Moe in Tofino

Dear Readers,

You know that warm happy feeling you get when you connect with an old friend?  I was wrapped in that  warm and fuzzy feeling  last month.  Moe the Mouse, asked me to join him and a few of his friends in Tofino B.C., for an education  get -together he was organizing.  

 I gathered my favourite children’s books, my trusted forest animal stuffies, (they all begged to come) and my enthusiasm for the important role that early literacy/language plays in our shorter friend’s lives.

And “Bing Bang Boom”- I was Tofino Bound!

 

When I arrived, I noted that  my good friend, Moe the Mouse, was strategically seated in an obvious place of honour and distinction in the participant’s circle.  Turns out Moe was the Keynote speaker for this event , the VIP, and the primary conference coordinator!  

I knew Moe had made it big in the field of early language development and was pretty busy on the the educator’s speaking circuit, but I had no idea he had accomplished so much in the last few years!  

The conference format was  a kind of “think tank”.   Moe asked his friends from across Canada to  plan -forward thinking,  creative strategies to support his important work with young children.

 

The circle of participants included early childhood educators from all over Vancouver Island, every one of Moe’s ELFs  (early language facilitators), speech-language therapists, community grants coordinators, behavior experts, his program coordinators, various supporters-aka Moe Champions- like myself, his financial associates along with his “peeps” from B.C. Aboriginal Child Care Society, and  of course, Moe’s, ever present and constant campaigner, his god-mother and my friend, Anne Gardner.

 (I won’t list Moe's  entourage of forest friends. Turns out they heard through the forest news chatter of the event and quietly joined the circle when no one was looking.)

Moe and his  friend ,Lorraine, guided the conversations and collaborative planning tasks over three sun-drenched October days.  The dedicated group hardly took a break... well that is not quite accurate...we  enjoyed  gourmet meals, boat rides and evening strolls on sandy beaches in between work sessions.

The work that was accomplished was recorded on chart paper that wall- papered our meeting room.  New curriculum directions, funding strategies and  renewed commitments around promoting and sustaining all of Moe’s good works, are just a few of the outcomes that came out of this extra-ordinary event.  I met new friends and left inspired and energized. 

I am writing to you, dear readers, to share some of my latest early literacy fun-filled adventures ideas and new stories that were realized as a result of the energy and enthusiasm generated from r the Moe gathering. 

However, before I get to all that,  will you allow me to give you some background information on my good friend Moe, the Mouse? I think it will help explain my enthusiasm and creative energy for the little guy.  And when you get to know Moe, he might inspire you in your work with our shorter friends.

When I first met Moe the Mouse, back in the early nineties,  he was just a little bit of a young pip-squeak.  He was so small, I didn’t notice him at first.  My friend, Anne, and I were visiting Joe Martin on Echachis Island, just a short boat ride from Tofino. 

Joe was  a great person to visit because he was a consummate story-teller.  While Joe was sharing a traditional story about a hummingbird,  I noticed a tiny young mouse hiding under  a pile of cedar bark shavings scattered on the floor.  (Joe  liked to work on his new cedar dug-out  canoe while he shared stories).

   

This curious little mouse seemed to have a real interest in everything Joe was up to.  I remember first thinking the mouse  was  watching the chips of wood fly from Joe’s adze, as they probably would make great stuffing for a mouse duvet.  (You know how west coast mice love to be cozy and comfy especially when the winter rains start pounding on the carving shed roof.)

But the more I watched, it was obvious this mouse was  was not only listening to Joe’s story, but he was understanding every word!    

Anyway, I was formally introduced to Moe the Mouse a couple of months later. 

Laterra, Cosy Lawson’s four year old daughter, did the intros.  Apparently Moe and Laterra are best buddies! (I couldn't help notice that the  little tiny mouse squeaked with delight every time Laterra looked at him.)

Over the years, Laterra and Moe  were inseparable.  They laughed together, paddled in their  canoe together, and played hide and seek until the sun set on the west coast beach that was their home. 

