To Be a Kid by Maya Ajmera & John D. Ivanko is a beautiful and highly supportive book for ELLS. It was published in 1999 by SHAKTI for Children, a program of the Global Fund For Children.There are photos of children from all over the world, illustrating activities that they have in common. This selection is appropriate for children of all ages to hear, read and discuss. Our classroom discussion on 9/9/10 and Gibbon's recommendations (pp. 97 - 100) support this selection with the following:
1. Bright, large photographs of real world experiences
2. Simple language in large print
3. People from all over the world, and topic promote high interest
4. The content and language extend childrens' knowledge
This book can be used throughout the year, but I recommend reading it at the beginning of the year, or when starting new intervention groups, to promote group dynamics. The foreward focuses on how special it is to be a kid, that kids should have big dreams, and explore the world. At the end of the book, each topic is developed a bit more, to foster vocabulary, deeper understanding, and discussion.
Before reading this book, and during the reading, it would be beneficial to ask the group if they understand some of the key concept words: kids, family, taking care, and goofing off. The photos support the vocabulary very well.
A chart can be used before or after the reading that asks the group the following questions: Are you a kid? Do you have a family? Do you like to play? and What country are you from? The chart would allow the children to see the similarities between each other, even though they are from different countries.
The next book is called The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. It is a Caldecott Award winner that was published in 1962. A boy named Peter wakes up and sees lots and lots of snow outside. He plays in the snow all day long. If a student has lived in Colorado for a winter, he has experienced snow, but if a student is new to our state, snow is something very new. Peter shows kids of all ages how much fun snow can be. Keat's book is a good selection for ELLS for the following reasons:
1. The content is interesting and enjoyable to hear and see. The book has one main character ( a character of color), and follows him through a day in the snow. It is not repetitive, but it isn't too much information for a student to take in.
2. Illustrations are simple, colorful and large. They support the meaning of the text.
3. The language flows smoothly. It is descriptive, but not wordy.
4. The book shows what children can do in the snow. Children have the opportunity to share winter traditions, within their culture.
The Snowy Day is a wonderful selection during winter, especially after it has snowed. The children can play in the snow prior to the book, and afterwards too. Several vocabulary opportunities can be developed, such as winter clothing, the five senses, and snow activities. Realia and pictures can support the reading of this book, as well as, personal experience. The students can predict what Peter will do in the snow, sort and graph snow activities that are their favorites, and illustrate/write their own snow stories. The teacher may need to support the students' understanding when Peter is in the bathtub, remembering what he did that day, and help them understand why Peter put all of that snow in his pocket. The teacher can take pictures of the children in the snow and have a follow-up interactive writing activity. The Snowy Day is a classic that supports ELL learning.
Ajmera, M., Ivanko, J. To Be A Kid. Charlesbridge: SHAKTI for Children, 1999.
This book celebrates children from all around the world. Photographs and simple text help children realize that kids are the same, doing many common activities, even if they look different and live in a different country.
Keat, E. J. The Snowy Day. New York: Puffin Books, 1962
A boy named Peter wakes up to a winter wonderland. He plays all day in the snow, doing many fun activities. Children can learn what to do in the snow, or connect with what Peter does. A great book to introduce and celebrate snow.
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