Enhanced – Resources: added to The Toolkit
with
Kay Chance
Cultivating the Love of Story and Language
Reading and literature formed the foundation of so much of my children’s education. This year for our Great Books column, I’m recommending some of our personal favorites from preschool through high school. Each issue will focus on a different age group. A few titles may be out of print now, but with libraries and online used book stores, there aren’t any that won’t be available to you!
In this issue, our recommendations are for your elementary-age kids. Skills really vary in this age group as some are just learning to read while others are quickly becoming fluent. Because of this, we’re focusing on books that help kids cultivate a love of reading through some incredible read-aloud stories. Then we’ll consider how to nurture a love of language itself—the foundation for writing that engages readers and makes them want to come back for more.
Developing a Love of Story
W
hat makes a book compelling? I believe the main thing is story. We’re designed to connect with story, and it’s apparent in those first encounters that little ones have with their favorite books: read it again, please! God speaks to us through a book filled with stories. When we gather with family we often retell out favorite stories, and even our addiction to social media is entangled with our need to be a part of the story. So here are three read-alouds for elementary students with simply great stories.
The Mouse and the Motorcycle
written by Beverly Cleary
Actually, you can choose from many of Beverly Cleary’s books including those in her Ramona and Henry Huggins series—they all make great read-alouds. Her books have made children laugh while feeling connected to the story as they see a little of themselves in her iconic characters and their many mishaps and adventures. Boys and girls alike will love The Mouse and the Motorcycle as an adorable mouse named Ralph longs to ride a shiny, red toy motorcycle—a desire that ultimately leads to a unique friendship between him and a young boy. This is a fun story and perfect for reading aloud to younger elementary children!
Johnny Tremain
written by Esther Hoskins Forbes
This book goes well with a study of the American Revolution, but it’s so much more than a way to make the time period come alive (and it does that perfectly)! With dynamic characters, a rich setting, and exciting events, Johnny Tremain makes us consider what it was like to be a part of that time period while simultaneously showing how someone can grow, learn, and find purpose. This rich tale will become a family favorite.
Johnny Tremain
written by Esther Hoskins Forbes
This book goes well with a study of the American Revolution, but it’s so much more than a way to make the time period come alive (and it does that perfectly)! With dynamic characters, a rich setting, and exciting events, Johnny Tremain makes us consider what it was like to be a part of that time period while simultaneously showing how someone can grow, learn, and find purpose. This rich tale will become a family favorite.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
edited by Robert C. O’Brien
One of the things I love about this book, and any great read-aloud, is the opportunity it gives us to engage in meaningful discussions with our kids. Honestly, that’s what a good story does. It teaches, inspires, and entertains, giving us a safe place to connect with one another as we talk about it. This story has it all—moments of laughter and adventure centered around a high stakes problem. It will have you discussing both moral and ethical issues all while wondering, “What will happen next?”
Developing a Love of Language
Early on, I read a book about teaching writing, and one thing has always stuck with me: We can read books not just for the story, but also to understand the craft of writing. Authors are masters of the English language. Kids need to hear and see this in writing instead of workbooks in order to integrate what they are learning with what it looks like “in action.” Three ways we can do this is by incorporating poetry, picture books, and novels full of rich literary language.
Poetry
Poetry for Young People
by various authors and editors
This is a series of books that puts together a collection of a particular poet’s works along with some biographical information about the poet. Selected specifically for young readers, featured poems include a short explanation of its meaning or definitions of words or phrases as well. These poems introduce children to famous poets and some of the best poetry across a variety of times and places. With beautiful illustrations, each book has its own particular “mood” based on the poet’s works. This is the perfect way to introduce poetry to children… but no analyzing! Just read and enjoy.
Poetry for Young People
by various authors and editors
This is a series of books that puts together a collection of a particular poet’s works along with some biographical information about the poet. Selected specifically for young readers, featured poems include a short explanation of its meaning or definitions of words or phrases as well. These poems introduce children to famous poets and some of the best poetry across a variety of times and places. With beautiful illustrations, each book has its own particular “mood” based on the poet’s works. This is the perfect way to introduce poetry to children… but no analyzing! Just read and enjoy.
Picture Books
Wonder Walkers
written by Micha Archer
This charming book explores the world in a unique and whimsical way. Through the use of personification and metaphors—each page features a question that leads the reader to make comparisons of the natural world to such things as the body, objects, and more. If you want your children to see various literary elements in action, picture books should be a steady part of their diet as they continue to grow in their reading and writing habits.
Novel Filled with Literary Language Instilling
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
written by Jean Lee Latham
Although written at a seventh through ninth grade level, this book is a great read-aloud for your third through sixth graders. It’s historical fiction at its best! Based on the life of Nathaniel Bowditch, the story is compelling and filled with themes of hard work, resilience, and dedication. But you’ll also notice a metaphor that extends throughout the narrative—a celebration of perseverance using a phrase about sailing ships at the time, sailing by ash breeze. Note: my youngest son at the time we read did throw up his hands and exclaim, “Why do people keep dying in this book?!?” 😂 So, if you have a particularly sensitive child, know that Mr. Bowditch did not have an easy life.
Carry On, Mr. Bowditch
written by Jean Lee Latham
Although written at a seventh through ninth grade level, this book is a great read-aloud for your third through sixth graders. It’s historical fiction at its best! Based on the life of Nathaniel Bowditch, the story is compelling and filled with themes of hard work, resilience, and dedication. But you’ll also notice a metaphor that extends throughout the narrative—a celebration of perseverance using a phrase about sailing ships at the time, sailing by ash breeze. Note: my youngest son at the time we read did throw up his hands and exclaim, “Why do people keep dying in this book?!?” 😂 So, if you have a particularly sensitive child, know that Mr. Bowditch did not have an easy life.
Instilling a love of story and language will continue to build upon the foundation you’ve laid during their preschool and kindergarten years. As kids learn to read independently, continue reading aloud to them as well as laying out a feast of books for them to read independently. Enjoying the beauty of story and language now will encourage them to create their own engaging writing in the future.