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Saturday, February 16, 2013

Our New Friend Edward Tulane

You know I am a huge proponent of reading to kids above their grade levels. I think it helps with vocabulary development as well as listening comprehension skills. It has always been my all-time favorite part of the day. We turn out one set of lights, I turn on my flameless candle, the kids sit in a circle and tend to lie down. I read and they listen. They get to know the characters and it actually feels a little sad when the book ends.

For whatever reason, my kiddos this year loathe listening to chapter books. We have just a 15-minute window between lunch and getting ready for their ancillary classes-perfect activity for that time-frame. We started with the Wizard of Oz-took us literally 3 months to get through it. I tried to read them the Best Christmas Pageant Ever in preparation for the holidays-they squirmed, interrupted, played, talked through the first few chapters-so I set that one aside-I always tell kids people have different tastes in books.

 After we got back from the break I thought-I will read them a book I know they will love-The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. I love this book for a number of reasons-it's very deep and you can do a lot with that. It's a story of how a character can change, how anyone can love others instead of just themselves. It's about a lot of things. He meets many people on his journey and they all love him for a different reason-great perspective comparison! They listened a little bit better to this one (I think I'm wearing them down :), but as I read the last page (almost tearing up because it's such a great ending) they were very ho-hum, then they realized it was over and cheered *sigh*. I started talking to them about how exciting it was for me-that weekend I was going to visit the bookstore and choose another title for them and they groaned...."why do we have to read another one, it's boring!". I will not, however, give up. I think it's so important and personally treasure the memory of my mom reading to us when we were little-I just don't think a lot of parents have time to do that these days.

Anyway, we wrote about the big idea of Edward Tulane. This is a challenge for kids because they don't usually see big ideas-they remember the details from the last chapter. So I was really happy with the way they really seemed to get the theme of the story.


















10 comments :

  1. This is my FAVORITE read aloud! Your kids are so smart and I love their responses. You made my day.

    Laurie
    Chickadee Jubilee

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    1. Well, now we're going to read the One and Only Ivan inspired by you! I'll let you know how it goes. :)

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  2. I know exactly what you mean! Last year my kiddos LOVED to have chapter books read to them - this year it's more of a struggle to get them into the stories. But I like your perseverance - you have encouraged me not to give up also!

    ~Jessica
    Joy in the Journey

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    1. I am stubborn that way! :) It's so funny to me how different classes can be.

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  3. I've had this book on my list of possible reads. Thanks for reminding me about it.
    ❀ Tammy
    Forever in First

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  4. I had to read Edward Tulane for one of my Master's classes and fell in LOVE! I read it to my class for several years, and they loved it. I will have to read it with my son. He is in third grade, and I still read to him every night before bed. Right now we are reading Harry Potter. I wish more parents would take the time to read with their children too!

    Thanks for reminding me of such a great book!

    Andrea
    Reading Toward the Stars

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    1. I think it's wonderful that you read to your son. I know parents are busy nowadays, but it really is so important.

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  5. I'm forever grateful- it was here that I first heard about Edward 2 years ago & shared the story with my than kindergartner.

    Let us know how Ivan goes. There is a real life connection so maybe it will go over well. Though not sure if you want to share the connection prior to reading.

    So many do not read aloud to their kids.

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    1. Awww, thank you! I will definitely let you know about Ivan, so far I really like the story!

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