What do an intelligent spider, a humble pig, and a feisty rat have in common? They were all part of E.B. White’s novel, Charlotte’s Web (1952). Charlotte, Wilbur, and Templeton all came to life for a little, curly headed girl in a grade one classroom in a rural town in Western Tennessee.
I am 55, and I still recollect my teacher, Mrs. Hall, gathering our little group around her brown, wooden chair as she read Charlotte’s Web to us each morning. Sitting “criss-cross applesauce” with my hand in my lap, I listened intently to every word that came from her lips. It was simply mesmerising!
I was transported to Zuckerman’s farm where I witnessed each character awaken which, no doubt, activated my imagination in a way that no video game could ever do. There were no colourful illustrations, and there was no video of Charlotte and Wilbur to view, at that time, so it forced me to use my mind’s eye to “see” what the author was trying to relay.
If you’re asking yourself why I saw the need to mention this story or what the purpose of this article might be, I understand. The reason is that this book ignited in me a passion for reading, new vocabulary, new ideas, creative writing, and, more importantly, a genuine curiosity about the world in which we live. This very well may have also been the spark that led me to pursue a career in education.
You may have children, grandchildren, nieces/nephews, or neighbours who have young ones in tow. A growing need for literacy and reading improvement among youngsters has become an intense desire of mine for some time now. Trained in educating students with learning disabilities, at university, only kindled that spark that remained from many years prior.
Peter Mansbridge, Journalist, Author and Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation Board Member, stated “Literacy is one of the most powerful tools we can give our children. It impacts them in a way that cannot be overstated. It should not be seen as a gift, but as a right. The right to read.”
My intention is to share activities, book and website reviews, and a plethora of other ideas that can benefit the young ones in your life. Not only can it benefit them, but I hope you, too, will find joy in igniting that spark in a child’s eyes.
This reminds me, have you visited your local library to get your card? No? I want to encourage you to go and take the young one in your life along with you. A library card is free; however, its value is priceless. Tell children, “You can go anywhere and be anything in a book.”
As we leave it here for this week, maybe you have a favourite book that transformed your life as well. If so, I hope you sit back for a moment and allow that special memory to warm your soul.
“I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.” – Groucho Marx
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Cindy Norgate is an educator with over 25 years’ experience, and is an occasional teacher in Huron and Perth counties.
