How to Teach A 4th Grader to Read a Picture

How to Teach A 4th Grader to Read a Picture

by | Jan 16, 2021 | Parents, Reading Strategies

A lesson on how to read a picture with a 4th grader. 

Reading images might be complicated, but using real world examples and discussions makes it easier to read images. 

A parent, N.J., provided a visual-literacy lesson with her daughter in December 2020. In her original social media post, she wrote:  “My daughter and I are studying Frida Kahlo as a well as imagery and symbolism (mainly using poetry.) One of her activities today will be to visit the Museo Frida Kahlo and survey some of her paintings via Google’s Arts and Culture link. “

 

 

You can find her lesson connected to the common core standard-enhance her daughter’s reading comprehension and visual literacy. This visual Common Core Standard indicates CCSS. ELA-Literacy.CCCRA.R7, “Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.”

Implementing a visual literacy standard indicates that you are viewing lines, colors, objects, patterns, animations, interactions, and more. The viewer is searching for cues to better understand what they are viewing.

Literacy Ideas states, “We can think of visual literacy as involving the similar processes of interpreting images and creating images. In a fast-moving world, with ever-increasing diagnosis of attention deficit disorders, we increasingly rely on images to quickly convey meaning.”

Reading images has a place for reading, comprehending, and understanding. When a young person reads a text with many pictures, you can use that time to-ask questions about the images, relate images to the real world, show examples, and build a conversation about what you see.

 

Below you can view more about N.J’s lesson at home.

Materials

Introduction

We started reading a book about Friday. I asked opened ended type questions “What Do You Think?”

Explore

As we progressed, the book discussed the names of her paintings and the concept of surrealism. As an observation/art activity I printed one of work and asked, “What do you think she was feeling?” or “What makes you think…” “How does the color in the background make you feel that?” (Many of Kahlo’s paintings Hancock vibrant backgrounds.)

On a notecard, I asked her to write what she thinks each object represents. Later we discussed why.

Extension

We transitioned a bit into Shel Silverstein, Maya Angelou and Nikki Grimes. We focused on illustrations and poem titles to predict what the poem was discussing or how the author was trying to communicate the point of you.

I allowed her to visit a museum and eventually select a painting to observe.

 

N.J’s at home activities allowed her daughter to think about the words and images. As you are at home with your children, what is working well in your home?

National S.T.E.A.M Day

National S.T.E.A.M Day

by | Nov 8, 2020 | Booklists, Educators, Parents, Reading Strategies

 

National STEAM Day was November 8th. We are providing books and STEAM activities that your Pre-K, Elementary, or Middle Grade reader can do for 21+ days.

Enjoy these stories that feature real world activities and diverse scientists in STEAM. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

Pre-K (Ages 1-3)

 

100 Easy STEAM Activities, by Andrea Scalzo Yi

This Book has dozens of activities for young thinkers. Below is a list of 5 activities from 100 STEAM that you could do with a 1-3 year old.

Activities 

  • Indoor Maze :Take streamers and hang them on the wall. Allow your young one to walk in and around.
  • Bubbles Rising: Use Alka-Seltzer and food coloring. Drop the tablet in the water to see the bubbles rise. Make it even more fun, see what other items can float such as popcorn, gummy worms, or raisins.
  • Glue & Food Coloring: Mix together and use as finger paint.
  • Lava Lamp: Fill a bottle with liquids such as water, food coloring, Alka-Selter, even oils. View how these solutions act differently.
  • Mirror Art: Set up different mirrors and watch how they reflect depending on their view. 

 

For speaking & reading building: Make a list of 5-10 vocabulary words per week on a large piece of paper, strips of paper, or other places so that these words are visible at your home. When performing daily activities: eating, cooking, cleaning, or playing, make sure you point them out and speak about these words each day.

