Sunday, January 25, 2009
Rules
Hey guys! Hope everybody is having a great Spring Semester so far. I just thought I would post because in my TE402 Literacy course, our instructor decided to read a book to us throughout the semester. To my surprise she picked "Rules." I was really excited because I used this book for my final project in our class and absolutely loved it. Just another reason why you guys should all read it:)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Authentic Books Dealing with Autism
Autism is an extremely important issue that should be apparent in more children books and adolescent novels. Whether a child is coping with a family member who has been diagnosed with autism or is struggling with autism themselves, being able to relate to a character in a book is extremely helpful and insightful.
As picture books, both "Ian's Walk" and "Since We're Friends" are great beginning books for showing and explaining the issue of autism. The novels "Rules" and "Jackson Whole Wyoming" are also great authentic books that deal with issues of autism. All of these books are full of character growth as well as inspiration in which the readers of these books can relate to and learn from.
As picture books, both "Ian's Walk" and "Since We're Friends" are great beginning books for showing and explaining the issue of autism. The novels "Rules" and "Jackson Whole Wyoming" are also great authentic books that deal with issues of autism. All of these books are full of character growth as well as inspiration in which the readers of these books can relate to and learn from.
Characterization of Mental Retardation and Autism in Children's Books by Tina Taylor Dyches, Mary Anne Prater, and Sharon F. Cramer
Characterization of Mental Retardation and Autism in Children's Books. Tina Taylor Dyches, Mary Anne Prater, Sharon F. Cramer. Education and Training in Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, 2001, 36 (3), 230-243.
This article focuses on children's literature and how authors have identified guidelines in the evaluation and selection if children's literature. However, the authors of this article, wanted to take a different approach to creating guidelines dealing with the portrayal of individuals with disabilities .
Dyches, Prater, and Cramer first discuss how literature is "full of stereotypical portrayals of individuals with disabilities." They go on to say that there are two main reasons why authors include characters with disabilities which include using disabilities to "represent the character's inner traits" as well as using them as "catalysts for another character's change."
Dyches and Prater's guidelines include the fact that characters should be represented in a positive and realistic manner. According to the authors of this article, these positive portrayals are those which:
a) envision high expectations for the character with the disability
b) enhance positive contributions
c) build on strengths
d) show the person acting on choices
e) depict expanding reciprocal relationships with others
f) ensure the character with disabilities is afforded the same citizenship rights as others
Overall, I found this article extremely helpful and interesting. It made me realize that I had, for the most part, chosen positive books for my collection that follow much of Dyches and Prater's guidelines. The author's in depth analysis of children's literature and mental retardation and autism offers insight into choosing authentic books and novels to use in the classroom and in one's everyday lives.
This article focuses on children's literature and how authors have identified guidelines in the evaluation and selection if children's literature. However, the authors of this article, wanted to take a different approach to creating guidelines dealing with the portrayal of individuals with disabilities .
Dyches, Prater, and Cramer first discuss how literature is "full of stereotypical portrayals of individuals with disabilities." They go on to say that there are two main reasons why authors include characters with disabilities which include using disabilities to "represent the character's inner traits" as well as using them as "catalysts for another character's change."
Dyches and Prater's guidelines include the fact that characters should be represented in a positive and realistic manner. According to the authors of this article, these positive portrayals are those which:
a) envision high expectations for the character with the disability
b) enhance positive contributions
c) build on strengths
d) show the person acting on choices
e) depict expanding reciprocal relationships with others
f) ensure the character with disabilities is afforded the same citizenship rights as others
Overall, I found this article extremely helpful and interesting. It made me realize that I had, for the most part, chosen positive books for my collection that follow much of Dyches and Prater's guidelines. The author's in depth analysis of children's literature and mental retardation and autism offers insight into choosing authentic books and novels to use in the classroom and in one's everyday lives.
Jackson Whole Wyoming by Joan Clark
Clark, Joan. Jackson Whole Wyoming. Shawnee Mission, Kansas: Autism Asperger Publishing Co., 2005.
This intriguing novel delves into the lives of two fifth grade boys, one of which has Asperger Syndrome. Tyler, the boy who does not have the syndrome explains how he feels about Jackson through retelling stories of previous years in grade school. At some points in the story Tyler questions whether he is Jackson's friend or if he even wants to be his friend. Tyler describes how Jackson is extremely smart and takes everything somebody says in the most literal sense of the word. Tyler's struggle to figure out what his relationship with Jackson ensues and whether or not he wants to present Jackson with the class gift for him before he moves creates a great novel for students of all ages.
Joan Clark is very much interested in the issue of Autism and Asperger Syndrome. She is a licensed speech and language Pathologist and has worked in several public schools. She has also served on the Autism Spectrum Disorders Assessment Team in the Macon-Piatt Special Education District. Because she clearly has an intensive background on autism and Asperger Syndrome I thought this would be a great book to include in my collection.
