Early Reading Blog :)

My earliest reading memory is from the fourth grade reading The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper to a group of kindergartners. On this particular day, my teacher stationed me as a teacher assistant to a kindergarten class of twenty-five students. That same day my class attended a field trip to the CNN Center. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend so the students that could not attend the field trip stayed at the school to assist other teachers during the day. I remember assisting the teacher by setting up worksheets for the students to work on when they arrive back from recess. Once the students arrive back to the class it was story time. As the assistant teacher, I was required to read a book of my choice to the students as they wind down from recess. While I read to the students, the teacher continues setting up work for the students after story time ended.

The reason why I chose the story The Little Engine That Could because the underlying message it gives to its readers. Particularly for this story, there is no age attachment to it. All ages whether young or old can rekindle the story of the little engine and how it persevere through whatever obstacle that may get in its way. This story captures the essence of believing in yourself despite what others may think or say towards you in general. The students adore the idea that they too are little engines. They also like the idea of helping one another. This opens the opportunity for the students to learn how teamwork helps to complete a task. After reading this story, I believe that they gain awareness of believing in themselves no matter what the task may be.  This was a great exercise to incorporate a great lesson along with moral they can continue to follow for years to come.

the little engine that could

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