This week’s class focus on storytelling for teens and young adults was very timely. During my library internship visit a few days ago I taught a class of high school Teacher Cadets how to use picture books in the classroom (see video below for more information on the Teacher Cadet program).
Teacher Cadet Information
(WHS Teacher Cadet Ad, 2019)
While I spent hours researching and preparing the slide show for the Picture Books in the Classroom Lesson (Grabiec, 2021) featuring picture book benefits, resources, and a story elements lesson, the highlight of the presentation was the read aloud. You Don't Want a Unicorn was the book my internship supervisor selected for my lesson (as much as I’d like to take credit!). The cautionary tale is about a boy who regrets wishing for a unicorn after learning how much of a mess they make.
Little Brown Young Readers (2017)
Its text contains bolded words in red that the students read aloud with me; this interactive element, along with the funny storyline, leant to an enjoyable experience between me, the reader, and (it seemed) the students, many who laughed often throughout the read aloud.
Storytime Anytime (2019)
One somewhat embarrassing, yet minor incident occurred during the read aloud; although I practiced reading the book a couple of times beforehand, I didn’t realize until I was presenting it that I had the title incorrect due to the barcode sticker covering the first word (I read the title as, “I” Don’t Want a Unicorn, instead of “You” Don’t Want a Unicorn), a fact that I shared with the students. Interestingly, my internship supervisor told me my honesty throughout the lesson was one of its positive elements. This storytelling experience taught me the benefit of selecting read alouds that encourage audience participation, as well as no matter how much you prepare, you may still make a mistake, and that’s o.k. – admitting it and moving on may just be what connects you with others.
Before I go, here is a list of legends I've read recently:
- King Arthur and His Noble Knights: The Marvel of the Sword
- The Merry Adventure of Robin Hood
- Mysterious Loch Ness Monster
- Yeti
- Chupacabra
References
Amazon, (n.d.). You don't want a unicorn. https://www.amazon.com/You-Dont-Want-Unicorn-Dyckman/dp/0316343471
Beaman, L. (2021). [Fun with storytelling] [Photograph].
Grabiec, M. (2021). Picture books in the classroom [Slideshow]. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1rdcpUX7uZ2QaNPrxnpBN0SXMXOQ1V4jJyBKM9tdwQac/edit?usp=sharing
Little Brown Young Readers. (2017). You don't want a unicorn by Amy Dyckman [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/lsVVrNCQt0Y
Storytime Anytime. (2019). You don't want a unicorn: Kids book read aloud [Image]. https://youtu.be/GjGpzKzsjzw?t=28
WHS Teacher Cadet Ad. (2019, December 12). Wahalla high school teacher cadet program [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/_dFiuZUUnOI
Hi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your storytelling experience was great! I have never heard of that book but always love those that include humor and keep the audience laughing. I especially think it was a great choice that allowed for interaction with the audience which is fun, even as a teenager! I also love that you admitted that you made a mistake in reading the title, I believe this is so important as an educator or librarian to show that we all make mistakes and these are some of the moments allow others to connect with us and see that we are humans too!
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading about your experience. Although that was probably embarrassing to you, it's important to show students that we are human and make mistakes and it's ok! That is an important lesson in itself! I have never read the book you selected for your project, but it sounds like a good one! Unicorns are a big hit in the elementary school! I am excited to do my internship in the future. Thanks for sharing your story!
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Tiffany that those "mistakes" we make are sometimes the best learning moments for everyone. Just for the sake of proving that we are human too.
I think having someone else select a book for you can be difficult because we all have our comfort zones. It sounds like this experience was a good one! This is a new title to me, so I will definitely check it out!
CHECK IT OUT!!! HAHAHA!!!!
~LIZ