Today's Story Time was extra enjoyable because it was the first session I attended in person. Ciann and I wanted to do our read-aloud in front of the kids, and I'm really glad we did. Although most of the kids came in late, it was nice to see parents making an effort to bring their kids to story time at the library. I think the book Ciann and I chose is great for ESL learners because the sentences were simple and easy to follow, while still teaching students about different ocean animals and what makes each one unique. I especially liked how some of the questions we asked sparked additional thoughts and discussions about ocean life. Books that encourage children to think, wonder, and share their ideas are always valuable.
I also enjoyed The Night Before Summer. It was actually one of the books I considered reading today. I think it's another good choice for ESL learners because it takes a familiar story that many children already know and adapts it to fit the summer season, making it easier for kids to connect with the book. Lastly, my favorite part of the day, aside from being there in person, was the Chicka Boom song. Ciann mentioned that she might use it during summer school, and I think that would be a great idea. It would be so much fun to end each week with a Chicka Boom sing-along! LOL
Si Yu'os Ma'ase' for sharing your reflection, Angie. Experiencing Story Time in person adds a different dimension to the Read Aloud experience, and it is wonderful to hear how your thoughtful questioning encouraged meaningful discussions about ocean life while supporting ESL learners' language development. I also agree that familiar and engaging texts, combined with interactive elements like the Chicka Boom song, help create positive literacy experiences that children will remember long after the session ends.
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