George Did It

Title: George Did It
Author: Suzanne Jermain
Genre: NonFiction

Summary:
This book is about George Washington and the many things he did throughout his lifetime. It talks about his many adventures in the army and as commander in chief. But most importantly it talks about him becoming President of the United States and how he did not want to be President at first!

 I like this book because it gives children facts about George Washington but in a fun way! The book is intriguing and exciting to read because of the fun and interesting facts it provides. This book taught me many things about George Washington, most importantly being I did not know he was afraid and did not want to be president at first! When asked to be the president he replied, "No, thank you!" The Joy of Children's Literature states that, "Although historical information can be gained, a book of historical fiction is first and foremost a story." I think this book adheres to that statement. The book is a historical piece, but it is an enjoyable story as well.

This book could be used in the classroom by creating a fun activity where the children read the book in groups and then the teacher creates a game among the groups where the teacher states facts about George Washington and the groups must buzz in, whoever buzz's in first must say true or false. If they say false they must explain why the fact is not correct. This would be a great activity because the children would be learning about George Washington while getting in a little knowledgeable competition!

Abraham Lincoln Poem

Today I read a poem about Abraham Lincoln. Here is the poem:

ABRAHAM LINCOLN 
by Mildred Plew Meigs 
Remember he was poor and country-bred; 
His face was lined; he walked with awkward gait. 
Smart people laughed at him sometimes and said, 
"How can so very plain a man be great?" 

Remember he was humble, used to toil. 
Strong arms he had to build a shack, a fence, 
Long legs to tramp the woods, to plow the soil, 
A head chuck full of backwoods common sense. 

Remember all he ever had he earned 
He walked in time through stately White House doors; 
But all he knew of men and life he learned 
In little backwoods cabins, country stores. 

Remember that his eyes could light with fun; 
That wisdom, courage, set his name apart; 
But when the rest is duly said and done, 
Remember that men loved him for his heart.

The thing I love about poems, including this one is that they are able to tell a story without writing a book. By that I mean we can read about Abraham Lincoln without feeling like we have to read page after page. We are given a lot of information about him and by writing it into a poem, the reader is engaged and learning! As stated in The Joy of Children's Literature, "Poetry for children should convey the experiences and perceptions of the child in a way that is meaningful and not condescending, didactic, or simplified."  I think if we provide poetry in the classroom correctly the children will always benefit from the experience. This poem reminded me of a time in school when we were shown a poem about a historical figure and we then had to recreate the poem based upon someone we liked. From this memory I was able to create a lesson based upon the Abraham Lincoln poem. After reading the poem as a class, the students will create their own poem based upon research about a president of their choice. I think incorporating poems into the classroom is not something that happens frequently but is a valuable piece of literature that we must incorporate!