Well my class for the fall is officially finished as all the assignments have been turned in... however the research continues. I am intrigued to see how these children continue to respond to books. Each day, it is my lunch time pleasure to spend time with these little brown eyed cuties. Since they are very familar with the dozen books that I have, we have been creative.
Writing their own book... one day I brought down paper and markers ... and gave them the writing prompt..."My favorite food". Each child made their own page with the words and a drawing of their favorite. I compiled them and took the book they made back the next day and read it to them. The joy on their faces showed the pleasure they had for the book they had written.
Read a rebus...these are the stories that have a picture either with the word or instead of the word. To add some variety, I made my own out of chart paper and the story of Goldilocks and the three bears. The older children did better at this and even knew some of the sight words. This is the first time any of them had heard this story... so I may have to introduce some of the basic nursery rhymes and fairy tales.
Fingerplays with music... since these children love anything with a beat or tune... they do really well with stories set to music or a rhythm like itsy bitsy spider or 5 little ducks. I normally use these to fill time but these little ones really like learning them and then sing them eveytime I am around.
Most days however... I just take down a few books and let them explore them. Many just sit and look at them forgetting that they are supposed to be eating lunch. Watching their faces of enjoyment and excitement as they turn the pages. Listening to them retell the story to whomever will listen. Counting the objects on the page.
As a result from these interactions.... their spoken English skills are improving... the know basic sight words... they know simple rhymes... they can track from left to right and up and down when a book is being read. Most know how to hold a book and they show great care when holding the books. These dozen books definitely show signs of all the love they are receiving by all of the red dirt fingerprints but the children are showing signs of many early literacy skills from these books.
On a side note...I am super excited for my aunt and uncle coming tomorrow. They are bringing more books!
