EDR 221 and All That Jazz

Our EDR 221(Literature-based Reading Program) class sustains my gusto for children’s literature.

Because of this class I have read books for kids, blog entries and news updates related to children's literature, author blogs and (comment) threads of discussions regarding children's literature. Then I realized that IT has engulfed a large portion of my heart (and budget). Our class has proven again that I am made to love IT. I have come to the point of no return.

National Children's Book Day 2011

Now I plan to live up to the unwritten expectations I have set for myself that circle on sharing my love for children's literature because nothing compares to the joy of 'being changed' as you flip, peruse and devour the pages of a book. I also plan to be a more dedicated children's book enthusiast by taking part in literacy campaigns and by balancing the genres of my children's book collection.

However, I still wonder if I have the needed skills to come up with a convincing literature-based reading program that I could (and should) present to my superiors. I also wonder if I could make the reading-writing connection happen in me. Do I have what it takes to become a writer for children too? Or should I just remain an enthusiast, a collector, a reader and advocate of children’s literature?

Nevertheless, I feel honoured and challenged at the same time when people compliment my zest for children's literature. Children’s literature has enabled me to do things I’ve never imagined before. I always show off my newly-autographed books to my pupils, co-teachers and friends.

Priceless.

 I celebrate over brief Facebook conversations and exchanges of ideas with my favourite authors. I’ve become a Booksale denizen. I’ve become a teacher who does book talks on a weekly basis. Sometimes, I label myself as a ‘professional’ stalker of children’s literature personalities--authors, illustrators, bloggers, advocates and the books themselves.

It may sound like a cliché, but children’s literature has made my life more colourful, more exciting and more worth-living.