Every day we read a book together. The books vary from silly to thoughtful to philosophical to informative. Throughout the story I will stop from time to time to ask students questions, and they will turn to their reading buddy and share their responses to the questions while I listen in to their conversations. For those non-education folk, it's a process called "Interactive Read Aloud" the interactive part being when students get to respond to the story, not just listen to it. I have some personal favorites I like to share, like Spoon, The Dot, and Bill and Pete (a crowd pleaser, since the poaching villian is seen running away butt naked after being scared off from his bath by the crocodile he had originally captured for suitcase skins)
However, I recently discovered a lovely book called Press Here. Each page gives a direction, and then upon turning the page the shape, size, and placements of the dots change seemingly in response to the reader's action. Not only is the book a brilliant way to teach following directions, it is also a delightful read aloud. Last Friday I read it to my students. No, it wasn't rigorous, but each student got to have a chance interacting with the book as I jogged from person to person and they tilted, tapped, and rubbed the book. At the end, I briefly mentioned that a book doesn't have to be hard and frustrating in order to be fun. (I have a LOT of readers trying to read books FAR too challenging for them, as evidenced today when one student entered the room exclaiming, "Mrs. Swanson, I'm reading Moby Dick!!")
At the end of every Friday we also have a chance for students to reflect on their week in the form of a weekly letter. It is something I did with my seventh graders my first year teaching, and I decided to bring it back this year with my third graders. On fancy and fun paper, students respond to three prompts: One thing I thought went well this week was... One thing I thought didn't go well was... My big goal for next week is... Students will respond to varying levels of depth and thought, and the letters are quite enjoyable to read and respond to over the weekend. The students are always excited to come in the room on Monday morning to find a colorful envelope on their desks.
Last Friday, I was especially touched by one girl's letter. This is a student who has been very kind from the first day of school. When other mope and moan, she smiles and participates. She can be somewhat of a tattle tale if someone isn't shaping up to her standards, but she is a dearheart who invited every student in the classroom to her birthday pool party, and who gives her partner a high five if they have done well. Her mom should be extremely proud of her. It's even more impressive because this little girl has some significant health issues that have meant she has had to be prodded by doctors and has long term effects on her life choices. However, she never complains and never expects special treatment.
Therefore, I was so amazed at reading her letter:
Dear Ms. Swanson,
One thing I thought went well this week was: "thank you for reading Press Hear". Everybody loves the book, even me!
One thing that didn't go well this week was: "I did not have a chance to press, sake, or tip the book and my brother did not give me a gift"
My big goal for next week is: be happy for someone who gets picked for working hard.
Love,
Angie
OK, besides making me feeling TERRIBLE for not picking her (I thought I got everyone!) I think this is the most adorable thing that makes me want to go out and hug the whole world and love everyone just a little bit more. I want to be happy for people who get celebrated, and I swear that if I become more able to be happy for those who are happy, it will be in part because of Angie.
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