I have read more literature in the past couple of months than I have probably read in the past year.  I have to say overall it was very enjoyable and I have discovered many different types of genre that I hope to share with my classroom and grandchildren.  I really never gave much thought to what type of genre a book was.  This class has made me become aware of the many verities of genres that children should be exposed to.  As we are all different, I am sure that we all found one or more genres to be our favorite over others. 

I had decided before I ever read a book that I would not enjoy genres that were science fiction.  As it turned out our wonderful librarian at Heights, Trish Murphy introduced me to Margaret Haddix the author of a collection of books that began with Among the Hidden.  I have spent the last several weeks reading through her collection and even decided to do my book sell on a science fiction genre.  So that old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover” or I say “genre” is true!  

My least favorite genre turned out to be Graphic Novels.  I have never been much of a “Funny Page” reader, so maybe this had something also to do with it.  The illustrations are just wonderful, but I find all those illustrations on one page to be to “busy” for my reading enjoyment.  However, Trish did help me out with the enjoyable graphic biography “to dance” by Siena Cherso Siegel from our Middle School Library.   

One thing I have learned about reading 100 books is when all else fails and you cannot find a good book, ask an experienced librarian.  They are not just there to scan your book and hand it to you.  They know what is in their Library and can suggest just the right book for your reading enjoyment!  As future “educationalist” we must read on past the 100 books, so we can become just as knowledgeable as the librarian and provide our students with outstanding genres that will inspire their imaginations, take them on trips to other countries or to simply enjoy with a friend, little sister, or brother. 

Creating our own “blog” page has been a new experience for me.  I enjoyed being able to design the site.  My frustrations come from not being able to get font size and color to work when I am working on my site (of course only after working hours) at Heights.  I think Farmington Municipal Schools provide extremely good filters for our computers.   Not having the internet at home and having to go to the college to get on a computer to make changes that I cannot do at Heights has been somewhat of a problem, but I have enjoyed posting to the blog.  It makes me feel somewhat like a published author. 

While missing out on the trips to Tibbetts, I have enjoyed stepping into Julie Mitchell’s all girl class.  I have had the opportunity to participate in literature circles and actually just get to take over the class when Mrs. Mitchell is gone.  Being in the classroom has given me more confidence and independence.  It is so nice to step into a middle school classroom and not feel like a possible anxiety attach is approaching.  Believe it – middle school kids probably could eat you for lunch, but they REALLY want!   A lot of my success comes from the way Francis facilitates our class.  Her confidence in me as a future “educationalist” helps me to continue to grow more confident in myself.  The one thing that I have learned from being in the classroom is the importance of being organized and prepared.  Always know what you want to accomplish with the students and have a plan “B” when they are not prepared (as in not reading their material for the literary circle).  What I have found is most students want to be heard and I have been amazed more than once with their depth of thinking.   

I have enjoyed forming a relationship with Mrs. Mitchell’s class.  The interaction not only has been a valuable learning experience in terms of gaining skills, confidence, and independence, but has helped me form a communication bond with these students.  The relationships we build with our students are not only an essential part of helping them become successful, but are also the key to our own success.  

Final Evaluation

While missing out working with the class at Tibbetts, I have gained so much knowledge about children’s literature from my one-on-one time with Francis.  The classroom time with Julie Mitchell and her class has given me a new level of confidence.   I have learned so much about the different types of genres from reading, reading, and reading.  I think one of the best skills and strategies that I have learned this semester is from watching Francis demonstrated how to be a facilitator and let the students take the lead role in their learning.  

Estimated Grade:  A+