Building literacy traditions: a family affair.

Building literacy traditions: a family affair. Rebecca Giles and Karyn Wellhousen Rebecca Giles is Associate Professor and Karyn Wellhousen isAssistant Professor, Department of Leadership and Teacher Education,University of South Alabama The University of South Alabama is a public, doctoral-level university in Mobile, Alabama, USA. It was created by the Alabama Legislature in 1963, and replaced existing extension programs operated in Mobile by the University of Alabama. , Mobile. During a recent playful exchange with my 3-year-old, I heard myselfquoting Maurice Sendak's familiar phrase "I'll eat youup, I love you so." As the words unexpectedly tumbled out of mymouth, I was struck with two startling star��tle?v. star��tled, star��tling, star��tlesv.tr.1. To cause to make a quick involuntary movement or start.2. To alarm, frighten, or surprise suddenly. See Synonyms at frighten. realizations. First, my priorexperiences with the well-loved classic Where the Wild Things Are (1963)are firmly embedded in my subconscious, easily rising to the surface atthe most opportune op��por��tune?adj.1. Suited or right for a particular purpose: an opportune place to make camp.2. Occurring at a fitting or advantageous time: an opportune arrival. moment. Second, and equally as astonishing a��ston��ish?tr.v. as��ton��ished, as��ton��ish��ing, as��ton��ish��esTo fill with sudden wonder or amazement. See Synonyms at surprise. , I had notyet introduced my oldest son to this classic piece of children'sliterature children's literature,writing whose primary audience is children.See also children's book illustration. The Beginnings of Children's LiteratureThe earliest of what came to be regarded as children's literature was first meant for adults. . Modern parents have been well-educated in the importance ofestablishing a regular reading time as part of their children'sdaily routine. At our house, stories are read just before lights go out.Regardless of the late hour or change in schedule, this is one routinethat is never forfeited. The number of books read does vary, but we havereading time together even when spending the night away from home. Theroutine of reading aloud provides a needed sense of structure andstability to even the most chaotic days. My son has come to rely on thisconsistency, and he covets the predictability it offers. Through thesimple repetitious rep��e��ti��tious?adj.Filled with repetition, especially needless or tedious repetition.repe��ti act of following our established reading routine, wehave created an enjoyable family tradition. Children growing up in today's fast-paced, disconnected worldare in need of family customs and legacies. Although we tend toassociate traditions with elaborate holiday celebrations, these can, andshould, be an important part of our day-today lives. In its most basicform, a tradition is a regular event that helps define and distinguishyour family. Reading aloud with your children provides the opportunityto shape your family's heritage by establishing traditions. Theseinclude when reading takes place, as well as the books that are shared. If you're like me, then you've met numerous intriguingcharacters through your children's book choices. From a beautifulrainbow fish rainbow fish:see killifish. that learns the pleasure in giving to a lively mouse whogenerates a slew of humorous antics by eating a cookie, our lives havebeen enriched through our acquaintance with these fictionalpersonalities. Now is your chance to return the favor. By sharing ourown childhood favorites, we are extending the memorable literary bondsestablished in our youth to the next generation of readers, and creatingour family's literacy traditions in the process. Many treasured books, such as Goodnight Moon (1947) andCharlotte's Web Charlotte’s Webstory of a spider who saves a young girl’s pet pig. [Am. Lit.: E. B. White Charlotte’s Web]See : Insect (1952), continue to appear on lists ofchildren's favorites after more than 50 years in circulation. Dr.Seuss's beloved titles The Cat in the Hat (1957), One Fish Two FishRed Fish Blue Fish (1960), and Green Eggs and Ham (1960) also routinelyappear on such lists. These highly acclaimed stories, filled withoutrageous characters and extraordinary events told in easy-reading,tongue-twisting verse, have been entertaining early readers, as well astheir parents, for decades. Many others just as old (or older) are justas noteworthy; however, they may be lost to our children unless weintentionally arrange an introduction. As you read