Kaitlyn G. MLS Blog

WHAT MAKES A GOOD CHILDREN'S BOOK? What did I already know about the topic? When I read picture books to myself or with the children and families I serve, I get enjoyment from them even as an adult. Of course it is even better to see that enjoyment on the children's faces as well! I believe a good children's book is often fun to read but can also make you think about things in your own life as well. It can make you smile, but is not too long. What did I learn after completing the assignment? The article mentioned that when considering how to determine what makes a good children's book, there can be a content oriented or results oriented approach. A book may be instructive, whether morally or socially conscious, but the author presented the question, does the book need to be? A book may have psychological value that explores meaning in life, stimulates imagination, or develops intellect in some way. Book sales and repeat readings can be considered. The id...

HOW TO READ A PICTURE BOOK What did I already know about the topic? When reading children's books, I love to be interactive and engaging. If the frog in the book is jumping with his tongue out then so am I and the children and even parents I am reading with. I think everyone should enjoy the experience, and the adult does not always have to take the lead. If the child wants to "read" I think that is great! Reading does not have to be strictly word-for-word the text written or even in order. What did I learn after completing the assignment? I really enjoyed the author's take on how to read picture books. He mentioned that it is totally okay that if children do not like the same stories as their parents or other adults, because when readers can disagree they can also be thoughtful and critical readers. He emphasized the importance of artwork in helping to make reading fun and giving clues, and it is okay if children do not understand every single word! In...

WHY READ DAILY? What did I already know about this topic? When I read the title of the article "Why Read Daily?" I began comparing reading to other skills people hone. If a person wants to be good at baseball he/she will practice baseball, or if someone wants to be a pianist, it is assumed he/she will have to practice playing the piano. It goes without question, and this applies to reading as well. Reading everyday to get better at reading makes sense. Habits help. The first day a person wakes up early to meal prep may be hard; two months later, that person can autopilot through it. Same with reading. Quit it you forget it, so consistency helps maintain quality. What did I learn after completing this assignment? A key point of the article was that people have to make time to read. They need the opportunity, books available, and to actually practice that reading skill. I loved the quote in the article stating, “Read books. Every day. Mostly for pleasure.” You ha...

What did I already know about the topics? When considering graphic novels, I do not have much experience. I imagine pictures and comic book type styles with scenes that do not have large amounts of text and may even be in black and white. I immediately think of the Japanese or Korean manga and webtoons that I have read in the past online, but not in physical books. What did I learn after I completed the assignment? I learned that graphic novels are a form and can be in all other genres and that while many teachers do not read them, more and more children do! They are books that are of novel length and narrative in a comic book format, which are more complex than picture books. They utilize words and images together. Because of the many elements they contain, they can be effectively used to discuss mood and tone, themes, and characterization. They can be valuable as a motivation for reluctant readers or those with special reading needs. There are even classics and adaptat...

FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION What did I already know about the topics? Fantasy and science fiction often base their stories off of worlds similar to ours but with a twist. Sometimes this may be a world with incredible technology or a world where people can do extraordinary things. I imagine  futuristic, dystopian, space, dragons, technology, the exploration of possibilities and changes, considering implications of our current actions and their negative impacts on society in the future.  I think of books I have enjoyed like 1984, Brave New World, Anthem , and Fahrenheit 451 on one side, but know that books like the Hunger Games, World War Z, and Divergent are also included. What did I learn after I completed the assignment? Science fiction is a sub-genre of fantasy. To critically evaluate science fiction and fantasy, it is important that the work is consistent and believable, that there still be rules, that the author helps suspend disbelief, and that them...

NONFICTION What did I already know about the topics? Nonfiction covers a vast range of information. Anytime I have I needed information, I have been able to find a book that relates to it. The information is factual, based on true events, it may be historical or detail important current events and new studies. My appreciation for nonfiction has increased as I have gotten older and realized the amount of research and effort it takes to compile a single book. What did I learn after I completed this assignment? The very first piece of information I learned was that nonfiction is defined by what it is not, because it can include other forms and genres. To evaluate it, the author's qualifications are important to keep in mind. Some ways to do this include looking at the acknowledgements of who the author credits for assistance, simply looking at the back of the book where there is basic information on the author, and to also explore online for resources. Some authors have...