Module 4 - Witch of Blackbird Pond

Summary:

This is a story of young girl that loses her grandfather and has to be sent to live with some relatives in New England.  The book is set in the seventeenth-century in the time of the Puritans.  Katherine “Kit” Tyler is not well versed in the Puritan ways.  She has to live and work in the fields and she is not aware of their urban legends.  Basically Kit is different and the people that she lives around let her know it.  The fact that Kit can read, write and swim actually categorizes her as a witch.  She does not see the harm in her own education and uses her skills to help others to read and write. She also meets a woman named Hannah in the woods that has been cast out as a witch and becomes very close to her.  Eventually Kit risks her life to save Hannah when the townspeople try to attack her because of an illness that has swept their community.  Kit is also put on trial because a young girl’s name, Prudence, was found all over Hannah’s house along with some other materials belonging to Kit.  Eventually Prudence convinces everyone that she has learned to write her own name and that it had nothing to do with witchcraft.


APA Reference:


Speare, E. G. (1958). The witch of blackbird pond. Boston, MA:  Houghton Mifflin.

My Impressions:

I liked this book to an extent.  This is not my favorite time period to read about.  It is funny that I really love sci-fi and fantasy books but when it comes to vampires, witches and werewolves, I am just not that interested.  Maybe because those were the three types of characters that books and movies literally wore out when I was younger.  The story itself was interesting and showed how the seventeenth-century Puritan mind thought in those times.  This was a very real occurrence and it ruined many lives.  Then there were the relationships.  There were about a dozen and a half relationships that occurred in this book.  Well, not really but it felt like it.  It was so confusing who Kit liked and wanted to date versus who she was actually seeing and who actually liked her.  Then there were the other young ladies that liked some but were engaged to others. There were also other secret loves.  It was exhausting and very confusing. 

Professional Reviews:

Booklist Review

Gr. 6–8. Hurt masterfully reads this Newbery award winner, set in seventeenth-century Puritan New England. Orphan Kit Tyler sails to the Connecticut colony to live with her aunt and uncle, but despite earnest attempts to belong, her behavior is unacceptable by Puritan standards. Criticized by the community, Kit seeks solace with a kindly old Quaker woman. Hurt’s youthful voice and soft New England accent perfectly match Kit’s buoyant personality and well-meaning antics. Hurt’s perception of the story enables her to shift seamlessly among characters, and she ably portrays everyone, including Kit’s soft-spoken aunt and her terse, unforgiving uncle. The villager’s talk of heresy is thick with suspicion, and Hurt’s capable reading accentuates this sense of foreboding. —Anna Rich

Rich, A. (2002). The Witch of Blackbird Pond (Book). Booklist, 99(5), 518.

Library Uses:

a.       This would be an excellent book to teach about the famous Salem Witch Trials because Kit ends up on both sides in this tale and brings the two different perspectives together.

b.      I also think this book would be great for lessons and research on intolerance.  There are many people or groups that are mistreated this is a perfect example.

Module 3 - Song and Dance Man

Summary:

This is a very sweet story about a grandpa and his grandkids.  Every time the kids visit their grandparents they hear many great stories of the old days from their grandpa.  Their grandfather used to perform in Vaudeville and wants to share his experiences with them.  He takes them to the attic where they all dress up in hats, shoes and clothing from his Vaudeville days.  The grandfather shows them how fun and exciting singing and dancing in a show could be.  Basically this is a tale of showing new generations how people had fun before things like television.  Grandpa sang and danced while the kids watched and they had an absolute blast.  This was also about how grandpa got to relive a very special time in his life.


APA Reference:


Ackerman, K. (1988). Song and dance man. New York, NY:  Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

My Impressions:

I thought this story was very endearing.  I can remember the first time I had ever heard of Vaudeville and that was on the I Love Lucy show.  Fred was always trying to get his old Vaudeville stuff out and sing and dance everywhere.  I always thought it was so much fun.  I like that the story shows another side to entertainment that does not require remotes or satellites! There was singing, magic and lots of dancing. This can be very eye opening to children of newer generations.  I also liked how rejuvenated grandpa became when he started reliving his own memories from a time period that he was so fond of.  

