Biographies series, and the Little House books because of her. The one thing you always wished you could do in grade school but never achieved: I wish I could have won the spelling bee. I came in second. Twice!

Donalyn, you shared with me that your passions include providing students with choice in their reading and engaging kids with independent reading. Let’s dig deeper. Why is it important to provide students with choices in their reading? 
People without choices become disempowered and lose motivation. This is true in all areas, not just reading. Too often, reading belongs to teachers who decide what will be read and the conditions for reading it. When students are given choices, they take ownership of their reading and find their personal interests and motivations.
What are the roadblocks to this kind of effort, given the current educational climate geared toward standardized testing? 
Standardized testing is a problem because preparing for these tests crowds out a lot of authentic reading and writing. I don’t see tests as the only factor, though. Other factors include whole class novel units (where everyone reads the same book at the same time and completes the same rote activities), assigned book reports and projects, and students’ book choices that are limited to Lexile bands and reading lists. All of these prevent many children from falling in love with reading or finding any personal value in it.
What do you see happening when kids get to choose what they read? 
I find that my students read more widely and take greater risks when they can read whatever they want. I also see students find and finesse their preferences—many of them discover what they like to read for the first time because they can try anything.
What happens when kids are stymied in their own efforts to choose reading materials? 
I think that many children struggle to self-select books because they lack reading experience. They don’t know enough about books and authors and they haven’t experienced enough reading success. We talk about books and share recommendations on a daily basis. I share specific authors and books that I think students might enjoy. I encourage students to preview lots of books and take chances. If a book isn’t working, we discuss why and I encourage children to abandon books that aren’t working for them.  I select books for read alouds that lead students to more reading from the same author, series, format, or topic.
Do you think there is such a thing as a bad book? Why or why not?
A few books are poorly written, but I think most books have an audience somewhere. If I don’t like a book, I tell my students why and admit that it may not be the right book for me. I think the only bad book is a book that turns you away from reading.
What do you see as your role in guiding/facilitating students in choosing what they read?
I know a lot about books and can usually help students find something to read that they will enjoy. I think it is my responsibility to remain current on new books for children and continually explore resources and tools that help students read more and find books for themselves. Building my knowledge about books is a vital part of my professional development as a teacher. My students also know I am a reader and they trust my knowledge as a reader as much as a teacher.
Are you saying that there isn’t a core list of books everyone should read? 
How is that possible? What is the point of narrowing our reading lives to a prescribed list? I think developing a personal canon of books that resonate with you is more important than reading what someone else thinks you should read.
Tell me what you mean by independent reading.
True independent reading is free choice, voluntary, individual reading. Reading silently what someone assigns you to read is not independent reading. Reading and finishing a list of activities is not independent reading.
Why is it important? 
We know from research that the children who read the most have higher reading scores, better grades, and more motivation for reading than children who don’t read much. On a personal level, provides readers with an intellectual and emotional life that they control.
How can parents and other caring adult encourage independent reading?
The factors that contribute to more reading at school also contribute to more reading at home:Set aside daily time for reading.Provide a variety of engaging reading materials.Value all reading and allow children to choose what they read.Role model a reading lifestyle and discuss why you find reading personally meaningful.

What’s the worst thing an adult can do in trying to connect a particular child with a particular book?
When we require children to read a particular book, we send the message that we make their reading choices because they can’t. If you really want to share a specific book with a child, read it aloud with them and share the experience.
What’s the best thing an adult can do?
The best thing an adult can do to encourage a child to read a specific book is tell them, “I just read this book and I knew you were the next person that should read it. I look forward to talking with you about it” Hand them the book and walk away.
What else would you like to say on this topic?
Talking, thinking, writing, and studying independent reading is my life’s work. I can never exhaust the topic! I would like to say that adults who read do more to lead children to reading than anything else. Children see reading as part of a cultural value system when adults read.
Thank you, Donalyn. I am so grateful that you took time out of your schedule to share these gutsy insights. I want to say "amen" to your point that reading adults are key to reading kids. So all of you aunties and uncles, moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, neighbors and other caring adults: here is one easy thing to do to better this world: Read. 

Hattie Ever After Blog Tour, Stop #1

I drew the long straw when I met Mr. Colby Sharp, 4th grade teacher extraordinaire. He not only taught me how to tweet, he became Hattie's biggest fan. Skip over to his blog, where you can read the amazing Khadijah's questions about my work. (Jessica asked a question, too.).

