For Your Binder

Here is the full text of the essay Tolkein presented (in an abbreviated form) in 1938 at St. Andrews, Scotland.  A couple of my favorite quotes: "If fairy story as a kind is worth reading at all it is worthy to be written for and ready by adults."  And, "It may be better for them (children) to read some things, especially fairy stories, that are beyond their measure rather than short of it. Their books like their clothes should allow for growth, and their books at any rate should encourage it." #books #stories #fairytales #reading 

It's impossible to define a fairy tale as a literary genre because it has become more of a cultural institution than anything else. #fairytales #stories #reading #books

Although neuromyths might have some truth to them, careful reading of the original research often demonstrates that the findings have been misinterpreted, simplified or are based exclusively on animal studies with limited implications for humans.  This link will hop you to a chapter from Understanding the Brain: Towards a New Learning Science (2002) which specifically address 3 of the (now identified 6) myths.  #teaching #learning

For very young children, art and early writing skills are one and the same. But this changes over time! This article provides an easy to read overview of the early stages of writing and scribbling.  It also provides user friendly trips on how to encourage creativity while at the same time assisting children in learning that words are powerful and have meaning! #reading #writing #DAP #scribbling #creativity #teaching #learning

This link will take you to a microfiche document that is dated in both narrative language and in copyright terms but the heart of the message is still valid: across the country non-white children are learning to read from books which scarcely mention them or omit them entirely - what does that say to them about their perceived role in the world they are growing up in?

#books #stories #DAP #language #literacy #diversity #inclusion #teaching #learning #reading

There is no evidence that pressuring children to read at five improves later reading ability - but there is much concern that is damaging. #DAP #learning #teaching #reading #expulsion #play

This is a link to an essay which was published in a few books, including All Work and No Play... How Educational Reforms Are Harming Our Preschoolers, edited by Sharna Olfman. After reading this stand alone essay you might decide that you need the whole book.  You might also start to wonder how many more essays and articles and books we need to write before folks believe us and the power of play!  #play #DAP #pushdown #teaching #learning #theorists

If you're doing homework you aren't riding your bike, not reading for pleasure - and those things are just as important! #homework #teaching #learning #play

Books are sometimes windows to new worlds; real, imagined or strange. Sometimes books are sliding glass doors we walk through so we can join that world in our imagination. Books can also be mirrors; reflections of our own lives and experiences. This classic article reminds readers of the importance of offering books that provide all three.  All of our children suffer when stories only mirror the dominant social group. This article might perhaps a much needed conversation about the contents of your book center! When I first read it I ended up launching myself down a very interesting rabbit hole and spent a fine afternoon reading articles that, albeit very dated, are probably still timely regarding the all white world of children's books. #reading #books #stories #teaching #learning #equity #inclusion #diversity #DAP #language #literacy

While the stats are specific to Australia, we can be informed by the data and make sure that regardless of where we live and work we are investigating the diversity (including ethnicity, gender and sexuality) of our book corner. #equity #books #stories #gender #reading #teaching #learning

What children do physically in the first few years of life plays a major part in how well they will develop all other abilities, including reading, writing, mathematics and creativity. #movement #DAP #parenting #teaching #learning 

This remains my go-to rationale as to why my forever answer to this ongoing question will be a resounding and unyielding, YES. #fairytales #stories #reading #books