Literacy

Vermont Literacy News 

Well done to all the students who participated in the 2023 Schools Poetry & Short Story 'Cool Writings' Writing Competition. They should be commended for completing the task during their own time and be proud of their efforts. 

Values and Morals in Children's Reading Material

Passing on life lessons and morals through the telling of stories is something that has been done for generations. In schools, books are used as ways of illustrating how to deal with certain situations and often used to start discussions on how to handle them. They can be a valuable tool to use at home too and can be a great way of communicating a message or starting a discussion. 

The Anika Books resource explains further:

Children are drawn to what the characters did and how they reacted. A great story allows them to reflect on what happened and think about what they would do in a similar situation. Well-crafted moral stories help children recognize behaviours that are healthy and behaviours they should try to stay away from. Talking with parents about what they read helps them to work through and think about what they read. With the help of parents to guide them, books can be effective tools to guide good choices.

When reading books with values and morals with your children, it's important to ask questions. Focus on discussing why the character reacted the way they did or why they did something that way. These type of books become more powerful when children can make their own conclusions about why they should or shouldn't act this way. 

There are many books that can assist with teaching about different morals. Using a Google search brings up hundreds! Below I have included some examples that show how they can be used. 

These samples are taken from True Education Partnerships

‘ELMER’ BY DAVID MCKEE

Elmer is a colourful patchwork elephant who is made fun of by his herd of greys for looking different. However, after several attempts of trying to blend in with the crowd, Elmer eventually learns that it’s his individuality that makes him special, and even inspires the other elephants to embrace their uniqueness too.

Lesson: Embrace what makes you different, and never be afraid to be yourself.

‘THE HUGE BAG OF WORRIES’ BY VIRGINIA IRONSIDE

‘The Huge Bag of Worries’ tells the story of Jenny, a little girl who one day finds a big blue bag at the end of her bed, filled with worries.

The bag follows her wherever she goes – to school, to the bathroom…even when she is relaxing and watching TV! Jenny doesn’t feel like she can tell anyone about the bag, so she keeps it to herself. Meanwhile, the bag of worries simply gets bigger and bigger.

Eventually a kind lady comes along, empties out the bag of worries and encourages Jenny to talk about them, one by one. Now that the worries are out in the open, they  don’t look so bad anymore.

This story is perfect for young primary school age children, who may be starting to develop their own bag of worries.

Lesson: A problem shared is a problem halved! Find someone who will listen and talk about it.

‘THE FARAWAY TREE’ BY ENID BLYTON

Though technically a series of books, ‘The Faraway Tree’ remains some of Blyton’s best work to date, and for good reason.

Following the adventures of Joe, Fannie and and the magical folk of the Faraway Tree, the story takes readers on a series of adventures, each with their own lesson to teach.

Through the alluring backdrop of the Enchanted Wood, ‘The Faraway Tree’ conveys feelings of magic, mystery and the idea that anything can happen. When paired with the unpredictable and chaotic nature of the Faraway Tree (which promises a different land every day), it’s a recipe for unbelievable adventure with plenty for the characters and readers to learn.

Lessons: There is magic inside you and outside. You just need to keep your intuitions alive. Be thankful and kind and it’ll come back to you in amazing ways. Life is like the Faraway Tree. You’ll find different lessons at different times.

Student Work

The following was written by Maris from 5GP

Australia - The Outback

50 kilometres out, away from town, 

There lies a land of grey to brown. 

The ideal place of fire, 

For many Australians to admire. 

The silence rules the air, 

The dry trees lie bare. 

Blinding light hits the ground, 

Where precious gemstones are found. 

Floating around are grains of red sand, 

The most valuable pieces of land. 

Just lies miles ahead, 

The valuable land of red.