Clark's magnificent view of the world through two very different boys is perhaps the greatest part of the novel as a whole. Through Tyler's eyes, one can see how children struggle to and react to things that are different in their lives and through Jackson's eyes one can see the differences and similarities a child can bring to the lives of others.
This intriguing novel delves into the lives of two fifth grade boys, one of which has Asperger Syndrome. Tyler, the boy who does not have the syndrome explains how he feels about Jackson through retelling stories of previous years in grade school. At some points in the story Tyler questions whether he is Jackson's friend or if he even wants to be his friend. Tyler describes how Jackson is extremely smart and takes everything somebody says in the most literal sense of the word. Tyler's struggle to figure out what his relationship with Jackson ensues and whether or not he wants to present Jackson with the class gift for him before he moves creates a great novel for students of all ages.
Joan Clark is very much interested in the issue of Autism and Asperger Syndrome. She is a licensed speech and language Pathologist and has worked in several public schools. She has also served on the Autism Spectrum Disorders Assessment Team in the Macon-Piatt Special Education District. Because she clearly has an intensive background on autism and Asperger Syndrome I thought this would be a great book to include in my collection.
Clark's magnificent view of the world through two very different boys is perhaps the greatest part of the novel as a whole. Through Tyler's eyes, one can see how children struggle to and react to things that are different in their lives and through Jackson's eyes one can see the differences and similarities a child can bring to the lives of others.
Rules By Cynthia Lord
Lord, Cynthia. Rules. Scholastic, 2006.
"Rules" is the story of a twelve year old girl named Catherine who is tired of her entire life revolving around her brother, David who has autism. In order to keep David in line and keep him form embarrassing her, she creates numerous rules for him to follow. At David's occupational therapy clinic, Catherine meets a boy names Jason who also has a disability. Through their friendship as well as Catherine's need to be normal and have a normal family, struggles ensue eventually leading Catherine to wonder what normal actually is.
One of the reasons why I was drawn to this book was the numerous awards that it has won. "Rules" is a Newbery Honor Book, A Schneider Family Book Award Winner, an ALA Notable Children's Book, A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year, an NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts, and A Michigan Library Association Mitten Award Winner. Considering "Rules" is Lord's first novel, I believe that this is a tremendous achievement. Furthermore, Cynthia Lord is very much an insider to this topic. She has a son who has autism but also, her daughter once asked her why she has never seen families like theirs in books and on TV. Given this question, Lord searched for "children's books that included characters with severe special needs" and was saddened to find that the ones she read were simply that, sad. I found this extremely interesting considering that we have spent much of the semester finding good quality books that are authentic as well as looking at some examples of books that are not very authentic.
"Rules" is an authentic novel that would be great for adolescent readers. Lord provides characters that grow and mature over time as well as issues and concerns that everybody can relate to.
"Rules" is the story of a twelve year old girl named Catherine who is tired of her entire life revolving around her brother, David who has autism. In order to keep David in line and keep him form embarrassing her, she creates numerous rules for him to follow. At David's occupational therapy clinic, Catherine meets a boy names Jason who also has a disability. Through their friendship as well as Catherine's need to be normal and have a normal family, struggles ensue eventually leading Catherine to wonder what normal actually is.
One of the reasons why I was drawn to this book was the numerous awards that it has won. "Rules" is a Newbery Honor Book, A Schneider Family Book Award Winner, an ALA Notable Children's Book, A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year, an NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts, and A Michigan Library Association Mitten Award Winner. Considering "Rules" is Lord's first novel, I believe that this is a tremendous achievement. Furthermore, Cynthia Lord is very much an insider to this topic. She has a son who has autism but also, her daughter once asked her why she has never seen families like theirs in books and on TV. Given this question, Lord searched for "children's books that included characters with severe special needs" and was saddened to find that the ones she read were simply that, sad. I found this extremely interesting considering that we have spent much of the semester finding good quality books that are authentic as well as looking at some examples of books that are not very authentic.
"Rules" is an authentic novel that would be great for adolescent readers. Lord provides characters that grow and mature over time as well as issues and concerns that everybody can relate to.
Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism By Laurie Lears
Lears, Laurie. Ian's Walk: A Story About Autism. Morton Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Company, 1998.
In "Ian's Walk" by Laurie Lears, a young girl named Julie tells the story of her big sister Tara and her younger brother Ian who has autism. In the story, the narrator describes how her brother is different in many ways such as how he sees, hears, smells, feels, and taste things. For example, Ian does not like the feel of a soft feather tickling his chin but instead prefers the feel of his cheek "pressed against hard stones." During this first part of the book the narrator describes how Ian makes her angry and how she does not want him looking silly in front of other people. However, her attitude changes after she does not pay attention and Ian goes missing in the park. Once Julie and Tara find Ian, Julie decides to walk home with her brother in the way he likes, stopping to press their cheeks against stones and watch the fans in the diner.