Professional Reviews:

Kirkus Review

Lucky kids--Grandpa used to be in vaudeville, and when he takes them to his attic, gets old costumes and tap shoes out of his trunk, and not only sings and dances but tells jokes and does magic tricks, ""the show is better than any show on TV."" Dumpy old Grandpa is comfortable in his modest retirement, but he can still enthrall his loving audience of three, bringing the past to life with a little improvisation and a lot of spirit.  Though he's soon out of breath, ""his voice is as round and strong as a canyon echo""; and when he starts to tap-dance, the sounds ""are too many to make with only two feet.""  Gammell's colors illuminate the uncommon joy of these homely folks and capture the ghostly images of Grandpa's memories as well as the ebullience he conveys to the children.  A warm portrait of a grand old man at peace with his past.

Knopf. (1988, October 10). Song and dance man (Book Review). Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from  https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/karen-ackerman-2/song-and-dance-man/#review

Library Uses:

a.       I think that this book would be ideal for students to use as inspiration for putting on their own Vaudeville show.  This could be an entire production and allows for some research into the past.

b.      I could see using this in an elementary setting for a type of movers and shakers lesson.  There are many books that inspire physical activities.

Module 3 - Arrow to the Sun

Summary:

McDermott created this book with bright illustrations and bold colors.  The story is about a maiden that was touched by the rays of the Lord of the Sun and gave birth to a little boy.  He was raised by his mother but he had no father.  He was teased by the other children he was around.  He told his mother that he had to find his father and left home.  He asked many people where he might be able to find him and they said nothing.  However, he finally ran into a wise man that made him into an arrow and shot him to the sun. There he met the Lord of the Sun and told him that he was his son.  The Lord said that he would have to prove himself by passing through four tests.  Once he passed the tests the Lord shot him back to his own world.  Everyone was joyous.


APA Reference:


McDermott, G. (1974). Arrow to the sun:  A Pueblo Indian tale. New York, NY:  The Viking Press.

My Impressions:

This story was short and to the point.  Personally I did not really care for this story.  I know some Indians and they do not care for it either.  They are actually offended by this book.  It is highly inaccurate and considered to be disrespectful to the true accounts of Pueblo Indian tales.  As I learned this I discovered that there are many others that feel the same way.  There are websites dedicated to teaching people about the inaccuracies of this book.  I do think that the illustrations are very bold and unique.  I can appreciate them. 

Professional Reviews:

School Library Journal Review

K-Gr 4- Like the author’s Anansi the Spiker: a Tale from the Ashanti (1972) and The Magic Tree:  a Tale from the Congo (1973, both Holt), this Pueblo Indian tale is also available as an animated film and the geometric designs strongly suggest constant motion.  Sparse prose tells the story of Boy, who sets out on a quest for his father, Lord of the Sun.  His search leads him to wise Arrow Maker who transforms him into an arrow and shoots him into the heavens.  There the Lord of the Sun requires that the Boy undergo four trials to prove his relationship.  Upon completing the tasks, Boy returns to Earth to imbue men with his father’s spirit.  The vibrant, 11 ½” x 10” size illustrations, done in orange and yellow tones which are appropriate to the story’s Southwest origins, offer a bold interpretation of this Pueblo legend. – Judith S. Kronick, Simsbury Public Library, Conn.

Kronick, J. S. (1974). Arrow to the sun (Book Review). School Library Journal, 21(1), 66.

Library Uses:

a.       I would say that the illustrations in this story could be used for inspiration in an art class lesson.

b.      I think that this book could be used to teach about Indians but paired with more true accounts and compared.

Module 2 - Old Yeller

Summary:

This book is about a boy and his undying friendship with a yellow dog they name Old Yeller.  Old Yeller is actually a thorn in Travis’ side.  However, over time, the stray dog proves his worth to Travis and the two become inseparable.  Travis and Old Yeller go on many adventures together.  Old Yeller ends up saving his brother’s life and is a huge help around the farm with his dad gone for the season.  This is a sad story because the bond between Travis and his dog will be tested when a hydrophobia outbreak threatens the safety of many around the area.  Rabies is not familiar to Travis but he knows it’s dangerous.  In the end, Old Yeller gets bitten by an infected wolf and has to be put down.  Travis is the one that has to shoot his best friend.  This is very difficult for him but he understands that he must do it for the safety of him and his family. 


