you can modify for the needs of your class
This is also important to keep in mind because fantasy is such a broad topic. It can be modified for different ages or be more serious or more funny. I think this could be a very powerful tool in the classroom.
distinctive genre that it is.
These are all elements of very popular children's books! Important to keep in mind.
hat I wanted to point out, however, is that none of them can ever be combined with fantasy and still maintain its true character. Fantasy has this brilliant way of taking over the story line so that no other story line or elements of another genre can remain the central focus of the reader's attention
I believe this is true. It is interesting to think of fantasy as such a powerful genre. Once one element is added, it takes over the storyline. I think this is important to remember when having children write certain types of stories.
There are recognizable conventions of fantasy, such as toys coming to life, tiny humans, articulate animals, imaginary worlds, magical powers, and time-warp tales. A story needs to possess only one of these features in order to be classified as fantasy.
This was interesting to me becuase I feel most stories have multiple aspects of these elements. I think that is what makes some fantasy stories so fun to read for children. Fantasy novels can be like a break from the real world and the classroom setting.
here's definitely a different passion for fantasy than there is for any other genre.
I think this may be due to the fact many children's books seem to be more in the genre of fantasy due to talking animals and magical ideas. This can keep children's interest and encourage creativity in a new way.
Fantasy really makes the phrase "Escape with a good book" meaningful
I believe this is one of the first ways to really get children to enjoy reading. Some children describe this feeling as "a movie in your mind". Fantasy is a great way to explore and talk about this feeling.
the connection from the Greeks to the pre- sent world is made
Having students connect what they are learning to their everyday lives can be a great way to develop further understanding and passion for learning. If a student is able to connect their material to something that is important or meaningful to their own life, they may be able to remember material better.
multicultural expression
I almost forgot that myths and stories are directly related to cultural elements. I think myths could be a great way to introduce students to different cultures as well.
he en- courages us to nurture the child in us, to retreat to that foolish part of ourselves that renews and en- ables us to return to a more systematized world.
I think this can be key in relating to your students. The best way to teach is to really know your students and try to think how they would think.
the story itself is retain
I think this is more of what we think of when we hear the word "myth". We do not think of the religious connomation right away. We hear more about greek mythology.
an encompass everything from a simple-minded, fictitious, even mendacious impression to an absolutely true and sacred account, the very reality of which far outweighs anything that ordinary everyday life can offe
I think this can provide a very interesting and new perspective for students.
. Older children can even be asked to offer their own "what if" questions.
I wish there was more information on this. How would you prepare these questions for an older student?
they present a typical problem that children readily understand and can relate to. One or more characters, often animals, resolve the problem, thereby presenting the evaluation and analysis from a singular point of view
This is a great transition into critical thinking for children. Being able to connect it to a story must be helpful.
Critical thinking is the evaluation and analysis of the differing points of view for the purpose of determining which one is "more valid."
I see where this could be difficult for younger children especially becuase they often struggle with perspective taking.
The Common Core Standards also recognize the value of critical thinking, declaring it as one of the explicit skills children are to learn
This is very relevant to today's forms of teaching. Even at Southern, we use this term so often. I think introducing it at a younger age could support a new world view for the future.
Give them free creative reigns and let the go play.
I feel this can be so important to the overall benefits of teaching students what they enjoy. When a student is engaged and like what they are learning about, they are much more likely to participate and have fun doing so.
To build a foundation for college and career readiness
This seems to be one of the main goals of the common core. We are now so focused on moving to the next level of higher learning and career options even from younger grades. Higher education is becoming more of an option for more people.
Measuring Text Complexity: Three Factors
I think these three factors provide a great visual to understand the different ways to measure a text. Each child may look for different aspects of a book when they are reading, and this can help us to see the different aspects of reading/evaluating a text that we can use.
he entire class gathers to listen as each child scheduled to share that day reads his or her journal entry aloud. A
This a great time to incorporate hand motions if the classroom allows it. Some teachers have hand waves for if students agree with another students share or if they wrote the same thing. This way, students are engaged and support one another's sharing time.
ale makes a con nection with the text and builds upon a previous member's comment. C
This a great skill for children to be able to achieve. Relating to another student while still being able to add one's own understanding shows respect and cooperation.
ptured our students' interest quickly
I personally think that this can be a key factor in understanding how a student reads. If a student can connect to a story then they will be more likely to engage in reading.
ifficulty in creat ing a supportive community was the switching of classes.
I remember for a brief period of time the elementary schools in my town were separated from k-2 and 3-5 instead of the usual k-5 students. This made it difficult for many students to adjust and there were many complaints from parents that students were not comfortable at school. Younger students did not have older students to support them as role models. The switching of schools were very hard on the children.
he students also seemed to struggle with performing the neces sary discursive moves t
These types of problems can make discussion very difficult.I know it is important to establish a safe and respectful classroom environment from the beginning of the year, but if students change how they act when in groups, this could be a lot more difficult then expected.
xplore some adaptations that the teacher and I made to improve this practice
The concept of adapting our practices is so important as teachers. I think looking over lessons and curriculum after a certain number of times preforming the same lesson could avoid outdated information. It could also help if a teacher develops a lesson specifically to each new class they are given.