this list ofnostalgic titles, recall the characters and childhood memories theyelicit. Then, share the books and your own youthful enthusiasm for themwith your children. In so doing, you will provide an invaluable gift--aliteracy legacy steeped in tradition and fun! Beloved Books Worthy of Sharing Brown, Margaret Wise Brown, Margaret Wise(1910–52) author; born in New York City. She studied in Switzerland (1923–25) and Hollins College, Virginia (1928–32), worked for the Bureau of Educational Experiments (later Bank Street School) as a publisher, edited . (1946).Little Fur Family. Little Fur Family tells of a little fur child'sexperiences with other creatures in the wild woods. At the end of a busyday, his big fur parents tuck him in bed "all soft and warm,"and sing him to sleep with a lovely bedtime song. The secure feeling ofbeing a special child, very much loved, is passed from this little furfamily to any child who hears the story read while safely held in theloving arms of a devoted parent. Burton, Virginia Lee. Mike Mulligan mul��li��gan?n.A golf shot not tallied against the score, granted in informal play after a poor shot especially from the tee.[Probably from the name Mulligan.]Noun 1. and the Steam Shovel (1939) andThe Little House (1942). Although more than a half-century old, both ofthese books meet contemporary criteria for good picture books and conveythe message that the most modern isn't always the best. Mike andhis steam shovel, Mary Anne, find themselves being replaced by newelectric and diesel shovels. Then, in Popperville, Mary Anne proves shecan dig "as much in one day as a hundred men could dig in aweek." A similar lesson is portrayed in Burton's second book.The Little House, originally built in the countryside, finds herselfbecoming run down and surrounded by city after years of rural life.Because she was built well enough to see the builder's"great-great-grandchildren's great-great-grandchildren livingin her," she is able to continue providing a quiet and peacefulhome as soon as someone recognizes her worth. Flack, Marjorie. (1932). Ask Mr. Bear. The repetitive text found inthis predictable book allows non- and beginning readers to read along asDanny searches for just the right birthday gift for his mother. Heelicits the help of many obliging o��blig��ing?adj.Ready to do favors for others; accommodating.o��bliging��ly adv. farmyard animals along the way andmakes a final selection sure to please any parent! Gramatky, Hardie Gramatky, Hardie(1907–79) author, illustrator; born in Dallas, Texas. He worked as a logger, bank teller and deckhand, studied at the Chouinard Art School, Los Angeles (1928–30), and became head animator for Walt Disney productions, Hollywood . (1939). Little Toot Little Toot is a children's story written by Hardie Gramatky ISBN 0-399-22419-X. It tells the story of Little Toot, an anthropomorphic tugboat child, who disgraces his father "Big Toot" with his childish antics. . Son of Big Toot, the biggestand fastest tug on the river, Little Toot would rather play than work.But, when the need arises, Little Toot abandons his lackadaisical lack��a��dai��si��cal?adj.Lacking spirit, liveliness, or interest; languid: "There'll be no time to correct lackadaisical driving techniques after trouble develops"William J. Hampton. waysto show the stuff of real heroes. Johnson, Crockett. (1995). Harold and the Purple Crayon.Harold's magical purple crayon brings the objects he draws to life.With a long continuous line, Harold draws an apple tree, a frighteningdragon, a sailboat, and a picnic of pies. Tired after his manyadventures with drawings made from his purple crayon, Harold sketches abed, climbs in, and the purple crayon drops to the floor as he driftsoff to sleep. This story inspires children to get out the crayons anddraw their own adventures. Marshall, James Marshall, James (Edward)(1942–92) writer, illustrator; born in San Antonio, Texas. He studied at the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, remained in the city, taught French (1968–70), and became a free-lance illustrator. . (1972). George and Martha George and Marthaas an imaginary compensation for their childlessness, pretend they have a son, who would now be twenty-one. [Am. Drama: Edward Albee Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? in On Stage, 447]See : Illusion . Marshall introducesthese two hippo friends through five separate vignettes that chronicletheir fun-filled day. The meaning of friendship is the continued themethrough other books in this series, including George and Martha Encore,George and Martha Rise and Shine, and George and Martha One Fine Day. Minarik, Elsa Holmelund. (1962). Little Bear. Illustrated byMaurice Sendak. This book, the first ever expressly designed forbeginning readers, launched the I Can Read Series and introducedchildren to the lovable, childlike child��like?adj.Like or befitting a child, as in innocence, trustfulness, or candor.childlikeAdjectivelike a child, for example in being innocent or trustfulAdj. 