Anne, and Cosy kept me up to date on Moe’s accomplishments over the years.   

 Moe loved little kids and had heaps of shorter friends.  He blossomed into  a natural born teacher and has friends all across Canada.  He has a way of encouraging even the most reluctant and  shy child  to try new sounds and difficult words.  He is  so gentle and sweet that kids try their hardest because they love him so much.  

Moe is  also  famous as a knowledgeable mouse who knows traditional teachings.   Turns out he had learned all of Joe’s family stories and could tell them almost as well as Joe Martin himself! He was also considered a knowledge keeper of Ojibway traditions-thanks to  Cosy’s  father, Steve Lawson.

So that pretty much brings you up-to-date.  Now I will try and give you a thumb-nail sketch of some of the activities that Moe and I have been up to over the last little while.   If you can use the ideas or want more details, just email me  at:  dklockars@shaw.ca.  

Moe and Donna are Invited to Quw’atsun Territory to talk about Early Literacy/language Learning

This invitation was certainly timely because Moe and I were  pumped and super- keen to share our enthusiasm with twenty-five early childhood educators.  The group was so happy to see  Moe the Mouse, as they were already devoted fans.Even though I wasn’t the star attraction, the teachers were receptive to many of my ideas.   

Moe is very excited to be joining the staff at the Quw'utsun Centre in February for a Moe the Mouse refresher course. 

Here is a picture of one of my friend at the Aboriginal School in Nanaimo.  When I explained how Moe is "crazy" for books and has a special burrow just for his books, my friend  decided to write a tiny book for Moe.  The whole class got into filling Moe's Book Burrow.  WOW!  Moe you really are lucky to get all those tiny books.  Will you share?  Have you ever thought of starting a Moe, the Mouse lending library.  A library would  help make the  Forest a strong community.   

Moe is a great travelling partner.  I take him with me every time I go to play with my shorter friends.  Two year old Jack, adores Moe, and even though he has a hard time getting out what he wants to say, Moe always listens carefully.  They have fun practicing all the  animal sounds together and have fun playing outside together.

Well, dear reader, I have babbled on far too long.  Perhaps you will check in later and find out more of our latest and greatest visits.  Moe, is a big hit, even with the primary kids at the Ecole Hammond Bay! 

And if I may, I want to acknowledge all the hard work that went into the planning and implementation of the fabulous First MOE Gathering in Tofino.   I met the most talented group  of early childhood educators who inspired me with their brilliant play-based acumen.   I also met the folks who work tirelessly behind the scenes to promote aboriginal education at it's finest level.

Thanks to all the workshop participants for sharing.  Your ideas were a springboard for all sorts of fun times. 

In friendship,

Moe and Donna

P.S.  If you have not met Moe or would like to learn more about his work just contact the B.C. Aboriginal Child Care Society or email Anne Gardner annegardner@shaw.ca.  

Donna finds Moe the Mouse some Just Right Books

Hello Friends,

I love to find those  “Just Right Books”.  Nothing is more satisfying than to choose a book for a special friend that is exactly what they wanted or, even better; uncovers a unique strength or interest that they have.  

 Well, I am feeling pretty good about myself because the books that I found for Moe this Christmas were a huge hit. 

(I took pictures of the covers so you could see the beautiful illustrations but -alas-I can't seem to get them to upload)

 He spent hours in his little book burrow reading and picture browsing.  Moe  enjoyed them so much he invited all his Forest Friends to come to his book burrow and read with him. 

When I first noticed that there was always a long  line of animals  waiting for their turn to get into Moe’s cozy little book burrow, I felt proud of Moe for encouraging all of his Forest friends to become strong readers.

However, when I took a closer look I noticed that many of the animals were getting a bit chilled and some had to leave young ones alone in their dens while they slipped away for a nice afternoon’s read.

That got me wondering if Moe and I could put our heads together and think of ways for Moe to share his books with all of his friends.

