The Giving Tree Message

 

As a parent and teacher, I use Shil Silverstein's The Giving Tree to teach the concept of gratitude(Click Here and Here and Here) and the consequences of selfishness.  I read, with great interest, a recent post  at The Misfortune Of Knowing entitled "Teaching Children About Uncomfortable Truths (a Defense of Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree)". 

 

It was one of those posts that made me go Hummm.  First, let me say, I share the sentiments of the blogger, but she also offers up some interesting opposition by other readers of  The Giving Tree that I had not expected.  It always amazes me that the same piece of literature can give such varied interpretations.  As for me, my use of The Giving Tree will remain the same, but when I teach the "Gratitude Lesson" again next year, I will also use this post to analyze the students' reaction to an opposing theme versus the more accepted view point. 

 

Take a peek at The Misfortune Of Knowing post and let us know how you feel, and if you have a moment check out my sister blog, The Writing Whisperer, which I use to inspire/teach writing  to my English students.

 

Happy Reading☮

The Things You Can Read!
Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the Power of Books!

 

 

 



Writing: Biography of Dickens

 



We are about to embark on our annual teaching of Dickens and Drama in all my English classes.  This is when students learn about the author, Charles Dickens, and read a dramatization of Charles Dickens' novel, A Christmas Carol. Not to mention, they will also be studying drama terminology.  We have added a lesson option to our Teaching Dickens and Drama page, which guides students through the process of writing a short biography of Dickens.  The full lesson can also be found on The Writing Whisperer.  Check it out and let us know what you think here at The Things You Can Read or The Writing Whisperer.
 

Download Plan Sheet: Click Here

Dickens Quotes Link

Resource for teaching Dickens: Click Here

Each of the categories from the plan sheet will be developed into three to four sentences, with the help of transitions, the end result will be a fluid paragraph.

The Quote(s) will be used to start and/or end your paragraph.

Sample Opening Sentence using a Dickens quote:

Charles Dickens wrote, “Suffering has been stronger than all other teaching, and has taught me to understand what your heart used to be. I have been bent and broken, but - I hope - into a better shape.” these words fully describe Charles Dickens transformation from a poor English boy working in a shoe polish factory to a wealthy, respected, writer touring the world. Charles Dickens was born...

Sample Closing Sentence using a Dickens quote:

Charles Dickens' life was filled with joy and sorrow, however, he never lost sight of the fact that, “There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”-Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol
 

  

Happy Reading☮

The Things You Can Read!
Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the Power of Books!

 

 







Writing Lesson to Use for Thanksgiving: Gratitude

This lesson uses a beautiful and moving video by time-lapse film-maker Louis Schwartzberg and encompasses the themes of gratitude, beauty and nature. Students will write sentences about gratitude, speak about what they are grateful for, watch a video, and write a short composition.

To see the entire lesson checkout our sister site:  The Writing Whisperer  CLICK HERE

The Writing Whisperer

Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the Power of the Written Word!

This lesson has been modified from its original version.  The original lesson can be found on FILM ENGLISH

View the film the lesson is based on:

 

Let us know what you think of the lesson, here at The Things You Can Read or at The Writing Whisperer.  Look for student essays to be posted in the coming week(s) on both sites. 

 



Happy Reading☮

The Things You Can Read!

Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the Power of Books!

 





Banned Books Week: September 22−28, 2013

Image Credit: LMU Library

 

Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read

 

Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community –- librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types –- in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

 

Check out the frequently challenged books section to explore the issues and controversies around book challenges and book banning. The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted with removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. While books have been and continue to be banned, part of the Banned Books Week celebration is the fact that, in a majority of cases, the books have remained available. This happens only thanks to the efforts of librarians, teachers, students, and community members who stand up and speak out for the freedom to read.-Banned Books Week.org

What are you doing to celebrate Banned Book Week?  We are using short lessons in our English class to promote banned book education.  Take a look at a few of our prompts at The Writing Whisperer.  Check them out all during Banned Book Week.

Happy reading to all! ☮ 

Happy Reading☮
The Things You Can Read!
Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the Power of Books!

Writing Lesson: Validation

Are you looking for a great writing lesson to start off 2013?  If you are, click on over to The Writing Whisperer: Lesson 

and check out the instructional lesson using the film, Validation:  

Validation Lesson Courtesy of Film English

Happy Reading and Writing!
The Things You Can Read
Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the Power of Books!

Writing Prompts: The Writing Whisperer

We wanted to let our readership know about our other blog, which is more writing oriented.  We use The Writing Whisperer with our students.  The mission of The Writing Whisperer is as follows:

The Writing Whisperer is intended to inspire higher level thinking and discussions, which will culminate in a thoughtful written response.  The Writing Whisperer is intended primarily as source of writing prompts, which often encompass a visual piece to aid in a more contemplative response.  The Writing Whisperer is geared to be used in the classroom, however, it can also be used for writers seeking a prompt to get their "writing juices flowing". In addition, The Writing Whisperer, from time to time, will also feature writing related information and resources.  Now, start writing!

Please feel free to send suggestions for prompts via The Writing Whisperer or The Things You Can Read...of course we will properly credit you, and of course, we will provide a link back to your blog for your contribution!  For the writers and the readers in The Things You Can Read's audience please consider following The Writing Whisperer...Now, start scribbling!

Happy Scribbling!

The Writing Whisperer

Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the power of the Written Word!

Things You Can Read

Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, Love, and the Power of Books!