Fork

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

It’s was late Sunday night and we just arrived home from a long day trip to Michigan. Before leaving St. Joesph, we picked up carryout for dinner. Our meal came with an extra plastic fork, which neither of us needed at the time. I’m that person. Yup. Let’s save it for later. You know. Just in case. We might be able to put it to use.

Now, look closer. Some may say, “Jenn, it’s just a disposable fork wrapped in plastic.” Is it? I see a digging tool for sand at the beach. Or maybe, this fork could be used to eat that unexpected cake in a parking lot at the grocery store. You might have a rough day. Don’t judge. We all have done it or thought about it. Nonetheless, let’s agree there are a million uses for that disposable fork. After all, it’s a fork.

Alright, take that fork a step further. What if our student(s) are like the plastic fork? Let’s say he/she is “wrapped in plastic.” A little different. Maybe it’s their odd sense of humor. Or, maybe no one has been able to reach them. They’re out there. Not quite like the other scholars. Different. Embrace them! These “forks” are the dreamers; the creative minds; and the out-of-box thinkers. I have a passion for the “forks.” Embrace them. Find a way to reach them. Our world needs them.

One last step. Are you still with me? Awesome! There are authors and illustrators that have written picture books for dreamers and out-of-box thinkers. If you happen by Anderson’s Bookshop or another Indie Bookstore, stop in and pick up any (or all) of the following books for a great classroom read aloud. Here goes…a long over due list of picture books/chapter books that celebrate our students and their uniqueness.

• Woolbur, by Leslie Helakoski
• Knitting Nell, by Julie Jersild Roth
• Gooney Bird Greene, by Lois Lowry
• Knight Owl, by Christopher Denise
• Molly Lou Melon, by Patty Lovell
• Tacky the Penguin, by Helen Lester
• Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun, by Maria Dismondy
• Be You, by Peter Reynolds
• The Wonky Donkey, by Craig Smith
• Russell the Sheep, by Rob Scotton
• Extra Yarn, by Mac Barnett
• Chrysanthemum, by Kevin Henkes
• The Story of Ferdinand, by Munro Leaf
• Eloise, by Kay Thompson
• Rosie Revere, Engineer (The Questioneers), by Andrea Beaty

*Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the bookshop links above (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.