 

How Many? by Christopher Danielson

Mathematical concepts discussing real-world objects. For example the author has open-ended questions. One page the reader counts whole grape fruits, the next page they are halved, and the next page, there is a spread of additional items to make grapefruit juice. Author displays the beauty in our world and how math is all around us.
Activity: When you have daily items such as clothing, diapers, bottles, or even food. Count the objects and make them halves or quarters to see them in a new mathematical way. 


I Am the Rain-by John Paterson 

A poem of where the reader can discover rain in different environment.
Activity: Water activities-Sink/Float, Bottle Squeeze, Bubbles


Dreaming Up by Christy Hale

Illustrates examples of children building with blocks, dirt, boxes, and more. The following pages display buildings designed by architects. You will discover real images of buildings such as Sclera Pavilion, Paper Tube School, Box House, and More.
Activity: When driving or walking talk about the objects that you see in your community. If your child likes specific buildings in the book, then print or show similar images that you find online.  

 

Elementary: Kindegarten-2nd Grade

Mario and the Hole in the Sky, by Elizabeth Rusch
How A Chemist Saved Our Planet

A curious boy named Mario loved the wonders in chemistry. At a young age, he acquired a chemistry set and studied chemistry as his life’s work. As an adult, he wondered how safe the new chemicals were. His research determined that chlorofluorocarbons or CFS were damaging our Earth. For a decade he spoke about how these emissions were damaging our Earth, and finally changes were made. Today, Molina still works on solutions so that our World will become healthier.
Activity: Learn more about Mario. Do something in your daily life that can better the Earth. 


Experiments with Magnets, by Christine Taylor-Butler
A nonfiction book that describes what scientists do and what a child can do with magnets.

Activity: Use this book and perform magnet experiments. First you will need magnets and objects that attract and do not attract. Don’t forget to discuss the scientific

Jada Jones Rock Star, by Kelly Starling Lyons

A fiction book about a little girl who loves rocks. Jada is having trouble making new friends but still keeps her excitement on discovering new rocks.
Activity: Find a rock and make an art project from it. 


Where’s Rodney? By Carmen Bogan

Rodney is a boy who loves nature. When his teacher wants him to sit. He wants to stand. But when Rodney goes on an outdoor field trip.
Activity: Visit a conservation park in your community. List or name 20 things that you can see during this visit.  


Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming

Papa is an inventor. He has numerous ideas for building a machine that works underwater. Enjoy the different ideas and iterations that this imaginative father designed so that he could swim with the fish.

Activity: Find an object that you use on a daily basis: spoon, chair, watch, computer, and etc. Just find one object. If possible purchase that object at a thrift store, break it apart and figure out how to make it better.

 

Elementary: Third-Fourth Grade

Whoosh! by Chris Barton

 The Story of Lonnie Bush, inventor of the Super Soaker

Activity: Download Here

 

The Girl With the Mind for Math, by Julia Finley Mosca  

A Hidden Figure who worked twice as her male counterparts. Raye Montague was a mathematician. During the time that she lived, Black women were assumed to take roles as laborers. Montague proved them wrong and designed specifications for a navy ship.
Activity: Engineering: Build a model ship from household items: construction paper, toothpicks, bobby pins, tape, and glue. See what you can use to make it float.

 

Wangari Maathai, by Franck Prevot

Planted 30 Million Trees in 30 years to change the environment in her country.

Activity: Environmental Think of ways on how you can beautify your neighborhood? Make signs to pick up trash, organize pick up trash day with neighbors, talk to city about recycling programs and incentives.

 

The Best of Times, by Greg Tang
Tang writes a series of math books for Elementary readers. In this book, you can find math riddles to practice multiplication. 


TickTock Banneker’s Clock, by Shana Keller

Benjamin Banneker was an inventor when Black men were legally enslaved.
Activity: Research Benjamin Banneker. Illustrate something about about Banneker using mixed media. 

