Blog Partner Discussion 4: Modern Fanstasy
http://jamaicablogpartners.blogspot.com/
1. Your personal response to the book
2. Evaluate it in terms of its genre
3. Evaluate its literary quality
4. Evaluate its illustrations
5. Evaluate in terms of multicultural considerations including the credibility of the author and illustrator
Discuss for whom the book is intended and the ways in which it might be used in the classroom
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Andrea
ReplyDeleteEven though the story of the Three Bears is not new to me just reading it again this time with the information from Dr. Kurkjian has put a new light on the story, in terms of text and illustration. In reading it this time around I paid closer attention to the illustration and not just the text.
The story described as traditional literature was written with a small difference from the one I read previously. The previous times I read the story there was Papa Bear, Mama Bear and Baby Bear. Now there are Big Bear, Medium Bear and Little Bear. The gist of the story remained the same and the little girl in the story did the same things, however she was not called Goldilocks in the story, even though the illustrations showed her with
'goldenlocks'.
I enjoyed the re-read however the story did not provide any new thinking or ideas even with the difference in character names for me.
What is your thinking?
You know Connie:
ReplyDeleteAs I re-read this book I was wondering if I missed something somewhere because I remember getting a book from my parents called "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." But as I continued to read, I realized that I was by no means mistaken. Rather, the story was re-written using the same plot line but the charcters had different names. I also wondered why the author decided to change the names from the ones we're accustomed to... not that it detracts from the original plot though.
Andrea
ReplyDeleteThat was my thinking as well. Robert Southey the author and illustrator Norman Messenger's portrayal of this traditional story breathes new life into an old story. The bears are not a sterotypical family as told originally. No Papa, Mama and Baby Bear. The book was still able to present the story in a manner that children at the early reading levels can easily read and understand.
The young girl in the story has no name as she is referred to as the little girl... even with her golden locks. This gives the story universal appeal. I think as an educator of pre-service teachers this book could be used to show them how traditional literature can help students in creative writing. The names of the charcaters may have been changed however their characteristics remained the same. That's my take on it. Until later.
Connie
My dear Andrea
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine we have been doing traditional literature in the modern fantasy blog... oops. So guess what we will do the modern fantasy under the traditional literature ok?
Okay, Connie, I didn't realize myself. I guess I just wanted to jump into the book. Your idea of blogging about 'modern fantasy' in 'traditional literature' is good.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you mention that the family is not stereotypical with papa, mama and baby. This is ideal, especially nowadys when there are many single-parent families etc. If you look at it too, this could be used to teach early childhood students the concept of size through beautiful illustrations with which these kindergarteners can relate.
On the other hand, if I were using this book in particular to teach my 6th graders, I would have them write the story from another angle wherein the gilrl is caught by the bears! I'm sure that such an activity would lead to some creative pieces of writing. What do you think?
Andrea
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful suggestion. My students would enjoy changing the ending of the story too. For my Drama class I would let them roleplay using the ending they have created...... great idea.
The story has great literary quality, the plot is good and the conflict is evident. The characters are true to their roles and the illustrations from Norman Messenger are clear and prominent. A good read.
Talk back to you in next blog discussion.
Connie
Connie, as I read the book, I couldn't help but notice that the three bears were males, unlike the characters in 'Goldilocks and the three Bears'who formed part of a nuclear family, therefore pointing to the theme of 'family relationships.' Now, in this book, 'The Three Bears', I'm inclined to think that the theme is 'friendship.' I hope you agree with me.
ReplyDeleteLater