Blessing the Book: Nurturing Readers through Stories
In part three of the podcast series, Sharon Callen invites teachers to explore the magic of children's literature, emphasising the idea of "blessing the book." This concept goes beyond simply reading aloud; it is about honouring the story, respecting the author's craft, and guiding students into meaningful discussions. Each book offers rich opportunities for exploration, whether through its emotional depth, imaginative narrative, or clever layout. Let's dive into some of the books featured in the podcast and explore how they can be used in the classroom to engage students and foster a love for reading.
The Power of Re-Reading: Cultivating Curiosity
A key theme of this episode is the importance of re-reading. Sharon highlights how reading a simple sentence, like "And so the story begins," can take on new meaning based on how the text is presented. She notes how the layout of words can shape a reader's experience, guiding them to interpret the text more deeply.
In the classroom, this concept can be used to encourage students to read beyond the surface. Ask them to pause and consider the author's intent, layout, and possible hidden meanings in the text. For example, when words are arranged in a list or spaced apart, it prompts readers to slow down and reflect. Encouraging students to re-read and question, "Why is this written like this? What is the author trying to tell me through this layout?" helps build critical thinking skills.
Introducing "Sunshine on Vinegar Street"
One of the standout books mentioned is Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer, which uses free verse to tell the story of Freya, a girl struggling to find her place in a new environment. The layout of the book forces readers to reflect on the protagonist's emotions as the story unfolds. The book begins with a skipping rhyme:
Salt, vinegar, mustard, pepper,
If I dare, I can do better.
This rhyme sets the tone for Freya's journey as she navigates her fears, friendships, and identity as a donor-conceived child. The careful arrangement of text in the book, such as the repetition of "Ever. Ever. Ever. Again." when Freya receives a goodbye card from her friends, mirrors the protagonist's feelings of loss and uncertainty.
Classroom Connection: Teachers can use this book to teach students about how the structure of writing can reflect emotion. Engage students in writing their own free verse poetry, where the layout and word choice mirror the feelings and experiences they are trying to convey. Have them think about how rearranging words or repeating phrases can bring more depth to their writing.
The Joy of Read-Alouds: Building Connection and Curiosity
One of the most powerful teaching tools highlighted in the podcast is the art of reading aloud. Sharon reflects on how a good read-aloud can transform the classroom, sparking rich conversations and deeper connections between students. When teachers share a story with their class, they are not just reading words on a page—they are opening doors to new worlds, helping students see themselves in the characters, and fostering empathy for experiences different from their own.
The act of reading aloud together allows students to share in the discovery of themes, ask questions, and reflect on their understanding of the text. Teachers can guide students to consider not only the plot but also the style, layout, and rhythm of the writing, encouraging them to think critically about the choices authors make.
Classroom Connection: Choose a powerful read-aloud and guide students through both the content and form of the story. For older students, ask them to identify moments where the layout or rhythm of the writing changed how they interpreted a passage. For younger students, simply pausing after a particularly evocative line and asking, "How did that make you feel?" can lead to rich discussions.
Books as Mirrors and Windows: Building Empathy
One of the central ideas explored is how books serve as both mirrors and windows for students. Some stories reflect students' own lives and experiences, while others offer a view into different worlds, helping students develop empathy for people whose lives may be vastly different from their own. Whether it's a tale of a young girl adjusting to a new school, a historical novel about children displaced by war, or a story of friendship and family, these narratives help students see the world through different lenses.
For example, Waiting for the Storks by Katrina Nannestad tells the story of a young Polish girl during World War II, who is forced to assume a new identity under the Lebensborn program. Through this harrowing historical lens, students can explore themes of cultural identity, loss, and survival.
Classroom Connection: Use books like Waiting for the Storks as a way to discuss historical events with your class. Encourage students to explore how characters in different time periods dealt with issues like displacement and identity. Have them reflect on their own sense of identity and how it shapes their understanding of the world.
Bringing Stories to Life: Simplicity in Teaching
Even without elaborate lesson plans or projects, simply bringing books into the classroom is powerful. Sharon emphasizes that the act of sharing a book—reading the blurb, opening a passage aloud, or discussing the layout—can spark curiosity and connection. These shared experiences allow students to engage with literature in a way that is both meaningful and transformative.
Classroom Connection: Sometimes, the best lessons are the simplest. Pick a book that resonates with you and your students,and allow the story to unfold naturally in the classroom. Let students ask questions, share insights, and connect with the characters. This simplicity can often lead to the most profound learning experiences.
Conclusion: A Passion for Teaching Through Literature
At the heart of the podcast is a deep passion for teaching through literature. Books have the power to transform students' understanding of themselves and the world. They encourage creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. As teachers, we can bless our students with the gift of stories—whether by introducing them to new authors, guiding them through complex narratives, or simply sharing the joy of reading aloud. These experiences will stay with them, helping them grow as readers, writers, and empathetic individuals.
Podcasts
- Part 4: Blessing the Book
- Part 3: Blessing the Book
- Part 2: Blessing the Book
- Part 1: Blessing the Book
Resources
Books:
- The Letterbox Tree by Rebecca Lim and Kate Gordon
- Jane Doe and the Quill of All Tales by Jeremy Lachlan
Dusty in the Outwilds by Rhiannon Williams - Meet Me at the Moon Tree by Shivaun Plozza
- The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet by Jaclyn Moriarty (Author), Kelly Canby (Illustrator)
- The Bookseller's Apprentice by Amelia Mellor
- Silver Linings by Katrina Nannestad
- Waiting for the Storks by Katrina Nannestad
- My Brother Ben by Peter Carnavas
- What Snail Knows by Kathryn Apel
- How to Spell Catastrophe by Fiona Wood
- Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer
Podcast: