For my oldest son, 4th grade has been the year to go from 'little kid' to 'big kid'. His feet are getting bigger. He’s earned more freedom (and responsibility) at home. He was assigned his first oral presentation at school.
My son took to this new school assignment immediately. He worked at home for several evenings, seriously pouring over his books. I admit to occasionally hovering over his shoulder and asking questions, but otherwise I stayed hands-off as he prepared his notes, speech outline, and visual aids.
Asked to tell his classmates about the life and work of Cesar Chavez, my son created a timeline to tell of Chavez’s birth, his childhood in poverty, and the experiences that led him to found the National Farm Workers Association. Although I was not well versed in the history of this famous man (or his methods), I did have one resources that I couldn’t help but offer to my son.
My son took to this new school assignment immediately. He worked at home for several evenings, seriously pouring over his books. I admit to occasionally hovering over his shoulder and asking questions, but otherwise I stayed hands-off as he prepared his notes, speech outline, and visual aids.
Asked to tell his classmates about the life and work of Cesar Chavez, my son created a timeline to tell of Chavez’s birth, his childhood in poverty, and the experiences that led him to found the National Farm Workers Association. Although I was not well versed in the history of this famous man (or his methods), I did have one resources that I couldn’t help but offer to my son.
The Circuit by Francisco Jimenez is a powerful book that details the life of migrant farm workers. Written from the perspective of a growing boy, the historical fiction gives life to children who speak a different language, change schools often, labor beside their parents, and dream of a better life.
I first read this book as part of a university class, but find the writing and message equally accessible to a fourth grade reader. My son was quiet when he read the book and clearly interested in the story. When done, he told me: “It’s sad, Mom.”
Later at the grocery store, he asked me: “Are those union grapes?”
Yes, he’s getting bigger, growing older, and stealing his mother’s heart… again and again!
I first read this book as part of a university class, but find the writing and message equally accessible to a fourth grade reader. My son was quiet when he read the book and clearly interested in the story. When done, he told me: “It’s sad, Mom.”
Later at the grocery store, he asked me: “Are those union grapes?”
Yes, he’s getting bigger, growing older, and stealing his mother’s heart… again and again!