Believing in Living Literature

Chapter 1

"A teacher's most important role (in my humble opinion) is first to teach the art of reading then to foster … a child's enjoyment of books."

Dick King-Smith

What it means to

"Live Literature"

Children's Literature:

• Backbone of the reading program• Major source of content knowledge• Can increase our understanding of

ourselves and our place in the world• Potential for transformative

experiences

Share children's literature to develop effective readers and

writers.

Share literature to foster a life-long enjoyment of books and

reading.

Living Literature Classroom

Examining Beliefs

What we believe and how we teach have long-term effects

on students.

If we believe all children will learn, then we will teach

differently.

Do you believe that all children can learn?

A guided reading lesson with a deaf child

Valuing Literacy

Some books are currently considered "dangerous" for children.

Understand why people may object to certain types of reading materials.

Teaching is a scholarly act

• Keep current with new children's literature

• Read and keep professionally active

• Learn the professional discourse (the terminology of literacy)

Goals for Living Literature

Teaching children to read

Teaching children to WANT to read

1. Surround children

with literature instead of

just textbooks.

2. Allow students to teach others.

3. Allow students choice in

their reading.

4. Provide opportunities for students to discuss books with

others.

What we know about poor reading attitudes:

• Generally, teenagers' interest in reading declines.

• Interest declines when reading is limited to prescribed texts and quality literature is not included.

• Students in lower ability groups are usually not motivated to read.

Living Literature Principles

Children learn what they live.

Living Literature

Framework

Provide students with the best children's literature.

Design experiences

that incorporate

the six language

arts.

Teachers use strategic and explicit teaching.

Teachers encourage experimentation as children

respond to literature.

Teachers use

focused, specific

feedback to

children.

Curriculum is integrated and inquiry based.

See the CD-ROM which came with this text for:

• Tips for working with school & public librarians

• Lists of professional print resources

Visit the COMPANION WEBSITE for:

• Organizations and their websites

• Professional journals and websites