Dream Builder, by Kelly Starling Lyons
The Story of Architect Philip Freelo

Philip Freelon is a dynamic architect who is unafraid to design bold architecture. His father, Allan Randall Freelon was an artist and taught Philip how to hear and see the beauty around him. Once Freelon graduated from North Carolina State University’s School of Architecture, he wanted Black architects to be included as designers. He designed the “Durham Station Transportation Center,” The National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and more.
Activity: Learn more about a building that Freelon designed.

 

Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin

Will Allen wanted to grow food in a community. He mobilized people to donate their food scraps, clean, and nurture worms.
Activity: Compost month and recycle for at least 1 month. Do you have less trash or more trash?

 

Queen of Physics, by Teresa Robeson
How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom 

Wu Chien Shiung was a Chinese born woman. Her parents built a school because girls did not receive the same education as boys did. Her name means “courageous hero.” In everything that Shiung did was courageous: attending school far from her parents, protesting before WWII started, and made a physics discovery on Beta Decay.
Activity: Read about 5 more prominent historical and modern day women in physics. Create a video slideshow about each woman. 

 

Fun With Multiplication, by Lorenzo McLellan

A fun storyboard with mathematical multiplication problems. This is a practice book where readers can practice matching pictures, guessing from patterns, and more.

Activity: Make your own math multiplication problems, illustrate your problems.

 

Buzzing With Questions, by Janice N Harrington
The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner
Charles Henry Turner studied animal’s behavior. He found joy in examining ants, moths, and even bees. One experiment determined that bees see color. Turner’s work was recognized throughout the science community. He did face racial discrimination, but did not let the problems of the world keep his work ignored. Turner taught the community, and worked tirelessly to teach others to “go and find out.”
Activity: Conduct an experiment using the Scientific Method. If you have a pet, involve them. If you have family, ask to study a specific behavior in your Scientific Method. 

 

The Vast Wonder of the World, by Melina Mangal
Biologist Ernest Everett Just
Ernest Everett Just was born in 1883 when the Civil Rights of Black individuals were not considered. Ernest Just had an inquisitive mind and found the importance of studying creatures such as: sea urchins, sand dollars, and star fish in their natural environment. Ernest Just received high honors from the NAACP and also worked at Howard University. His work on cell discovery and fertilization was new and controversial. Just left us with these remarkable words, “Life is exquisitely a time-thing, like music.”
Activity: Learn more about Ernest Everett Just’s where he studied Biology.

 

Starstruck, by Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer
The Cosmic Journey of Neil DeGrasse Tyson

A biographical book about Neil DeGrasse Tyson. He was not only passionate about science but enjoyed other things such as wrestling and dance. Today Tyson shares his love for the stars to the world. Learn about his marvelous story.
Activity: Create images using glowing in the dark crayons of your ideal night sky. Have your friends join and see if you can view another way of viewing the stars. Learn about the Constellations.

 

Middle Grade: Fifth Grade-Sixth Grade

 

Urban Biologist, by Kari CornellAbout Biologist Danielle Lee

Danielle Lee is a Biologist. She earned her PhD and shares her love for science in her blog Urban Science. Lee has always been curious about the outdoors and animal behavior. Today, she researches African giant pouched rats. She observes these rats to determine how they can sniff out mines. Lee has spent a part of her life sharing science to young people, and she has a passion for science and seeing that other youth soar in science as well.
Activity: Discover Danielle Lee’s website. Discover the different categories of Biology and decide which categories that you would like to learn more about. 

 

 

Computers, by Christine Taylor Butler

 

Have you ever wondered who computed the first computers? Why were computers started in the first place? This book provides those facts and even more. The word computer derived from the people who had to make computational actions and instances.
Activity: Computers need electricity and circuits to work. Perform a circuit art craft here.

 

 

How Fashion Designers Use Math, by John C. Bertoletti

 

Making the perfect jacket, blouse, pants, or masks takes the right measurements and precision. Individuals who design and develop clothing have to use math to ensure consumers are pleased. This book shares the different stages on when math from purchasing of the fabric, shapes, measurements, and fitting.
Activity: If interested, watch a video on how to sew an object. List the different sizes and measurements needed to construct the item. 