Here is the schedule for the Hattie Ever After blog tour:
2/4 KidsReads.com2/5 Read, Write, and Reflect2/6 Nerdy Book Club2/7 Elizabeth O. Dulemba2/7 IRA Engage2/8 A Dream Within a Dream2/11 My Brain on Books2/12 Kirkus Reviews 
 

Friend Friday

The Energizer Bunny of writing, Justina Chen, released a new book a few days ago:



I have appreciated Justina's creative inspirations in terms of making visioning boards, and she is the person who introduced me to Wordle.
 
Here's a brief description of the story:

Nothing is going as planned for Rebecca Muir. She's weeks away from starting college--at a school chosen specifically to put a few thousand miles of freedom between Reb and her parents. But her dad's last-minute job opportunity has her entire family moving all those miles with her! And then there's the matter of her unexpected, amazing boyfriend, Jackson, who is staying behind on the exact opposite coast. With college application drama high during the next few months, this might be the perfect book for your favorite high school senior!


With college application drama high during the next few months, this might be the perfect book for your favorite high school senior!


        Trust  Trust 
And if that isn't enough to deal with, mere days after moving cross-country, Reb's dad drops shocking, life-changing news. With her mother and brother overwhelmed and confused, Reb is left alone to pick up the pieces of her former life. But how can she do that when everything can change in an instant? How can she trust her "perfect" boyfriend when her own dad let her down? Reb started the year knowing exactly what her future would hold, but now that her world has turned upside down, will she discover what she really wants?
Justina Chen, the acclaimed author of North of Beautiful, has created a moving and powerful novel about the struggles that arise from betrayal, the uncertainty of life after high school, and the joy that ultimately comes from discovering what's truly in your heart.

Thursday's Thought

"Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than the belief that she is beautiful."
Sophia Loren

Teacher Tuesday

Warning: If you are a teacher or librarian and you email me about one of my books, I just might lasso you into a Teacher Tuesday feature! That's what happened to Gary Edwards, who wrote me from the beautiful hill country of Texas to share his students' reactions to Hattie Big Sky. Gary teaches at Hunt School, a PK-8 school about 80 miles northwest of San Antonio, Texas.  Hunt is a one school district with 180 students. Gary says, "In a small district you teach a lot of different things. This year I teach 6, 7, and 8 Social Studies, a reading elective which our school calls Book Club, Speech, English as a Learned Language, and I coach cross- country, basketball, track, and tennis.  I also drive the bus." That's flexibility!

Here's a peek into Gary's past:

Young Gary facing the future with a big smile!

Favorite school lunch: Going to my grandmother’s or great grandmother’s house.  I grew up surrounded by relatives.  The Snack Shack (junk food heaven-frito pie, burgers, candy) was also across the street from the school, so I really spent very little time in the school cafeteria.Best friends: They were two years ahead of me in school, but we played together all the time. Living across the street was Gary Don, and beside me was Gary Steven. When it was time for lunch, it was very important for our moms to be sure to use our middle names to avoid confusion.  Three Garys leaving beside each other can be a really big problem.Time you were a new kid: Never! I grew up Muleshoe, Texas (in the Texas Panhandle), surrounded by all my grandparents, great grandparents, uncles and aunts, cousins and other relatives 70 miles in any direction.Most inspiring teacher: My high school speech teacher, Kerry Moore.I did not go to college to become a teacher, but in the back of my mind, I thought of all the fun Kerry Moore seemed to have and he got paid for it too. The kids asked me quite often will I still teach.  Easy answer-I like teaching. I have been teaching for 41 years and Mr. Moore is STILL teaching at Muleshoe High School in Muleshoe, Texas.  The last time I emailed, we discussed the possibility that he might retire so I would not feel like a slacker if I retired. He still inspires me.
Let's get to the heart of this interview: your passion for connecting middle school students and books through an elective class, aptly called Reading. How did this come about?