APA Reference:


Gipson, F. (1956). Old yeller. New York, NY:  Harper & Row, Publishers, Incorporated.

My Impressions:

This is one book that I had never read growing up but should have.  Everyone knew about Old Yeller.  I really loved this book!  I felt like I was taken back to a very simple time.  This was a time when technology and noise did not rule the world.  I finished it in one sitting because I loved how the author put the setting into perspective.  It was if I was there on the farm, at their home and smelling the home cooked food.  The family dynamic of this time period is something that I admire.  This was a very difficult time period to grow up in but the strength of family and friendship balanced this nicely.  I thought I was going to cry when Travis realized he had to shoot his dog.  I was waiting for it but then the actual moment he did it was so brief and a little cold.  Of course I understood why it felt that way.  Travis had to separate himself from this.  It was too hard.  But then you realize that life goes on and some things that seemed like the end of the world actually can work themselves out.

Professional Reviews:

Booklist Review

In this 1957 Newbery Honor winner, 14-year-old Travis is the “man of the house” while his father is away. He desperately wants a horse, and so when a big stray dog shows up, Travis has no use for him. But over time, the dog, Old Yeller, saves Travis’ life and the lives of his mother and brother and becomes Travis’ best friend. But an outbreak of hydrophobia threatens Old Yeller’s life and their friendship. The recording begins and ends with guitar and fiddle music, reminiscent of the frontier. Narrator James adopts a slight southern accent, appropriate to the Texas hill country setting. He reads slowly and carefully and in earnest tones, clearly reflective of Travis—a simple, hardworking boy. This heartwarming story about the love between a boy and his dog is recommended to a new generation of listeners unfamiliar with the classic tale. – Anna Rich

Rich, A. (2010, July). [Review of the book Old yeller]. Available from Booklist Website:  http://www.booklistonline.com/Old-Yeller-Fred-Gipson/pid=4049756

Library Uses:

a.       This book would be a great example of for students to read and learn a heartfelt lesson about life and death.

b.      History lessons could be taught from this about the life and economy of the Old West.

Module 2 - Bread and Jam for Frances

Summary:

This book is about a little girl named Frances that loves bread and jam.  In fact she loves it so much that she has bread, jam and milk for every meal.  She always has it before she leaves for school in the morning.  Then she has the same thing at lunch and at dinner.  She does not like to try new things.  She only wants bread and jam.  However, after a while she begins to tire of it.  Her parents had always asked her to try something different but they just stopped trying.  They let her eat the bread and jam whenever she liked.  Frances begins to wonder about everyone else and the things they eat.  She is getting very bored with bread and jam.  Eventually, she realizes that eating the same thing forever is not what Frances wants and she does want to try new foods.  She is glad that her family still wants her to eat with them at dinner and have what they have.  Frances likes trying new things now. 


APA Reference:


Hoban, R. (1964). Bread and jam for Frances. New York, NY:  HarperCollins Publishers.

My Impressions:

I actually liked this one a little bit.  I am not fond of many children’s books but this one has a good moral to the story.  At least I thought so.  Frances does not like to try new things.  She gets to eat bread and jam whenever she wants now because her family is tired of trying to get her to try new foods.  This seems fun at first.  This would be my daughter’s dream!  However, the reader soon begins to realize that getting what you want may not always be the best thing.  Frances realizes what she is missing out on.  This helps her break out of her routine and explore healthier food choices.  This is a great thing for all children to learn. 

Professional Reviews:

Publishers Weekly Review

Frances loves nothing better than jam and bread, and turns up her nose at other kinds of food. Then her mother starts giving Frances jam and bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner. ``What I am/is sick of Jam,'' Frances sings to herself. That's the end of Frances's jam-only days, as she discovers, in her own winsome way, that variety really is the spice of mealtimes. (4-8)

Publishers Weekly. (1987, June 27). Bread and jam for Frances (Book Review). Publishers Weekly. Retrieved from http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-06-443096-8

Library Uses:

a.       This book would make a great selection for a story time for young children.

b.      This could also be used during a lesson for healthy eating habits.

