EDRG 3321 Literature for Public Schools/ Chapter 12

This chapter is about independent reading. This is an activity that I am very familiar with. I love to read and whenever I have spare time I love to read on my own. This is because I grew up surrounded with books and this is what we want for all of our students. There are several critical elements of independent reading. We as teachers need to organize a classroom library, help students select books, and also help students keep track of what they read. We should always provide time for reading in the classroom and opportunities for book sharing. It is crucial that we ensure one-on-one time with each student and focus on reading strategies.


AUTHOR PROFILE


Why the Whales Came by Michael Morpurgo

This is a children's story written by Michael Morpurgo and first published by William Heinemann in 1985. It is set on the island of Bryher, one of the Isles of Scilly, in the year 1914. "You keep away from the Birdman", warned Gracie's father. But Gracie and her friend Daniel discover that the Birdman isn't mad or dangerous like everyone says. It's the Birdman who warns them to stay away from Samson Island – he says it's cursed. Gracie's father then joins the navy and goes to war. Gracie's mother falls ill and can't earn enough money to support the family. Gracie and Daniel decide to go fishing to earn money against Gracie's mother's wishes. Daniel and Gracie get stranded on Samson by fog they have to unravel the island's haunting secrets and help the birdman to keep the curse from crossing to Bryher. Soon after, Gracie comes home to learn of a tragic loss. Is it true? Is Samson really cursed then?