Week 4 - Author Study of Cece Bell

    This week, we will be exploring the life and works of Cece Bell, writer of the award winning graphic novel, El Deafo. I will provide examples of how this study could be used in the classroom to help students achieve some key Common Core State Standards in literacy. Finally, I will have another book recommendation and weekly challenge to share with you.

Author Study 

Author: Cece Bell     Grade Level: 1st 

Cece Bell became deaf after falling ill at the age of 4. She grew up mostly in the hearing world, but states that she is very interested in Deaf culture. As a child, Cece loved school, but felt like struggled to fit in with the other kids. She eventually went to college to become a writer, then decided to switch to be an art major so she could learn to illustrate. Her now husband was also an art major. Cece Bell is both an author and illustrator. 

Cece creates her own stories and sometimes collaborates with others. Her stories tend to be focused on issues of friendship, such as jealously, miscommunications, understanding, caring, and sharing. She writes for a range of elementary school ages. She has created picture books for young children and graphic novels for older children, though she says that picture books and graphic novels may as well be the same thing. 

The start to her process for creating children’s literature is to write great ideas on paper, which she then puts into a drawer. When she feels like writing, but isn’t sure what to write about, she chooses 2-3 ideas from this drawer and combines them to create fun, silly content. She writes the story, first. Then, she says she edits away as much of the wording as she can, so that it becomes very simple and meaningful. She then adds illustrations, which she continues to add to until they have a major role in the story.

For more information on Cece Bell, check out the links below:

Blog - https://cecebell.wordpress.com

Twitter - https://twitter.com/cecebellbooks?lang=en

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cecebellbooks/?hl=en

Book 1: Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit                  Genre: Fantasy

Book 2: Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot                     Genre: Fantasy

Standards:

Reading: Literature
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3
Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.9
Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in stories.

Writing
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.1
Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.5
With guidance and support from adults, focus on a topic, respond to questions and suggestions from peers, and add details to strengthen writing as needed.

Reading Objectives:

• After reading each book chosen for this author study students will be able to identify two main characters, the setting, and two major events with 80% accuracy. 
• After reading each book chosen for this author study students will be able to use illustrations and details from the stories to describe, compare, and contrast the characters, settings, and events with 80% accuracy.

Reading Assessment:

    For part I of this assessment, students will be given a simple graphic organizer for each story which asks them to recall two main characters, the setting, and two major events. Instructions will be written clearly and given orally. The graphic organizers will be graded for accuracy. 

    The students will then be given the books to use as reference for part II, where they will use a Venn diagram to describe, compare, and contrast the characters, settings, and events from the two stories. The students may analyze illustrations and details from the books to complete this assignment. Instructions will again be written clearly and given orally. The Venn diagrams will be graded for accuracy, corrected after grading, and used to provide information for the writing assessment.

Writing Objectives: 

•     After reading each book chosen for this author study students will analyze the writer’s purpose or theme in a paragraph with an introduction, supportive reasoning, and a closing with a score of at least 80%.
•     After writing their essays from objective one, students will edit their writing with the guidance and suggestions from their teacher and their peers so that their final drafts demonstrate improvement from the original drafts.

Writing Assessment:

    Students will analyze a common purpose or theme of the two books from the author study. They will write a paragraph with an introduction, three supporting sentences, and a closing. This draft will be scored, but only for corrective purposes. Suggestions for improvement will be noted and returned to the student. Students will then pair up to perform peer editing. Once students receive their own papers back, they will use suggestions from the teacher and their peers to correct and strengthen their writing in a new, final draft. At this point, the papers will be graded based on a combination of accuracy and the student’s implementation of suggestions for improvement. Clear rubrics will be passed out with expectations for the final draft.

Overall Activity for Author Study:

    Students will write two to three ideas on slips of paper, then add them to a collective pile. Students will take turns drawing ideas from the pile until each student has chosen two. Students will then combine these two ideas to write a short story. After writing their stories, they will trade off with a partner who will suggest edits to the story. Once the writer makes any necessary edits, they will create three illustrations to accompany their story. Students will gather into small groups of four to five students and take turns reading their stories to one another. After completing this activity, students will discuss this process of writing a story. What went well? What was difficult? Why do you think Cece Bell uses this method for writing, sometimes?

Differentiation for Struggling Readers:
 
    Struggling readers may find humor in the language used in Cece Bell’s stories. The simple, large print is easy to read and follow, while the illustrations improve comprehension. These books will be easy for even struggling readers to enjoy.

