Written and Edited - June 29th, 2017 - 1:01 pm to 1:47 pm
Leo Lionni Has Class
When I was an education major at UNCG, one of my professors told us or suggested that whenever we introduced a book with students that we tell the students the authors to increase their literacy about books. I think it was professor in literacy education. I think my professor's name was Barbara Stoodt, but I don't remember her name. She was the author of 1 or 2 books that we used for that class.
At one point, when I was an intern student teaching in a kindergarten class, I was reviewing books to share with students. I came across one of Leo Lionni's books. It might have been swimmy, but I don't remember which one. And I liked his book. Because Leo Lionni explored ideas about teamwork, cooperation, and other aspects of humanity.
So I introduced Leo Lionni and then read the book. And since I liked his book, I found myself reviewing another one of his books, introducing Leo Lionni and reading a book again. I continued to review his books and read them to the class because I continued to like the ideas he was exploring.
It got to the point where I said, and who do you think this author is to the class before reading each book. And I heard a chorus of kindergartners saying with a rhythmic tone in sync, all together, Leo Lionni.
At the time, I felt that I increased their literacy and awareness of authors. And I felt good that I shared so many stories by Leo Lionni. But I also realized that while I shared a depth of Leo Lionni, I neglected many other stories and authors, illustrators, etc. And looking back, I think I increased my book literacy too. And it can be a trade off. Because I think going in depth has its place. But openness, variety, more, different, etc. has its place too.
And I came to appreciate children's stories when I was working in classrooms. Because, they can express some key ideas very simply. But that's another story.