Module 1 - Love You Forever

       

Summary: 

This book is basically about a mother that loves her son dearly. The progression from the time he is born from the day she dies shows there is an everlasting bond between mother and child.  The highlighted moments are times like her son messing up the bathroom or when he is simply asleep in his bed.  Every night she rocks him to sleep singing him the “Love You Forever” lullaby. She loves him through good times and bad times.  Even as he grows older into adolescence and into manhood she still rocks him to sleep singing the lullaby.  The mother eventually grows old enough that she cannot rock her son to sleep anymore.  Instead the son returns the loving favor and rocks her to sleep singing the same lullaby. 


APA Reference:


Munsch, R. N. (1986). Love you forever. Buffalo, NY:  Firefly Books Ltd. 

My Impressions:

I received this book when I found out I was pregnant.  It is a very popular book at daycares and among certain parent groups that I was a part of.  I liked the book.  I can appreciate that ultimate bond you share with your child. I could relate to how the mother felt.  Sometimes it seems that you want to hold your baby forever.  But I have to say that I did find it a little odd that the story continued on with the mom rocking her grown son to sleep.  I also agreed with the review that it was a little funny to think of a grown woman crawling across the floor to see if her son was asleep.  However, there is just enough sentiment that warms the heart. It is one of those books among the first I ever received as a mother and it was one that I have kept all of these years.  

Professional Reviews:

Canadian Materials Archives Review

This newest story by Robert Munsch differs from those in his previous books by using a quieter and more introspective approach.  Munsch shows the love a mother has for her son from the time of his birth to adulthood.

The words in Munsch’s stories are always simple, and this book is no exception.  He has a keen ear for words and sounds that appeal to children, catch their attention, and can be exaggerated in the telling.  In Love You Forever, Munsch uses the words “crazy” and “zoo” to that effect.  The use of the word “crawl” is another example.  Munsch has the mother crawl across the floor to her son’s bed to see if he is asleep.  We laugh at the image, but the use of these words adds an element of slapstick that conflicts with the theme. 

Munsch uses the same sentence pattern throughout the story, using repetition of words to accentuate each stage of development.  Repetition of a song is also used.  The song is sung six times by the mother and twice by the son.  Since no accompaniment has been included, storytellers will be able to compose a tune that will suit their own styles of storytelling.  With the use of a song, Munsch plays on the sentiments of his listeners to provoke a reaction that he will no doubt receive.  A good supply of Kleenex tissues will be needed.

Gagnon, A. (1987, March). Love you forever (Book Review). Canadian Materials Archive. Retrieved from http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/cmarchive/vol15no2/loveyouforever.html

Library Uses:

a.       I would use this book as part of a mother’s day theme activity.

b.      I am not much for ideas with elementary aged children but I think this would be a good story for the first day of school for Kindergarteners.  It is very hard to be away from their parents. 

   

Conclusion and Self Assessment

1.  Has your assessment changed?  If so, how?

            My assessment has certainly changed.  In the beginning, I was very unsure about many of the tools that are available online and also how to use them.  I feel very strong about how to find new tools to meet my needs as well as the student’s needs.  Many of the technology labs that I have created for this class have forced me to really pay attention to the details of my creations and how to manipulate them accordingly. 

 2.  How do you plan to keep up with new innovations in technology once you have completed your classes at UNT?

            Throughout this course, I have had to figure out how to use these tools the way they were intended.  I have looked up directions on e-How and viewed many YouTube videos to help me learn.  I have a social bookmarking website now so I can keep up with all of the tools that I have discovered.  I think it is also good to continue the search for new tools available because they are created every day. 

    

 3.  What specific plans do you have for implementing technology in an educational setting as a result of what you have learned in 5720?

            I created a personal space with various tools and gadgets.  I made sure that it could be pulled up through the network in my district.  I really think that this is a great place to start implementing these great tools for the students.  I am already having my students creating their personal space.  Once they have added their personal gadgets, I will have them all set up class gadgets like Google docs and slide share.  Then we will learn how to use those together and add more as we go!