I am amazed about the things that occur in school. Amazed by what happens in the progression of the school year. Amazed at the changes that occur over that time. The changes in the students. Not the changes of maturety and age, those are a given, I am amazed at the changes in them as they learn.
They learn how to act in community. They learn how to work with others. They learn the proper way to do things. One of the most magical things that they learn… is how to read!
The ability to read takes kids places they could never go. They can find the magic in books. The year I was born produced the following books:
1964 Medal Winner: Where the Wild Things Areby Maurice Sendak (Harper)
Honor Books:
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Swimmyby Leo Lionni (Pantheon)
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All in the Morning Early, illustrated by Evaline Ness; text: Sorche Nic Leodhas, pseud. [Leclaire Alger] (Holt)
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Mother Goose and Nursery Rhymes, illustrated by Philip Reed (Atheneum)
I know… I’m old… but one of my most favorite children’s books was produced that year. I love reading “Where the Wild Things Are ” to my kids. The older two aren’t into having Dad read to them. However, Riley is right in the sweet spot for that.
As I go through classrooms I get to see adults teach students about the magic of reading. I am not an expert on reading instruction, but I know good instruction when I see it. I love watching a good teacher teach a good reading lesson. I am drawn in.
I have three sometimes four kindergarten teachers. They are the first line against illiteracy in our world. They teach kids how to read. I have the luck of having three sometimes four very very good teachers. They are extraordinary in many ways.
They take kids at the beginning of hte year and make readers out of them. I would venture to say that students never grow academically in a year as much as they do during the kindergarten year. I could be wrong, but not too wrong.
I’m looking forward to tomorrow. The routine of school starts… as does the magic of reading.
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Ahh…the first day of kindergarten, truly a magical time. Like all teachers, I too live for those “light bulb” moments, but the first six weeks of kindergarten reminds me of a fireworks show!
Greg you’re invited to our very first story time. Just before we go home we will read a new classic titled, The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn- a perfect story to calm their nerves and spark their love of literature (and if you’re lucky you may even get a cookie to go with it!)
I’m sure we will do our share of cat herding tomorrow… but, even with 24 on my list I still can’t wait to get started!!!