Due Date Jul 26, 2015, 23:59:59, Max Points 90, Details You
Due Datejul 26, 2015 235959max Points90detailsyou Will Create Two
You will create two newsletters to inform families of literature genres being presented in your future classroom. The newsletters should foster their child’s exploration of literature and support learning in the classroom. Select two genres from the following: Picture books, Poetry, Traditional literature, Modern fantasy, Realistic fiction, Historical fiction, and biography, or Informational books. Create a 500-word newsletter for each of the two chosen genres. Be creative and include the following in each newsletter: description of the genre; at least three culturally diverse books to be used in the classroom, including the titles and authors; culturally diverse supplemental resources (books, websites, etc.) to be used at home; benefits to reading aloud with their child; and a section for how families can recommend books for this genre. APA format is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.
Paper For Above instruction
The importance of fostering a love for literature among young children is foundational to their overall educational development. Creating newsletters that inform families about various literary genres can significantly enhance this engagement by encouraging reading at home and in the classroom. This paper outlines the development of two detailed newsletters, each focusing on a specific genre of children's literature selected from a diverse list: picture books, poetry, traditional literature, modern fantasy, realistic fiction, historical fiction, biography, and informational books.
Newsletter 1: Exploring Traditional Literature
Traditional literature encompasses stories that have been passed down orally through generations before being written down, including folktales, fables, fairy tales, legends, and myths. These stories often embody cultural values and morals, providing children with a window into different societies and their histories. In the classroom, traditional literature serves as an excellent tool to introduce children to diverse cultures and storytelling traditions.
For our classroom, three culturally diverse traditional stories have been selected: "The Tale of the Firebird" by Katherine O'Connor (a Russian folktale), "The Legend of the Moon Lady" adapted by Deborah Goi (Hawaiian legend), and "The King of the Bird" by Kenning Arlissa (West African folktale). These stories not only entertain but also serve as educational resources that promote cultural understanding and appreciation.
To extend learning at home, culturally diverse supplemental resources such as websites like "Storynory," which features free audio stories from around the world, and book series like "Myths and Legends" by Barbara Ohora, are recommended. These resources enable families to explore stories from different cultures comfortably and interactively.
Reading aloud traditional literature offers multiple benefits, including enhancing listening skills, fostering imagination, and fostering discussion about morals and values. It also helps children develop an appreciation for oral storytelling traditions and deepens their understanding of cultural diversity.
Families are encouraged to recommend their favorite traditional stories from their cultural backgrounds, enriching the classroom curriculum and promoting inclusivity. Suggestions can be submitted via email or during parent-teacher meetings, ensuring a collaborative approach to cultural education.
Newsletter 2: Delving into Modern Fantasy
Modern fantasy is a genre that blends fantastical elements with contemporary settings or themes, often featuring magical characters, mythical creatures, and imaginative worlds. This genre captivates children’s imaginations and encourages creative thinking, making it a popular choice in children’s literature. Modern fantasy stories often explore themes of friendship, identity, and bravery, resonating with young readers’ experiences and aspirations.
For the classroom, three culturally diverse examples of modern fantasy books include "The Jumbies" by Tracey Baptiste (Caribbean folklore), "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi (Indian mythology), and "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill (a blend of folklore and fantasy from different cultures). These books introduce children to diverse mythologies and imaginative worlds, broadening their cultural awareness and fostering a love for fantasy literature.
At home, families can explore supplemental resources such as interactive websites like "Scholastic's Read-Up" and "Wonderopolis," which provide access to stories, myths, and articles related to fantasy themes across different cultures. These tools support interactive reading and learning beyond the classroom.
Reading aloud modern fantasy books offers numerous benefits, including stimulating creativity, improving vocabulary, and encouraging empathy through exposure to characters’ emotional journeys. It also promotes discussions about themes like courage and resilience, which are central to many fantasy stories.
Families are welcomed to suggest additional modern fantasy titles from their cultural traditions, enriching the classroom library and diversifying the stories children encounter. Recommendations can be submitted online or through note cards, fostering family involvement in the literary curriculum.
Conclusion
Effective communication of literary genres to families through well-crafted newsletters can significantly influence children’s literacy development and cultural awareness. By highlighting diverse books, resources, and the benefits of shared reading, educators can foster an environment that values storytelling, imagination, and cultural understanding. Engaging families in recommending books further strengthens the community and ensures a rich, inclusive literary experience for all students.
References
- Arlissa, K. (2017). The King of the Bird. African folktale.
- Baptiste, T. (2017). The Jumbies. Scholastic Press.
- Goi, D. (2014). The Legend of the Moon Lady. Hawaiian legend.
- O'Connor, K. (2008). The Tale of the Firebird. Russian folktale.
- Barnhill, K. (2016). The Girl Who Drank the Moon. Algonquin Young Readers.
- Chokshi, R. (2018). Aru Shah and the End of Time. Disney-Hyperion.
- Scholastic. (n.d.). Explore stories and myths. https://www.scholastic.com/
- Storynory. (n.d.). Free audio stories from around the world. https://www.storynory.com/
- Wonderopolis. (n.d.). Wonder of the Day. https://www.wonderopolis.org/
- Ohora, B. (2004). Myths and Legends. Dover Publications.