Our senses can take us back in a split second to the warmth of the concrete under our feet on a hot summer day at the public pool. How? For me, it's a song. Ever hear a song and the most vivid memories come flooding in? How about that one dish that your grandma used to make? One bite or smell and you are sent back in time to the comforts of grandma's kitchen.
Tell me...where does this take you?
I end up in my friend's basement playing the part of Sandy on top if the couch arm! Ha!
How about this one?
Senses are a very powerful part of our deepest memories. They are our key to remembering details that otherwise would be forgotten forever. This is why I use sensory activities and beautifully written and illustrated books to teach comprehension. I appeal to my students' senses in hope of creating a memory that will last.
I teach struggling readers. I do so in a short little window of 20 minutes 5 days a week. My time with them has to be golden! I have to make the most of every minute. Stressful? Maybe. Challenging? A little. Impossible? No!
A watched a scope tonight given by Chris from Famous in First. He talked about teachers creating a stage, an atmosphere, an environment of excitement and entertainment in their classrooms in order to engage students and create meaningful lessons. I agree, but you know what? I really don't feel like I'm acting. I might look like it and after watching a few of my videos teaching, I do look like I'm acting, but honestly...I'm not. The truth is, if you believe in something enough others will want to believe too. I create a feeling of excitement for my young readers simply by being passionate myself.
Yes it takes time to earn students' respect. One in which they truly trust in you, but once that is gained and they know and understand you are "in it" for them, they will join in your excitement. They will hop on board your little teaching train and ride anywhere with you.
Below I will show you a couple of the books I use to teach Visualizing. Since visualizing is such a sensory skill I spent many hours looking for the right books to introduce it and practice it. These authors are some of the best at "showing" not telling. Take a look and see what you think? Would these books work for you? Would any of them inspire you enough to teach with passion and excitement? Try reading a few out loud. See if any of them have a sensory effect on you. If so, give it a whirl with your students. Have them listen and draw what they "see" while you read. Share them and enjoy the different perspectives!
In this book Chiro goes out into the world to find his way alone for the first time. His mother tells him to use his "good" sense to find his way. Much like we use our "good" sense to make menal images.
Ralph Fletcher has to be one of the best visualizing voices ever! He shows every part of this story with his beautifully written words!
Go on a sensory ride one cold and wintery night with Jane Yolen. This book is soft, sweet, and provides that "quiet" sensory experience allowing students to "feel" their listening experience. Love it!
Here's one for the youngers! It spells out the scene easily for younger readers. There are many audio versions of this available. I find that sometimes, although I love to read the stories aloud, listening to professional audio recordings provides a better sensory experience. (Bud, Not Buddy for instance. Love the voice of James Avery! Perfect fit for that story!)
These are just a few to try. Let me know what you think. Comment on others you may have tried. I'm (addicted) in love with picture books...
Until the next post...
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