1. cub Little Bear. Little Bear'smany adventures are presented through a series of short, simple stories.Mother Bear, who is always there when needed, and a host of playfulcharacters, including Owl, Cat, Duck, and Hen, add warmth and humor humor,according to ancient theory, any of four bodily fluids that determined man's health and temperament. Hippocrates postulated that an imbalance among the humors (blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile) resulted in pain and disease, and that good health was toLittle Bear's daily exploits. The fun continues in four otherLittle Bear classics--Father Bear Comes Home, Little Bear's Friend,A Kiss for Little Bear, and Little Bear's Visit. Piper, Watty. (1976). The Little Engine That Could. This is theclassic story of a little train engine criticized for its small size andperceived lack of strength. When the large engine is stranded, however,the little blue engine comes to the rescue and pulls the train full oftoys over the mountain. The repetitive chant, "I think I can,"which gave the little engine the determination to succeed, is quicklyadopted by children attempting a new task. Rey, H. A. (1941). Curious George Curious Georgeinquisitive, mischievous monkey. [Children’s Lit.: Curious George]See : Curiosity . There is no better descriptionof a mischievous child than Rey's entertaining monkey named George.Following his introduction in this first book, George'scuriosity-instigated antics continue through a series of books,including Curious George in the Snow, Curious George Takes a Job,Curious George Rides a Bike, Curious George Flies a Kite, Curious GeorgeMakes Pancakes, and Curious George Goes to the Hospital CharactersGeorge The man with the yellow hat Dr. Baker Nurse Carol The Mayor PlotGeorge has adventures at a hospital. QuotesThe mayor: , some of whichwere written by Rey's wife, Margaret Rey. Through his many amusingadventures, the lovable little monkey delights children as he assiststhem in connecting literature to their own life experiences. ComingNovember 2005, Curious George fans will be able to catch this littlemonkey on the big screen! Waber, Bernard. (1972). Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile crocodile,large, carnivorous reptile of the order Crocodilia, found in tropical and subtropical regions. Crocodiles live in swamps or on river banks and catch their prey in the water. They have flattened bodies and tails, short legs, and powerful jaws. . The families on East88th Street enjoyed having a crocodile as a neighbor. Lyle plays withthe children and shops with Mrs. Primm, the lady of the house. Thefriendly crocodile is helpful and polite and loved by all, except Mr.Grumps and his cat, Loretta. Mr. Grumps has Lyle evicted from theneighborhood and sent to live at the Central Park Zoo The Central Park Zoo is located in Central Park in New York City and run by the Wildlife Conservation Society. A redesign of the zoo in 1983–88 executed by the architectural firm of Kevin Roche, Dinkeloo abandoned the old-fashioned menagerie cages for more natural exhibits. . Fortunately forMr. Grumps and Loretta, Lyle is freed from the zoo and returns to savethe disagreeable dis��a��gree��a��ble?adj.1. Not to one's liking; unpleasant or offensive.2. Having a quarrelsome, bad-tempered manner.dis twosome from a house fire. As a result of his heroicact, Mr. Grump and Loretta accept Lyle as their friend and neighbor. Zion, Gene & Graham, Margaret Bloy. (1956/1976). Harry theDirty Dog. Harry, a beloved pet, is clever enough to learn tricks thatentertain his family and smart enough to detect when it is his bathtime. When this white dog with black spots realizes that he is about toget a bath, he hides the scrub brush and heads for the city. After a dayof exploring, Harry returns home tired, hungry, and filthy. In fact, thedirt and soot he's acquired has transformed him into a black dogwith white spots, and his family doesn't recognize him. Harry showsoff doing tricks in an effort to convince them he is their pet, but thefamily does not know it is their dog. Harry knows what he must do andbegs for a bath.