 

Who Did it First? 50 Scientists, Artists, and Mathematicians Who Revolutionized the World, by Julie Leung

 

A collection of scientists, innovators, and artists from the past and present. Some individuals are unknown and have made a tremendous contribution to our society. 

 

Activity: Learn about about specific innovators that you like. 

 

A Math Journey Through the Human Body, by Anne Rooney

 

A nonfiction text displaying how math is a part of our daily lives. You can think of math on your height, skin, skeletal system, and digestive system. Math is everywhere, it just takes time to think about it. 

 

Activity: When visiting the grocery store, write mathematical equations (fractions or multiplication) about the food in your grocery bag. 

 

Unsung Heroes of Technology, by Todd Kortemeir

 

James West improved the microphone on cell phones and has over 40 patents. Katherine Johnson calculated paths for space rockets. Grace Hopper invented a code so that computers could “talk” to each other. This book Unsung Heroes of Technology highlights 12 incredible people who gave the world better access to technology. When we think about tech, we think about the CEOs or CTOs. However, draftsmen, engineers, mathematicians, and many more people brought these innovations to our hands. These individuals did not succeed without struggle, and their stories should be heard.
Activity: You can find more about each Unsung Heroes Here

 

It’s A Numbers Game! Basketball, by James Buckley Jr.

 

Discover how physics, time , measurement, and many other math principles are involved in basketball. Basketball is a sport, but there is much involved in making it what it is.
Activity: Download this Math Stats Activity Here

 

Changing the Equation, by Tonya Bolden

 

50+ US Black Women in STEM

 

A holistic book of Black women who trail-blazed when the world did not view them as rightful humans to participate. For instance, Rebecca Davis Lee Crumpler earned a MD in March 1864. This was a time when laws were being written to end slavery. Many other women in Genetics, Aerospace Engineering, Geology, and so many more.
Activity: Discover a woman scientist who is living, and write her a letter or Email (with an adult) to learn more about her field.

 

Ava Lovelace Cracks the Code, Rebel Girls Series

 

Ava is from the 19th century. In her time period, girls were not encouraged to study science and math. However, she was educated in math. She was introduced to the “Difference Machine.” This machine allowed humans to compute things faster. Lovelace is considered to be the first computer programmer because she was able to write out every detail and actions of the machine. The series “Rebel Girls” brings Ava Lovelace’s voice and personality to readers.

 

Activity: Create a flowchart that displays how it works from beginning to end. You can use the computer, television, your favorite toy, or anything else.

 

 

Reading Graphic Novel March by John Lewis

Reading Graphic Novel March by John Lewis

by | Oct 12, 2020 | DEI Instruction, Parents, Reading Strategies

  • The Graphic Novel series: March displayed critical moments during the Civil rights era. 

  • John Lewis and the illustrator use the language and images to highlight the: Drama, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Visual Literacy

The trilogy of the book March is a graphic novel written by the words of our former Congressman John Lewis. Making this a graphic novel illustrated shared the experiences from the SNCC (Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee), sit-ins, punishments, integrations, and other civil rights activists such as A. Philip Randolph, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer Classroom, and a host of others. The benefits of this book, March, in graphic novel form is that readers can see the joy, sadness, danger, and humanity of what the individuals experienced. Lewis leaves the pain and suffering in this book as well as the triumphs. You learn how his “good trouble” inspired other individuals to speak against the injustices that occurred to Black Americans. The humanity of this book was real where one could see the children who were hosed down, the police officers who lied in their offices, and the leaders who spoke to the United States President. The participants in the real life story were speaking out to become a part of America’s dream and freedom is what they demanded.

Below are a few examples on how a teen can comprehend the graphic novel March.

Graphic novels rely on the artwork to tell the story. When the author explains a type of action or scene, the artwork compliments. Graphic novels provide less words but more visual symbolism. Your eyes control what you are comprehending along with the words.