Differentiation for Advanced Readers:
 
    Advanced readers will find interesting parallels between the friendships in the books and friendships in Bell’s life, as well as friendships in their own lives. They will be able to laugh at the simple humor while exploring bigger themes and ideas woven into Bell’s literature.

Connections to Art:

 

    Cece Bell is an illustrator, as well as an author. Students could study her illustrations, which masterfully use simple lines, shapes, and colors to express big feelings and ideas. Students could learn to draw a variety of animals using a similar technique. Perhaps they could use precut shapes of construction paper to create an interesting character, then use lines and shapes that Cece uses in her illustrations to add details such as facial features and clothing.

Benefits of Author Study:

    Author studies allow readers and writers to connect the literature they love with the real people behind them. They help readers discover recurring themes and how they connect with experiences from the author's life. They also help us discover an author's style and voice better than when we read just one book.

 

    This author study may teach perseverance and increase empathy for others. Students will learn about how Cece Bell dealt with losing her hearing at a young age but used this to push herself to do well in school. They will learn about how she struggled to fit in with other kids her age and how it made her feel when people treated her badly and how she felt when others treated her kindly and with respect. 

 

    Cece Bell also uses language in an interesting way. She uses silly situations to teach new vocabulary, such as “engrossed”. In Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit, Robot teaches Rabbit that the word means “very interested”, but whenever he hears the word, Rabbit replies “gross”. The words are similar but have very different meanings. Throughout the book, Rabbit uses both words frequently, sometimes even a bit sarcastically. In Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot, Chick tries desperately to teach Brain and Dog to use manner words such as “please”, “thank you”, and “you’re welcome”. He even sometimes calls the other two stupid when they don’t seem to catch on. Meanwhile, Brain is attempting to stop Dog from having Chick for dinner, which Chick does not even notice as he is too engrossed in his manner lessons. This teaches children that language can be very playful and interesting.

Book of the Week 

El Deafo written and illustrated by Cece Bell

    El Deafo is about a young girl who struggles to navigate the social and academic world of elementary school as a student with hearing loss.

Recommended for grade levels 3 - 7 

Why I love this book: 

    This book was written to express the essence of the childhood experiences of the author. It sheds a little light on a topic many students are unfamiliar with, school and social life for deaf students. While the author cautions that her story is her own, and in no way describes the experiences of every deaf student, it does give us a look at the struggles others may experience. This is a great reminder to show kindness to all. The book also shares childhood situations all children can relate to. Bell uses humor and introspection to keep readers engaged. Her illustrations are simple, powerful, and sometimes funny. I absolutely loved this book and devoured it within a day. I then proceeded to read every other book written or illustrated by this author that I was able to get my hands on, either at my local library or in the online library database.

*** WEEKLY CHALLENGE! ***

    This week, find a fun book of children's poetry to read with your child. Some suggestions to look for are A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein, Revolting Rhymes by Roald Dahl, or The Biggest Burp Ever by Kenn Nesbitt. They're each very silly and will have your kid laughing and pondering creative uses of language. Let me know if you take on this challenge by writing your book choice and your child's reaction below.

References

Bell, C. (2020). Chick and brain: Smell my foot! Walker Books Ltd. 

Bell, C. (2014). El Deafo. Amulet Books. 

Bell, C. (2017). Rabbit & robot and ribbit. Candlewick Press. 

English language arts standards. English Language Arts Standards | Common Core State Standards Initiative. (2021). http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/. 

Week 3 - Trends in Children's Literature

    This week, the focus is on trends in children's literature. I was able to interview a technology and media specialist from an Elementary school over in Howard County, MD. For the sake of anonymity, we will call her Mrs.A. Mrs.A has been a teacher for roughly 19 years and has a wide range of pedagogical experience. She has taught 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 8th grade. Below is a summary of the interview:

• What are some trends you have observed in children's literature, recently?

Diversity. . . students are increasingly able able to see themselves in what they're reading.

• How has this affected your use of literature in the classroom?

Diversity and inclusion in the classroom increases student engagement for her hispanic students. Mrs.A "teach[es] a lot of Hispanic students”. She recently read My Papi Has a Motorcycle by Isabel Quintero and illustrated by Zeke Pena with a class. She was delighted to see “their eyes light up”. They loved to see familiar words in print and hear them being read aloud to the class.

• What resources are best to use when incorporating children's literature in the classroom?