So one snowy winter evening we brainstormed (using Owl’s problem solving charts of course) and we came up with some pretty awesome ideas!

Our first idea was that Moe would write up a Book Chat about each of his new books.  You know, like a “Ted Talk”, but it would be called a  “Moe’s Book Talk”. Moe could tell his friends  what the book was about and why it was such a good read.  He wouldn’t “spill the beans” or anything.  He would give  just enough info to hook the reader. We thought Raven would be a good choice for delivering the Moe Talk all across the land.   (He likes to chat and it would make him feel very important and smart.)

Our next brilliant idea was that Moe’s new magic canoe could make deliveries to any household that wanted to read one of the books.  (It would be kind of like a Flying Book Canoe-mobile lending library). Moe really liked this idea because he admitted he needed practice flying his new canoe that he got for his birthday.

Moe and I are very good brainstormers.  We came up with some pretty crazy ideas- like asking Moose to carry snacks or cozy reading socks in his antlers and deliver them  to each den.  This would enhance the reading experience.

After a good deal of discussion, we decided the Moe Book Talks and the Flying Canoe-Bookmobile  were just what the  Forest needed. 

Moe got right on the Book Chats.  Little Children and Forest Animals, listen for Raven’s  noisy calls and you will hear the scoop on each book. Who knows, you might like the book too. (Moe’s canoe can deliver to your house-remember it is magical!)

Moe’s Book Talk #1

The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore Illustrated by Cindy Szekeres

This is a book that is not just for those of us that are in the mouse family.  Oh, my! Those first few pages showing my beautiful little home   are breathtaking.  The artist has captured my creative use of a holly leaf to decorate my front door and included the mouse snowman that the kids made yesterday.

The first few lines of this story sets the whole adventure up nicely.

‘Twas the night before Christmas when  all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.  The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas would be there.

The writer of this story has a way with words. In fact, the whole story is all in a rhyme.  I especially like the part where he talked about how the moon makes the fresh fallen snow give the “lustre of miday to objects below”!  (Wasn’t the full moon spectacular this Christmas!)

And Eagle Family, I wonder what you will think about the part where St. Nick’s  sled full of presents travels “more rapid than eagles”?

I give this book a “paw up” because it gets everyone ready for a special December visitor and the rhymes are fun.

P.S. I wonder what you were doing the night before Christmas.  Send me a picture.

Moe Talk/Book Chat #2

The Gruffalo’s Child by Julia Donaldson,

 Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

Now here is a story that might frighten the little ones, but it is a thrilling and clever adventure story.  

Here is how it starts out:

The Gruffalo explains that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood because the BIG BAD MOUSE will be after you.  The father Gruffalo tells his son that this mouse is “terribly big and terribly bad”.

Now isn’t that the best start to a book.  I won’t spill the beans but the book makes my entire family look pretty darn smart!

Oh and here is another hint at the ending...it talks about this Christmas’s full moon.  Read it and find out the ending then let’s talk about it at the next Book Burrow Club meeting.

P.S. Let me know if you know any shadow-games.  They are so fun!

Moe’s Book Talk # 3

A Very Merry Christmas by Maudie Powell-Tuck Illustrated by Gill Guile

Mr. and Mrs. Mouse are having a party.  The problem is that every guest arrives with the strangest things.  I mean, who brings a dinosaur cake to a Christmas party!

When Bear brings his cactus tree to the party Mr. Mouse says “enough is enough!”

This book has a happy ending.  What do you think turns Mr. Mouse’s frown upside down?

Moe Book Chat # 4

Inside Outside Christmas by Robin Spowart.

Inside and outside, mice families are celebrating the winter holidays.  This book is full of rhymes that are fun to say...like “mingling and jingling and munching and crunching”.  The last few rhymes show the mice family caring and sharing.  Oh Moe, this book is just like your beautiful family! 

