After a fairly busy semester, things are slowing down as we approach the holidays. For that reason, I'm finding less about which to post. Thankfully, however, learning opportunities do not completely respect my vacation schedule or frame of mind.
Recently, in another part of my life, I became a reviewer for the Sacramento and San Francisco Book Reviews. Four of the books I am reviewing this month are children's books. Considering that I live with several members of the target audience, I thought it might be interesting to give not only a parent and teacher's perspective, but also a child's point of view. So, for the past several nights, I have been reading and discussing books with my boys as research for my review, asking their thoughts on the plot and illustrations, what they thought the author was trying to convey, etc.
I realize that we have similar discussions routinely about their assigned literature. However, either the knowledge that I am writing a review for others to read or that they are not expected to analyze these stories for an assignment changes the boys' attitude toward literature. I am not pulling teeth. Rather, they seem to enjoy putting their thoughts into words. Surprisingly, some of their opinions have been very different than my own.
I chose to become a reviewer to sharpen my critical analysis of certain genres as a way of improving my own writing. Little did I know my decision would be the catalyst for some great discussions with my sons.
Recently, in another part of my life, I became a reviewer for the Sacramento and San Francisco Book Reviews. Four of the books I am reviewing this month are children's books. Considering that I live with several members of the target audience, I thought it might be interesting to give not only a parent and teacher's perspective, but also a child's point of view. So, for the past several nights, I have been reading and discussing books with my boys as research for my review, asking their thoughts on the plot and illustrations, what they thought the author was trying to convey, etc.
I realize that we have similar discussions routinely about their assigned literature. However, either the knowledge that I am writing a review for others to read or that they are not expected to analyze these stories for an assignment changes the boys' attitude toward literature. I am not pulling teeth. Rather, they seem to enjoy putting their thoughts into words. Surprisingly, some of their opinions have been very different than my own.
I chose to become a reviewer to sharpen my critical analysis of certain genres as a way of improving my own writing. Little did I know my decision would be the catalyst for some great discussions with my sons.