Dramatization

Graphic novels have word balloons, and sound words and motion. “Lines going diagonal indicate movement. When we see lines moving horizontally we feel safe because,” Molly Bang. If illustrations are close to the ground, then the reader visualizes a sense of stability. However when things move up, we feel like we are flying and moving away from the ground.

Example:
In Book One from March many of the boxes were horizontal. This is because the authors were sharing the back story of how John Lewis gathered the confidence to speak out. Additionally, the illustrator used full pages to demonstrate a new setting or a transition. There were very few diagonal lines and many of characters and objects flowed left to right. The dramatic scenes  occurred when John Lewis and other activists were thrown in jail. Dramatic scenes included slanted lines, and even hands twisted around the jail bars.

 

Comprehension

Visual artists use icons to illustrate their idea. If the icon is a car, dog, or cat, the reader has to determine the personality of the character, the type of car they want it to be. According to Scott McCloud, the icons he uses create concepts in someone’s head. When they read the picture they “give me life by reading this book.” Their understanding is becoming stronger because they are making a deeper understanding of the word clues and the visual cues correspond to it.

Example: Book Two March had multiple stories occurring. One story was John Lewis and the SNCC organizing in the 1960s, the other story was Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2009. This book’s point was to highlight the workings and actions of the sit-ins and peaceful protests. A pivotal story was displaying the March on Washington to get the attention to American citizens. John Lewis was able to speak, and in comparison so was Barack Obama because he was appointed the United States president. For the historical references, one can go back in time and view shape and size the radio, the 1960s model Greyhound bus, the corded telephone, and even the smoke from the violence. Even the faces of Dr. Martin Luther King and John Lewis were distinct, and one could see the anger and tensions on their faces from the illustrations. The frustrations and experiences of the student activists and many others were catastrophic, but they were still determined for a fundamental change. The words and images complimented one another to deepen the understanding of their human experience.

Vocabulary

Word usage and word font size and font changes breathe additional life into graphic novels. Bolded text emphasizes text versus plain text. This bolded text is emphasized so the author can guide you to what they want you to know. There are also instances of italicized words. You might have to pick and choose which graphic novel can expand your vocabulary.

If you read March, Book Three, one should be used to the different vocabulary usages. Common words were Demonstrators, Revolution, Agitator, Equality, Arrests, Segregation, Communist, Democracy, Voting, and Nonviolent. There are many words that display the complexities of that time. There were men and women signing all throughout this graphic novel, and whenever there was singing the words became cursive. Even when they quoted spiritual text or had to narrate a page, the words were visually different. This book needed words to elevate the images, and the images elevated the vocabulary.

Visual Literacy

The artistic elements of shadow, perspective, color, shapes, and layout combine to create stunning images in graphic novels. Artists who illustrate these images take careful planning on. Why is visual literacy important? According to Jon Sciezska, children’s author.” Kids today are wired and stimulated in different ways—they’re more visual.” Children view images on their tablets, cell phones, computers, video games, and the natural world. Children are constantly exposed to images, but they need to understand how to analyze what is going on in the image. They need to be taught how to visually understand.-author experiences can be inferred from viewing the character and sizes, artistic relates to understanding with an underlying message. Graphic novels and comic books are another form of media intended for visual interpretation.

So if you want to read a historical graphic novel, March, I encourage you to read it with your young reader. Yes the words in this book are sometimes difficult to comprehend, and images are painful. However, this is a part of America’s story. It is a story that displays the pain from decades before and decades after. Don’t just read the words, utilize some techniques above and read the images to understand their perspective and experiences.

If you would like to read the Trilogy of March Click Here

Strategies to Improve Reading Fluency

Strategies to Improve Reading Fluency

by | Nov 1, 2018 | Educators, Fluency, Parents, Reading Strategies

Strategies to Improve Reading Fluency Having a reader who is struggling can take time and has ups and downs. Have you heard, “Th, theee, ddooor is re real?” “Today Reggie decid to have a fun day. They plae with evvveryy.” If this sounds familiar where your child stutters or mispronounces a word is considered fall under the umbrella of fluency.