 Moe’s Picks

Well friends, I thought you might be interested in a few more titles.  Nothing is better that curling up in a snug little den with a good book.  I plan to add these to the Magic Flying Canoe-bookmobile Collection.   Just send out the word via Raven and I will paddle them to you as fast as I can.

1.  I Have Feelings by Jana Novotny Hunter Illustrated by Sue Porter

2.  The tale of Two Mice –A Cat and Mouse Tale by Ruth Brown

3.  The Story of Jumping Mouse by John Steptoe

4.  Maisy’s Colours by Lucy Cousins

5.  Mouse’s First Christmas by Lauren Thompson illustrated by Buket Erdogan

6.  Merry Christmas Mouse! By Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond

7.  The Special Christmas Tree by Catherine Walters and Simon Taylor-Keilty

8.  The Opposites by Monique Felix

Till later friends of the Forest and Little Children,

Moe the Mouse (Chief Librarian)

and Moe’s good friend, Donna (Librarian Assistant)

for the Magic Flying Canoe Bookmobile.

Happy Winter Celebrations to all critters and humans alike.
Donna, the Book Lady

Thursday, December 31, 2015

THIS IS HOW YOU TEACH YOUR ANIMAL STUFFIE HOW TO READ

Greetings to All

 I have a Mouse friend who really likes books.  He is always getting me to find him "Just Right Books".  This  mouse is enthusiastic about reading. He has all his forest friends joining him for story hours, book clubs and book exchanges.  It is really quite unusual! 

I guess I was getting quite used to my reading mouse, because when he told me that his friends would enjoy getting more one-on- one time with Little Children, it seemed to make sense to me.  

He was of the opinion that Little Children are very good with animals and have the knowledge and kindness needed to help all types of animals to make progress in their reading skills. He also reminded me that Little Children have a good sense of humour and can make reading fun. 

As you may recall, Jayden and Ethan have a welcoming teacher who doesn't seem to mind animals (stuffies) in her classroom. She decided that because it was almost the holidays, the kids could read and teach the animals-as long as it didn't take up too much time!  

That was all I needed to get myself into to gear and match 24 animals with a "Just Right Winter Holiday Book", put both into a nice new zip-lock bag.  I arrived on the last day before the winter break with a book and an animal for each student.


  All I said to the class was that the animals wanted their help to learn to read and to hear some fine winter holiday stories.  I wasn't sure how interested the class would be in this request...I thought if they gave it a go for ten minutes I would be really impressed. Everyone knows, Grade Twos don't have that long of an attention span and they are really just learning to read themselves, so who knows if this is a good idea?  But I had promised my Mouse I would give it a go.



Well I learned that Grade Twos have a very long attention span, they know a lot about reading and they are the best darned teachers I ever met! (And I have met a lot of teachers!)




This is a picture of Jayden's table forty-five  minutes into the session.  Kids have introduced themselves to their animal, given them cuddles, reassured them that they were welcome and loved. They made word lists to help focus on some key words and vocabulary, they reviewed those pesky sight words and always used a gentle encouraging voice.  All this was accomplished without a word of direction from moi! 







They thought of creative ways to engage the reader, made up a "Reader's Response" pages and  wrote follow up stories for their animal to take home with them.   






I noticed the children were able to gently, but firmly, re-direct a distracted  little seal pup. Notice how the little beaver kit is encouraged to keep "eyeballs to print ". 


I have included these pictures to provide  you with evidence  that the animals and the Grade Twos were incredibly focussed and directed.  But what the snaps don't show are the conversations that were taking place between reader and the children.  A particularly artistic illustration sparked long grand conversations that went back and forth.  The children posed interesting open ended questions, such as..."What do you think might happen next?" , or "What does this make you think about...Have you wondered about..?"


OMG! Those Grade Twos didn't even want to go out for recess...they were too busy teaching.  So much for short attention spans! 


Thank you Madame Kim for allowing your class to pass on the Legacy of Literacy to all the animals.  

Enjoy your Winter Celebrations.
Donna, aka the Book Lady, aka Grandma