Mrs.A says that teachers often forget that the media specialist is a great resource for planning lessons around literature. They can easily recommend books for specific reading levels and sometimes have excellent ideas for companion activities.

• What tools can help students better understand literature?

Visuals, such as photos, are a great way to help students get a better understanding for what they're reading. Another great tool for improving comprehension is play acting. Allowing students to act out scenes from a book helps them understand what's happening, as well as get a feel for a character's situation, from their perspective.

• How can you encourage a reluctant reader to start reading?

"Find out their interests", Mrs. A says. She suggests providing a reluctant reader with a variety of books about their interests at different reading levels. She suggests allowing students to choose books below, at, and above their current reading level, because there is something they can gain at every level. She also says that even a student reading books below their level is gaining an appreciation of literature. Students reading above their level may be learning bits of information that they will use later on.

• What are some life lessons you teach through children's literature? 

Inclusion, kindness, and friendship are all great to teach through literature, according to Mrs.A. She also says that she enjoys using literature to help her teach concepts such as mindfulness and perseverance. Mrs.A uses literature to teach lessons about social and emotional well-being, as well. 

    While children's literature today is trending toward greater diversity, there is still much improvement to be made. According to many, there are still not enough books by and for children of color or from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The literature "is predominantly upper middle class, heterosexual, nondisabled, English-speaking, and male" (Knezek et. al, 2016). For more information on this topic, check out What's on Our Bookshelves? The Diversity of Children's Literature in Early Childhood Classroom Libraries.

    I believe that the duty lies with each of us to provide children's literature which appropriately reflects the population of our homes, classrooms, and communities. The more we learn about other cultures, the more we develop understanding and empathy for those around us. I don't know about you, but I think this world could use a little more kindness and understanding, and our children can be the ones to carry these attitudes into the next generation. This can start at home, with diversity in the literature you provide and offer your child. I, for one, will do my best to pursue this goal in my own classroom, as well.

  

 Book of the Week

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

    Winnie Foster explores her family's woods and stumbles upon a boy whose family tells her the secret to their everlasting youth. They tell her of the secret's blessing and curses, and Winnie must decide what to do with this knowledge.

Recommended for grade levels 4-8 

Why I love this book:

    The story takes place during a very hot August, in a seemingly magical forest which belongs to Winnie's family, but which she has never before explored. When she decides to step into the forest, she finds much more than the adventure for which she yearns. This book is very well-written, with many deep and philosophical thoughts about things to which we don't tend to give much thought. The chapters are relatively small, which may motivate some reluctant readers. Below is a small excerpt from the first chapter:

"The ownership of land is an odd thing when you come to think of it. How deep, after all, can it go? If a person owns a piece of land, does he own it all the way down, in ever narrowing dimensions, till it meets all other pieces at the center of the earth? Or does ownership consist only of a thin crust under which the friendly worms have never heard of trespassing?" (p. 9)

*** WEEKLY CHALLENGE! ***

    This week, I challenge you to let your child see you read! Children who see their parents reading for pleasure may be more likely to choose to do this, too. See how your child reacts to seeing you sitting in a nice cozy spot with a good book.

References

Crisp, T., Knezek, S. M., Quinn, M., Bingham, G. E., Girardeau, K., & Starks, F. (2016). What's on our bookshelves? the diversity of children's literature in early childhood classroom libraries. Journal of Children's Literature, 42(2), 29-42. https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/whats-on-our-bookshelves-diversity-childrens/docview/1837539742/se-2?accountid=35812

Week 2 - Graphic Novels

    This week, we turn our attention to graphic novels. I will explain what they are, how they differ from traditional literature, how they can be used in the classroom, and my personal recommendations for your student. This week, I have two recommendations to share! 

    

    Graphic novels are an excellent choice for many reluctant readers. They are chock full of fantastic illustrations, fast action sequences, and less text than traditional literature. The text that is present is typically dialogue, which helps the reader feel more involved in the scene than expositional text might. Below is a quick comparison between graphic novels and traditional literature, or books.

	Graphic Novels	Traditional Literature / Books
Details	Details are shown through illustrations and dialogue.	Details tend to be expository in nature.
Dialogue	Dialogue is the main textual component.	Dialogue tends to be a portion of the text, while exposition is also included.
Illustrations	Illustrations are used throughout, some more detailed and colorful than others.	Illustrations tend to be less common with books for older readers. The ones that are presented are typically small and tend to be uncolored.