The example above would refer to the accuracy of words where the reader could not pronounce vowel sounds and certain ending sounds. Being attuned to your child’s reading needs can make a tremendous effort on how to recognize strategies and books that meet his or her needs. When attempting to help a reader, fluency is a skill that encompasses how fast a student reads, how accurate he or she can say a word out loud, and even expression.

From ILA, Reading Fluently Does Not Mean Reading Fast  “Reading fluency is necessary for comprehension and motivated reading, having been described as a bridge between early and later reading phases. “

“Once that doorway has been opened, students can begin to access meaning even though they must also be taught vocabulary and comprehension strategies.”

A fluent reader has the ability to see phrases and says the phrases with ease, and recognizes how the punctuation makes the story more expressive. You can more information about reading fluency on Reading Rockets. Reading is complex and as a parent or educator, it takes time to see your efforts grow. I wanted to share with you a few strategies that could support your child to read more fluently. As always try strategies more than once, and turn if your reader does not show engagement, then I encourage you to make learning fun. 

Grade Level Words Create or Purchase a set of flash cards. Each week practice having your child read those cards out loud. Make it fun. For example, turn them into a game of concentration, tape them to the wall and give a reward for completing the given task. 

Use Technology to Reinforce Word Learning Mobile Applications and web applications can be used to reinforce and support the learning of words. Fluent and non-fluent readers need exposure to new words on a daily basis. So giving them a way to learn the word parts, word meaning, word sound, and spelling could be truly beneficial so that their fluency is stronger. 

Encourage Reading Aloud As we all know, a good book is hard to find. But by reinforcing reading time for at least 20 minutes per day can build the stamina to read more. Specifically, as a parent or guardian, you can be a model. For example, when you are reading your book, your child should be reading alongside with you. Or have your child read out loud while you are making dinner, driving him or her in the car, and of course before going to bed. Give positive words to recognize how you feel about their progress. 

Voice Recording Another fun way is to use your phone or an electronic device and to record the reader. This will give your reader the chance to hear themselves and to even repeat the reading if desired. You can have your child read an entire page, chapter, section, or paragraph of a book. If your child makes mistakes, just point them out. 

Radio or Television Listening When Listening to the Radio, Online Streaming, or watching the television listen for key vocabulary words that you hear. When you hear words, then speak out vocabulary. When there is a commercial or advertisement, take a break from the show and think of new sentences or share ideas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

How To Tell A Comedic Story & Love Literacy

How To Tell A Comedic Story & Love Literacy

by | May 21, 2018 | Educators, Reading Strategies, Wordsmiths

I loved it when Mr. Clarence Lomax cupped his right hand around his nose and pointed towards the wall saying, “Mr. Lomax, to my office. I am going to call your mother.” At that moment he was taking me back to his days as a teenager at his school. I imagined brick walls painted white, and beige flooring that he trudged down towards the principal’s office. I thought of his six foot tall principal, dressed in a dark blue suit, with an abnormally long nose pointing at Clarence. Lomax’s story created images in my mind, and I wanted to know more so I could visualize other comedic moments.

Storytelling is an oral literary art form that provides messages and new ideas for audience members. Every day in some way, all people tell stories, and it is important to gather the right framework for the message. 

“We all are storytellers who have the ability to tell great detailed stories. Whenever I meet someone that says “I could never speak in front of people” or “I could never tell a great story” I tell them to think about the last conversation they had with the closet person to them. Speaking in a way that makes the person on the receiving end vividly visualize what you are saying is not as challenging as some may think. It’s all about first becoming comfortable then allowing people in your comfortable space,” explains Lomax.

Storytelling is a literacy framework that can shape someone’s understanding to love reading and stories1.  Storytelling gives listeners the ability to hear and see vocabulary, expression, story elements, and parts of a narrative. Storytelling has a message along with emotions and characters. It is an oral art that gives meaning to experiences and perspectives. With storytelling, it can be used as an entrypoint to help readers. I will share three examples on how storytelling can be connected to advancing a youngsters reading skills.

