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.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
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.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Confessions...
I have to say that after reading Confessions of a Closet Catholic by Sarah Darer Littman, I found an appreciation for religion in children's literature. Furthermore, I have not read many children's literature that focuses on religion, or more specifically, the the Jewish religion. I think that Littman did an excellent job in portraying both the Catholic faith as well as the Jewish faith. I would not say that I'm particularly very religious so reading this book was also very informative for me. I also found the book to be quite interesting in terms of Justine and how I'm sure many girls that age could relate to her different situations and worries. it seemed like she was the epitome of an awkward middle schooler and it was refreshing to see a character like that.
In the future I look forward to finding and reading other works that incorporate religion and faith.
In the future I look forward to finding and reading other works that incorporate religion and faith.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Becoming Naomi Leon
When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure what the diversity was going to be. I wasn't sure if it was going to focus on the Latino aspect or the Owen's disability. What I found was that it didn't really matter. They were both apparent throughout the book and neither over shadowed the text. There were many questions to ponder and lots of dilemmas to discuss. Although this was not my favorite book that we have read this semester I was definitely intrigued by the great amount of discussions that I think classrooms can have on a plethora of issues.
On a different note, I was thinking about our "celebs who have written children's books" and I found that John Travolta has written a story called, Propeller One-Way Night Coach and Will Smith has a book coming out in April called, Just The Two of Us.(Yes, just like the song).
On a different note, I was thinking about our "celebs who have written children's books" and I found that John Travolta has written a story called, Propeller One-Way Night Coach and Will Smith has a book coming out in April called, Just The Two of Us.(Yes, just like the song).
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Linton, Tal, and Capone
I would first like to discuss Al Capone Does My Shirts and how much I enjoyed reading it. When I first started reading the book, I was not sure what was so special about it but as I dove further into this world I felt that it was extremely powerful. I have not read an adolescent book about disabilities...at least not one that I can remember. The moment in this book that came alive for me was towards the end when Natalie has her "breakdown." The language that Gennifer Choldenko uses is fantastic.
Linton's article was an interesting read. Obviously language is extremely powerful and one has to be careful when discussing sensitive topics. How many of us are guilty of saying something to the effect of, "that's so retarded"? Most of us have and although we probably don't mean to be offensive it is more than likely that many people in the "disabled category" would take great offense to this simple statement. Personally, when discussing this issue I prefer the term "disabled" or "physically challenged." I liked that in Linton's article he broke up sections into "nice words" and "nasty words." It was interesting to read all of the different names that people use.
Tal's article was equally as intriguing. I found the statistics on disabled persons in literature fascinating. The fact that only 2 percent (10) included persons with disabilities and furthermore that only 6 were integral to the story is absurd. Also, the way that people with disabilities are described is ridiculous. ("Pale, delicate, puny." ) It is also interesting that a lot of books provide information but no plot/character development and others have characters with disabilities but the story itself is not about the disability.
Linton's article was an interesting read. Obviously language is extremely powerful and one has to be careful when discussing sensitive topics. How many of us are guilty of saying something to the effect of, "that's so retarded"? Most of us have and although we probably don't mean to be offensive it is more than likely that many people in the "disabled category" would take great offense to this simple statement. Personally, when discussing this issue I prefer the term "disabled" or "physically challenged." I liked that in Linton's article he broke up sections into "nice words" and "nasty words." It was interesting to read all of the different names that people use.
Tal's article was equally as intriguing. I found the statistics on disabled persons in literature fascinating. The fact that only 2 percent (10) included persons with disabilities and furthermore that only 6 were integral to the story is absurd. Also, the way that people with disabilities are described is ridiculous. ("Pale, delicate, puny." ) It is also interesting that a lot of books provide information but no plot/character development and others have characters with disabilities but the story itself is not about the disability.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Schneider Family Book Award
-Recognizes an author or illustrator’s book that shows a protagonist or secondary main character that’s dealing with an emotional, mental or physical disability. The disability may not be stereotypical, overbearing or pitiable. The character should be shown to live a full life in a realistic fashion.
-There are three categories for the award. Three different books receive the award each year. The first is for age 0-8, the second 9-13 and the third 14-18.
-The sponsor is Dr. Katherine Schneider. She came up with the award after struggling to find books in order to read when she was younger because she is blind. The award is given by the American Library Association (ALA) annually to three different books. The committee is made up of seven ALA members who all have various expertise, but with common experience and knowledge of what it is to live with a disability.
-The books must emphasize the artistic expression of the disability experience for children and/or adolescents.
-2008 winners:
(0-8) Kami and the Yaks by Andrea Stenn Stryer- Deafness
(9-13) Reaching for the Sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer- Cerebral Palsy
(14-18) Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby- Deafness
-Official website: www.ala.org/ala/awardsgrants/awardsrecords/schneideraward/schneiderfamily.cfm
-Recognizes an author or illustrator’s book that shows a protagonist or secondary main character that’s dealing with an emotional, mental or physical disability. The disability may not be stereotypical, overbearing or pitiable. The character should be shown to live a full life in a realistic fashion.
-There are three categories for the award. Three different books receive the award each year. The first is for age 0-8, the second 9-13 and the third 14-18.
-The sponsor is Dr. Katherine Schneider. She came up with the award after struggling to find books in order to read when she was younger because she is blind. The award is given by the American Library Association (ALA) annually to three different books. The committee is made up of seven ALA members who all have various expertise, but with common experience and knowledge of what it is to live with a disability.
-The books must emphasize the artistic expression of the disability experience for children and/or adolescents.