    For third graders, particularly, there are a variety of ways in which graphic novels can be integrated into the curriculum. Below are some of the Common Core State Standards for literature in third grade, and how they can help us tie in graphic novels:

Key Ideas and Details - 

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.2

Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text. 

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.3

Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events 

    Students can read about fables, folktales, and myths in graphic novel form. This format is great for discussing messages and lessons because contextual clues and details can be found in the illustrations in addition to the text. Students can also get a better understanding of characters and their feelings within a graphic novel because of facial expressions and body language which can not always be expressed through text alone.

Craft and Structure - 

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language. 

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.6

Distinguish their own point of view from that of the narrator or those of the characters.

    Students can use clues from illustrations to determine whether the text is meant literally or figuratively. Some clues may be facial expressions, scenery, and action in comparison to the text. Student can also use graphic novels to explore the difference between their own point of view and that of the characters.

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas - 

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.7

Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.9

Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar characters (e.g., in books from a series)

    Graphic novels present a unique opportunity to explore illustrations and how they contribute to the mood, characters, and settings of a story. After all, illustrations are a key component of graphic novels. Additionally, many, though not all, graphic novels are presented in a series of books, as you will see in my recommendations for the week. This makes it easy to compare and contrast in the ways suggested in the last standard listed above.

Books of the Week

 

Lightfall: The Girl & The Galdurian by Tim Probert

    This graphic novel is set in the fictitious world of Irpa, where light is precious and powerful and darkness brings danger and fear. A young girl, Beatrice, sets out on a perilous journey to find her missing Gramps, a magical and forgetful Pig Wizard. She soon encounters a new friend, Cadwallader, a member of the lost race of Galdurians. He helps her on her journey. When Bea feels lost, hopeless, and incapable, Cad spreads his infectious kindness and enthusiasm. Where Bea is cautious and anxious, Cad is boisterous and ready to take action. He helps her develop a mindset of perseverance and hope as they travel together and overcome many challenges.

Recommended for grade levels 3 - 7

Why I love this book:

    The illustrations in this book are beautiful. The soft, warm greens, oranges, and browns are reminiscent of fall, which is my favorite season. You can see the colors shift in different situations and in different areas. For example, Bea becomes surrounded by a dark swirling cloud whenever she starts to be overwhelmed by her fear and hopelessness. As she listens to Cad's talk of hope and action, the darkness begins to fade and she is able to control her fears, once again. 

    This book shows the reader how the two characters are very different, but work together to accomplish so much. It is a great example of using the strengths and personalities of individuals, in a team setting, to achieve great things. It also shows that hope and perspective can make a huge difference in mood and the ability to overcome challenges.

    

    Of all the graphic novels I read to prepare for this blog post, this book was my favorite. Luckily, it is part of a series, which I will be heading to the library to check out, soon. I would love to know if you and your child check out this book, and how you enjoyed it, in the comments below.

*** Update / Edit *** As Lightfall was only released in 2020, no other books from the series have been released, as of yet. I look forward to the next book's release and will do my best to update you when it has come out.

Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi

    In this fast-paced graphic novel, a brother and sister, Emily and Navin, move to a new home with their mother two years after their father dies in a car crash. The siblings stumble upon a magical amulet and find themselves sucked into a quest to save their mother from a tentacled creature in a magical realm filled with their Great Grandfather's inventions. They make new friends and must decide what paths to take along the way. 

Recommended for grade levels 3 - 7

Why I love this book:

    The book begins in tragedy, but quickly turns into an adventure. When the siblings find the magical, talking amulet, they must decide whether or not to follow the directions  it gives them. They meet the inventions of their great grandfather and must again decide whether to trust them to help. At one point, they even decide to disobey the amulet, when it seems as though the instructions it gives are too harsh. They choose mercy when gives instructions to the contrary. I am curious to see how this plays out in future books within the overall series. This would be a great way to demonstrate that a person must use wisdom when friends tell them to do something they know they shouldn't. It isn't always easy to say no to someone, but sometimes, it is the right thing to do.

*** WEEKLY CHALLENGE! ***

    This week, I challenge you to go to the library with your child and choose a graphic novel that interests them. Make sure that it is appropriate for their age. Your librarian should be able to guide you to a section of graphic novels for children or teens. Encourage your child to finish this book within the week. Graphic novels are typically quick reads, even the longer ones. I read three in a single day! Ask your child how he or she enjoyed it and whether they would be interested in finding others. Comment below to tell me how this went. I would love to be part of your family's literacy journey!