1. Details

When telling a story, it is best to know the details of why you are telling that story. Is the purpose of your story to inform, to entertain, to sell, or to persuade? Once the purpose is decided, then it is important to decide the emotion whether it is joyous, sad, furious, or more. Afterwards, give details and descriptions on what happens, or even what does an object look like or feel like. Clarence Lomax gave the example of selling a phone. He laughed and smiled to show that he was going to be funny. During his story he said, “We have this black, shiny, phone. It actually has two camera, and is about 6 inches long. It is pretty big, and you can even text on it.” He suggested that having details about the story helps the listener “visualize the story better.”

2. Visualize

Storytellers use hand motions, facial expressions, or even different voice intonations to give the listener the ability to see what is being spoken to them. If the teller has a really important moment within his or her own story, then the listener could imagine a relatable moment in their own mind. In this personal experience, students have the ability to retell what was spoken and even see how vocabulary was used within their own experience. As an example, Mr. Lomax provided a visual when he swiped his hands from left to right pretending to be his principal scolding young Lomax. Then he tilted his head towards the ceiling and slowly cried, “Why?” 

3. Sense of Story

Having a sense of story can reinforce a student’s reading comprehension. Reading comprehension is vital to a student’s understanding. Being able to comprehend is where a listener can explain the characters, setting, plot, beginning, middle, and end. A story can have simplicity or depth where the “the use of descriptive oral language, students are able to have an enhanced experience with literature.”

To learn about storytelling, visit your local library and see if they have connections to artists within your community. Visit the National Storytelling Network. Study your favorite actor and pick through their phrases. Connect with Clarence Lomax visit here.

1-Miller, S., & Pennycuff, L. (2008). The Power of Story: Using Storytelling to Improve Literacy Learning. Journal of Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives in Education,36-43.
How to Read Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

How to Read Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

by | Mar 9, 2018 | Booklists, Parents, Reading Strategies

  • How to Read Crown an Ode to the Fresh Cut, a modern-day story about a black boy getting a hair cut.

  • A picture book story for 2nd and 3rd grade readers.

Crown an Ode to the Fresh Cut celebrates the experiences of what it means to get a “Fresh Cut” in the barber shop. Barnes’ rhythmic language keeps the story flowing, and makes the reader understand what it truly means to get a haircut at a Black barber shop. Barnes even builds your imagination about the different characters in the shop and what they can be. This story opens the reader into another world and celebrates #Brownboyjoy.

 

Derrick Barnes provides a visual and auditory narrative of a young man’s visit to the barber shop. He provides details and vocabulary words that makes the story true to the story. When reading stories such as Crown an Ode to the Fresh Cut, here are some tips on how to engage with the story. This story lends itself to multiple skills. Below is a brief discussion guide.

1. Asking Questions

Keeping questions open-ended using “How, When, What, and Why. These questions can build dialogue. Example Questions: What was your favorite part? What was your least favorite? How did you feel when the boy described his experience? Describe 3 important experiences that the boy described. Why was the barber shop important to the boy?

2. Identifying Details

There are many ways to identify details. Since this story is a sequential experience. You can start by listing examples such as important words in the story. Descriptive Words slab of clay flawless blazing star intellectual Hair Words Dark Caesar trim locs cornrows.

3. Examples

Examples lend to thinking about what else happens in the real-world. What did [this scene] remind you of? Who is a tech CEO that you know? What else would you use x for? What makes you feel like a Hollywood star?

4. Imagery

The images and words rely on one another. Using the images to build understanding is a fun way to read the text in a different way. Review the colors and the images and read how you feel. Why some backgrounds have scenes and others don’t. What kind of artistic medium was used. (Watercolors, paint, crayon, etc) What mood were in on pages with the use of color. How did this page help you understand the meaning?   You can find the story here to enjoy. Please share your thoughts on this story.