-2008 winners:
(0-8) Kami and the Yaks by Andrea Stenn Stryer- Deafness
(9-13) Reaching for the Sun by Tracie Vaughn Zimmer- Cerebral Palsy
(14-18) Hurt Go Happy by Ginny Rorby- Deafness
-Official website: www.ala.org/ala/awardsgrants/awardsrecords/schneideraward/schneiderfamily.cfm
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Awards
When I first began reading Marc Aronson's article I thought this was basically like the insider/outsider debate. While reading the article I thought that some of his points his made sense but I wasn't completely convinced. A couple things that I do think are worth mentioning are as follows: The fact that a lot of the focus is on the biography instead of the literature should raise concern. Aronson writes, "who you are, which box or boxes you check often the census form, comes first. Your community, your ethnicity, comes before you talent." On the other hand a lot of his remarks seem far fetched. For instance, the fact that he suggests that if blacks can only write well about blacks then "only they can read well about them too." This does not make sense to me.
Pinkney, however raises great points about these awards throughout her article. She says "these awards provide a solid ground and a gateway to progress." It is also true that "little is being taken away from white writers."
After reading these articles I believe there are many questions that should be raised and discussed.
Pinkney, however raises great points about these awards throughout her article. She says "these awards provide a solid ground and a gateway to progress." It is also true that "little is being taken away from white writers."
After reading these articles I believe there are many questions that should be raised and discussed.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Bronx Masquerade
After reading Bronx Masquerade I can say with ease that it is my favorite book we have read so far this semester. I thought the language and unique style of writing was fantastic and Nikki Grimes did a great job of taking serious issues and creating an adolescent novel. Although I did find some aspects stereotypical and a little questionable I think I would have this book in a middle school classroom.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Wednesday's film and Habibi
After watching and thinking about the film from last Wednesday's class I have realized that I still have a lot of conflicting feelings about the whole situation. On one hand, I tried to put myself in her shoes. How would I feel if that was happening in my town? To be honest, I don't know. Although many of people from the University that were interviewed were ignorant and insensitive, I tried to put myself in their shoes as well. Unfortunately this was easier for me to do considering I attend a university where our Mascot is God. I'm definitely not saying I agree with how the university handled the situation but imagine if they tried to have Sparty removed from MSU....the whole community would be in an uproar. However, as far as I know, Sparty does not offend any culture/ethnic group so I don't know if it can compare. Also, even though she thought it was offensive, I think she should have realized that they weren't trying to be disrespectful. To me, it did not seem like she knew that. This ongoing argument is something I am definitely on the fence about.
On a lighter note....I really enjoyed reading Habibi. I haven't read much literature/stories on this particular culture and I think it was portrayed really well. I also loved that I could relate to the main character in certain ways even though her experiences were far different than my own. I look forward to hearing what everybody else thought!
On a lighter note....I really enjoyed reading Habibi. I haven't read much literature/stories on this particular culture and I think it was portrayed really well. I also loved that I could relate to the main character in certain ways even though her experiences were far different than my own. I look forward to hearing what everybody else thought!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Insider Vs Outsider
Initially, when I first thought about the insider versus outsider scenario it made sense that only those who were apart of a particular group (culture) could truly understand and write on that particular group. However, after reading more and more children's literature I feel that this is not always the case. For example, one of the books that my group and I read was I believed called "Three little Rabbits" and was a counting book that dressed rabbits up like Native Americans and portrayed them in a very stereotypical manner. What was interesting was that the author had spent most her life on a reservation! She was an insider. As of right now I am still pondering the debate.
As far as our readings for class this week are concerned I have to say that the last article by Cai made the most sense to me. Although the other three were quite interesting in the fact that Shannon, Bishop, and Harris all had something to say about one another, Cai (I believe) hit the nail on the head. One particular quote that stuck in my mind is this: "To include every culture, the curriculum would not only be unmanageably large but also miss the ultimate goal of multiculturalism."
I believe that this topic/debate is extremely difficult to take sides on. During class this semester I hope we can discuss the different sides and points of view to further our insight on the topic.
As far as our readings for class this week are concerned I have to say that the last article by Cai made the most sense to me. Although the other three were quite interesting in the fact that Shannon, Bishop, and Harris all had something to say about one another, Cai (I believe) hit the nail on the head. One particular quote that stuck in my mind is this: "To include every culture, the curriculum would not only be unmanageably large but also miss the ultimate goal of multiculturalism."
I believe that this topic/debate is extremely difficult to take sides on. During class this semester I hope we can discuss the different sides and points of view to further our insight on the topic.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
First Post!
Hello fellow TE 448 peers!
First, a little about myself. I am currently a senior here at MSU and like many of you are majoring in Elementary Education with a focus in Language Arts. I enjoyed TE 348 which is one of the major reasons why I am taking this course. I don't feel as though I was exposed to much (if any) diverse literature when I was in Elementary and Middle School and taking these courses has made me want to dive into the world of diverse literature. Many of the books we read and were exposed to in 348 were great and I think would be useful in the classroom. I received many tips on picking out the right books for teaching diverse literature and hope that this course will continue that.
First, a little about myself. I am currently a senior here at MSU and like many of you are majoring in Elementary Education with a focus in Language Arts. I enjoyed TE 348 which is one of the major reasons why I am taking this course. I don't feel as though I was exposed to much (if any) diverse literature when I was in Elementary and Middle School and taking these courses has made me want to dive into the world of diverse literature. Many of the books we read and were exposed to in 348 were great and I think would be useful in the classroom. I received many tips on picking out the right books for teaching diverse literature and hope that this course will continue that.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