I have always wanted to teach social studies using literature.  About five years ago we were talking in class and I had some students that liked the idea. The students got together and presented a petition to the administration; however, instead of social studies through literature, it became an advanced reading class for high level students and we read from the high school Pre AP list.
How have things changed in the past five years?
From those first four students, Reading has become one of the most popular electives in the school averaging 15-20 each semester that I teach the class. We usually have 35-40 students in seventh and eighth grade so that is a huge percentage.  The class is no longer for advanced readers--it is open to all.  The kids know that if they want to read and have fun, this is the class to sign up for. This year we even added the sixth graders to the mix.  
Give us a feel for what the class is like:
I start the semester with a read aloud, Half-a-Moon Inn by Paul Fleischman. 
The kids love this book. The twists and turns keep them on the edge of their seat. Even those who take my class for the second or third time always want to hear it again. After Half- a-Moon Inn, all books are chosen with class discussion. We make a plan at the start of the semester and decide what we want to read.  Over the 5 years I have accumulated 20 classroom sets of novels with a wide variety of reading levels and the administration has always been eager to add at least one new set per year. In addition, I have available all of the novel sets that come with the Literature books and I coordinate with the English teacher.
Sometime during the middle of the semester, I read aloud another book, Notes From a Dog by Gary Paulsen. 
About a young lady with breast cancer, this book shows the power of a person’s positive outlook on life and what it can do for others. 
Can you recommend books that have worked with your class?
Hattie Big Sky comes in number one with no close second (This means the world to me! K.)
Here are a few more favorites:


We decided to try True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, by Avi,this year--kids loved it.
Depending on class make-up and reading levels, I might use Monster, by Walter Dean Myers, or I Heard the Owl Call My Name, by Margaret Craven. And we read nonfiction, too; A Night to Remember, a classic book about the Titanic by Walter Lord, is a huge favorite. 
The most popular futuristic book is The Giver, by Lois Lowry.
Our typical class day starts with a discussion of where we are, what we want to do and where we are going.  We may talk about vocabulary or discuss some historic reference in the books.  I am always reading at home, and I keep students updated on what is going on in my reading and they often discuss books they are reading. The book we are reading is always read in class, not at home, and that is never a problem.  (By the end of the third week I can usually tell how far we can read each day, so it is really easy to stay together-I think that is very important.)  Everyone reads and when they finish reading the assignment for the day they read something else. Most of the students are already reading and as the others get into the routine, reading just snowballs.  Three or four students go to the library every day to get new books, others bring Kindles. Reading becomes part of what they do every day. As the class comes to a close we discuss what we read, talk about any vocabulary problems, and questions they have about what they read. As we come to the end of a book, we start planning our end-of-book projects. Everyone does something about the book.  That is the best way to explain it.  They come up with their own ideas, which are far better than any I could come up with.

End-Of-Book Project Examples:I have a very large cow’s tail hanging from the ceiling that a student made as a prop for telling about her favorite part of Hattie Big Sky. Another student brought her chickens to class, but she used a rubber chicken which she dunked in a bucket of water just like Hattie. My classroom is full of stuff, like model ships, German tanks,  submarines,  sharecroppers' cabins, dioramas---I think the reason the janitor doesn’t complain is because her daughter (the chicken dunker) took the class twice.Posters and reports on things students found interesting in a book, for example, the Spanish Flu, Holocaust, etc. One of the favorites-write a new last chapter. When we read No Promises in the Wind, someone always writes a last chapter and Howie is always alive and miraculously  survived being run over by a trainWe have eaten all of Hattie’s recipes and lots of food from the depression. And one of the best: When we finished reading A Night to Remember, we recreated the last night on the Titanic.  recreated the meal, dressed in costume, danced to waltz music.
What has most surprised you about teaching this class?
One thing that I will never forget: The second semester we had the class, it was still small. In fact my ELL class was the same period as Book Club. I thought that a reading model might be good for my ELL, so they worked on their ELL assignments while the reading class was reading. I noticed one of the ELL kids had checked our book out of the library. I would see him reading during ELL every day trying to “catch up.” After a few days, he came to me and said that he thought he would just read with us for the rest of the year.  AND HE DID (with lots of help). It was fantastic.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
All MIDDLE SCHOOLS NEED A READING ELECTIVE!
Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm sold! I love the idea of reading being an integral part of a student's school day. Way to go, Gary!

Friend Friday

Two of my favorite words: Jennifer. Holm.

Not only is she an amazing writer of historical fiction, (Our Only May Amelia, The Trouble with May Amelia, Penny from Heaven, Turtle in Paradise, and the Boston Jane series) with her brother, Matthew Holm, she manages to create a new graphic novel about every three minutes. AND she wears slippers to work.

Maybe you have been under a rock and you do not know about BabyMouse. Time to get up to speed:





Ahem. This is BabyMouse book number 17. Seventeen! Lucky for you, it doesn't come out for three more days. That gives you time to catch up on books 1-16.

Get cracking.

Thursday's Thought

"It is never too lateto be what you might have been."
George Eliot