Welcome!

Welcome to Mrs. March's Reading Corner! 

Who is Mrs. March? 

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    I am a teacher with a passion for reading, which I would like to share with you. I am also a happily married mother of two wonderful children and owner of a very old and stinky dog named Cookie.

What is the purpose of this blog?

    My school would like to help you, the parents of our students, better understand the importance of high-quality children's literature on the development of your child. Each week, I will feature a new "book of the week", along with tips tricks for encouraging your child to read at home, and to fall in love with reading.

Week 1 - Into the Game

Book of the Week 

Into the Game, written by Nick Eliopulos and illustrated by Luke Flowers

    In Into the Game, five friends are transported into their favorite video game when they use a special VR headset. They must use their knowledge of the game to survive.

Recommended for grade levels 1 - 4 

Why I love this book: 

    Many kids in this age group love playing Minecraft. It is exciting for them to imagine being sucked into their favorite game. The author uses fun fonts and wordplay to keep young readers engaged. The illustrator uses pixelated images similar to what one would see whilst playing Minecraft in combination with softer images to portray what is "real". The story follows a group of young friends as they navigate challenges in the real world, as well as in the pixelated game world of Minecraft. 

    Another reason I love this book is the diversity of characters. Of the five friends, three are girls and two are boys. The girls are portrayed as having their own strengths, which lend to the richness of the story. One of the friends is constrained to a wheelchair, but he doesn't let this stop him from having fun! All of the friends are smart, enjoy STEM activities, and stand boldly to face the challenges before them. The characters learn empathy and friendship as they face challenges together.

    I highly recommend this book to encourage your child to enjoy reading. It is full of excitement, adventure, and friendship. The story ends with a mysterious twist, but lucky for your young readers, it is only the first in a series! I was able to finish the first book in just a few hours and I look forward to starting the next in the series, Night of the Bats.

Lessons and Connections:

    This book can be used to teach your child about key ideas and details within a story, craft and structure, and integration of knowledge and ideas. These are all goals of the Common Core State Standards. Below are some ways to do this with your child.

    An important component of text comprehension is understanding key details of a story. First graders should be able to "retell key details of [the story]" and "[d]escribe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information" (Common Core State Standards Initiative, 2021). Some examples of this might be discussing how the students entered into the realistic world of Minecraft, how the students are able to work together to overcome specific challenges they face, and how the original four friends end up including the new student in their group.

    Craft and structure play a large role in reading comprehension. Second grade students should be able to use the different font choices, illustrations, and chapter titles to quickly locate specific information within the story. Teaching your child to scan pages for important information will increase their ability to look back to key details and improve their comprehension of what they've read. This may be especially important in a series, such as this, as they may want to look back to previous books for clues to what may happen next. 

    Integration of knowledge and ideas is another important aspect of reading comprehension, particularly in this book. The twist I mentioned before relies on your child's ability to use illustrations to clarify what is written. There is a mysterious clue left for the adventuring friends which is only written out in the illustration, not directly in the text. The illustrations throughout the book also add detail to what is written. For example, children may notice that one of the characters, Po, is not using his wheelchair at a birthday party, but is sitting on a tire swing, enjoying his time with his friends. Later in the story, Po is late to a Minecraft session because he is coming from basketball practice. These details may challenge your child's understanding of differently-abled children. Just because Po is in a wheelchair does not mean he cannot actively participate in and enjoy his life.

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Helpful Information About Early Literacy and Your Child

Why read?

• Reading helps children develop problem-solving skills.
• Reading helps children develop empathy for others.    

Language & Literacy Benefits:

• Reading gives children a chance to explore a variety of writing styles, voices, settings, characters, etc.
• Reading helps children build their vocabulary.
• Building vocabulary through reading helps children be successful in school.

Strategies for Home:

• Set up a fun, cozy reading corner of your own! Let your child help decide how to make the space a great one for long hours of reading.
• Take turns reading! Read to your child, allow your child to read to you, and have family reading time where your child can observe you reading for enjoyment, as well.

*** WEEKLY CHALLENGE! ***

This week, work with your child to find a corner in your home to transform into their very own reading corner. Help your child find a book they are excited to read and encourage them to spend an hour reading, each day this week! Comment below if you and your child take up this challenge. Share your struggles, triumphs, and questions with me so that we can work together to build a love of reading in your child!

References

English language arts standards. English Language Arts Standards | Common Core State Standards Initiative. (2021). http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/.