I decided to include this book in my collection for a couple of major reasons. First, I believe that the character development within the book is great. the story is clearly about autism but instead of merely giving facts about autism, the characters, namely Julie grow as the story continues. At the beginning of the story Julie is embarrassed by Ian's "weird" behavior but once he becomes lost, Julie learns to appreciate Ian and the differences he brings to the world. Another reason why I chose this book was due to the Note About Autism at the beginning of the story. Carol P. Rolland, Ph.D who is a Chief Psychologist and involved in Developmental Pediatrics and Mary Kay McGuire, M.A. who is the Sibling Program Director at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center have written this note to discuss autism as well as how siblings of persons with autism have extra challenges and responsibilities in their lives. The last reason why I chose this book was due to author Laurie Lears background with these certain issues. She is a kindergarten teacher and has written many children's stories on issues such as epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. Ian's Walk has also won the Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award on Developmental Disabilities. Overall, this picture book is a great starter book for discussing how children are different in many different aspects.
In "Ian's Walk" by Laurie Lears, a young girl named Julie tells the story of her big sister Tara and her younger brother Ian who has autism. In the story, the narrator describes how her brother is different in many ways such as how he sees, hears, smells, feels, and taste things. For example, Ian does not like the feel of a soft feather tickling his chin but instead prefers the feel of his cheek "pressed against hard stones." During this first part of the book the narrator describes how Ian makes her angry and how she does not want him looking silly in front of other people. However, her attitude changes after she does not pay attention and Ian goes missing in the park. Once Julie and Tara find Ian, Julie decides to walk home with her brother in the way he likes, stopping to press their cheeks against stones and watch the fans in the diner.
I decided to include this book in my collection for a couple of major reasons. First, I believe that the character development within the book is great. the story is clearly about autism but instead of merely giving facts about autism, the characters, namely Julie grow as the story continues. At the beginning of the story Julie is embarrassed by Ian's "weird" behavior but once he becomes lost, Julie learns to appreciate Ian and the differences he brings to the world. Another reason why I chose this book was due to the Note About Autism at the beginning of the story. Carol P. Rolland, Ph.D who is a Chief Psychologist and involved in Developmental Pediatrics and Mary Kay McGuire, M.A. who is the Sibling Program Director at the Illinois Masonic Medical Center have written this note to discuss autism as well as how siblings of persons with autism have extra challenges and responsibilities in their lives. The last reason why I chose this book was due to author Laurie Lears background with these certain issues. She is a kindergarten teacher and has written many children's stories on issues such as epilepsy, autism, and cerebral palsy. Ian's Walk has also won the Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award on Developmental Disabilities. Overall, this picture book is a great starter book for discussing how children are different in many different aspects.
Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Books By Celeste Shally and David Harrington
Shally, Celeste, and David Harrington. Since We're Friends: An Autism Picture Book. Awaken Specialty Press, 2007.
"Since We're Friends" tells the story of two boys who are friends. One of the boys, Matt, has autism while the other does not. The boy who does not have autism narrates the book and describes how he and his friend are different in some ways but are also in some ways in that they like the same sports, the same equipment at the park, and animals. They are different in that Matt has a hard time listening to coach at basketball practice, becomes very upset if somebody is on his favorite swing at the park, and becomes "frustrated and anxious" if other kids borrow his toys at the pool. The story also discusses how sometimes Matt is called weird but the narrator does not care because they are friends.
I chose to include this particular picture book in my collection for many reasons. First, there is a foreword by Alison Singer who is the executive Vice President of Autism Speaks. In the foreword she discusses the importance of how "many children with autism are able to take part in mainstream activities" as well as how these children may need some extra help. This help can come in the form of many different things, most of all in a friend. Author, Celeste Shally dedication also implies that she has had encountered issues of autism. She dedicates this book to her husband Mike, stating, " We're in this together."
Overall, this book has great illustrations as well as a great general message. Autism and friendship is clearly the subject matter of the book. The book is intended for children ages 3-8. However, I believe that younger children and perhaps even older children can benefit from the overall message of the book.
"Since We're Friends" tells the story of two boys who are friends. One of the boys, Matt, has autism while the other does not. The boy who does not have autism narrates the book and describes how he and his friend are different in some ways but are also in some ways in that they like the same sports, the same equipment at the park, and animals. They are different in that Matt has a hard time listening to coach at basketball practice, becomes very upset if somebody is on his favorite swing at the park, and becomes "frustrated and anxious" if other kids borrow his toys at the pool. The story also discusses how sometimes Matt is called weird but the narrator does not care because they are friends.
I chose to include this particular picture book in my collection for many reasons. First, there is a foreword by Alison Singer who is the executive Vice President of Autism Speaks. In the foreword she discusses the importance of how "many children with autism are able to take part in mainstream activities" as well as how these children may need some extra help. This help can come in the form of many different things, most of all in a friend. Author, Celeste Shally dedication also implies that she has had encountered issues of autism. She dedicates this book to her husband Mike, stating, " We're in this together."
Overall, this book has great illustrations as well as a great general message. Autism and friendship is clearly the subject matter of the book. The book is intended for children ages 3-8. However, I believe that younger children and perhaps even older children can benefit from the overall message of the book.
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