This week’s read-aloud poem is called The Marshmallow Dragon. It is about a little boy who contrasts the deadly dragons he’s found to the not-so-deadly Marshmallow Dragon.
There’s the Marshmallow Dragon…
He’s a flightless, toothless beast
Who isn’t scary in the least.
He’s squishy, pink and round
And he makes a very silly sound…
BOING! DOING! SPROING!
His squishy head is rather dim
And I am NEVER scared of him.”
Children love dragons. I love dragons. EVERYONE loves dragons! There are countless stories and pieces of art inspired by the mythical beasts. I would suggest taking a week to explore legends and invent your own dragons. It’s fun and excellent practice for character writing.
Don’t tell your child to go read for 15 minutes while you watch television.
-Jim Trelease, The Read-Aloud Handbook, pg. 90
Teachers and parents: PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH.
It is vitally important for you to respect reading if you want your children to do the same. During sustained silent reading in a classroom teachers should be reading a book of their own. They shouldn’t be marking, policing the room, OR WORSE THAN ANYTHING ELSE: fiddling with a smart phone. Children will notice that you are enjoying reading. It lends credibility to the emphasis you put on the subject.
It is equally important for parents to read in front of their children at home. I suggest reading time begins 30 minutes before bedtime to power down for the day and nourish the mind. Your children will mirror your behavior and habits. Intelligent, healthy minds are built with reading everyday. It is as important as nutrition and exercise.
Have a fabulous week and enjoy the poem!
All the best,