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Helping to Create Lifelong Readers and Writers

Every time I hear Ritzi reading to her daughter, I am filled with hope. Hope of an intimacy and a bond surpassed by no other, hope of confidence building and security as they read together, and hope of a future brighter than they have experienced in the past. Hope that this purposeful action of shared reading will impact the future generations to come in this little family unit.

 

Author’s Note:

If you work with foster children in any way or wish to, please join your local foster care support organizations. These communities are a wonderful support for educators, foster children, foster parents, and child advocates. Below are a few recommended books by our local social media support group called Fostering Hope.  If you do not have a local organization to support foster families, consider beginning one! It is a wonderful way to support children in care and the families that love them. If you do have a local foster care support group, consider donating any of the following books:

 

 

William Wobbly and the Very Bad Day by Sarah Naish (2016)

Maybe Days by Jennifer Wilgocki & Marcia Kahn Wright (2002)

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst (2018)

My Lifebook Journal: A Workbook for Children in Foster Care by Therese Accinelli (2008)

A Little Spot of Anxiety by Diane Alber (2020)

I Love You Like Crazy Cakes by Rose A. Lewis (2000)

Resources

Bryant, J. & Wadlow, R. (2020). Combat stress with H.O.P.E. The Missouri Reader, 44(1), 20-23.

Beers, K. & Probst, R.E. (2017). Disruptive Thinking: Why How We Read Matters. Broadway, NY: Scholastic, Inc.

Chapman, D. (2016, November 02). How to build trust with foster children and older adopted children. Retrieved February 22, 2021, from https://adoption.com/how-to-build-trust-with-foster-children-and-older-adopted-children

Schooler, J.E., Keefer Smalley, B., & Callahan, T. J. (2009). Wounded Children; Healing Homes: How Traumatized Children Impact Adoptive and Foster Families. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

Children’s Literature Mentioned

Geisler, D. (2014). My Body Belongs to Me From My Head to My Toes (2014). New York, NY: Sky Pony Press.

Owens, J. (2019). Dancing with a Porcupine; Parenting Wounded Children Without Losing Yourself. Richland, WA: Forever Homes Publishing.

Schooler, J.E., Keefer Smalley, B., & Callahan, T. J. (2009). Wounded Children; Healing Homes: How Traumatized Children Impact Adoptive and Foster Families. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.

Spence, B. (2017, September 17). What is Shared Reading? This Reading Mama. https://thisreadingmama.com/shared-reading-ideas-printable/

Thong, R. G. & Parra, J. (2014). Tortillas are Round, Las Tortillas son Redondas. San Francisco, CA: Scholastic, Inc.

 

 

 

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In Memoriam

Barbara Hiles

November 24, 1936 - January 29, 2022

Barbara was a long-time member and officer of the Missouri Literacy 

Association. We wish to express our sincere condolences to her family and friends

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Jeri Goswick has been an educator for almost 20 years. Jeri has taught PreK through 12th grade in public and private schools in Southwest Missouri. Her early experience ranges from being a Spanish teacher to overseeing an English as a Second or Other Language program. A few years ago, she transitioned to higher education and teaches future educators at the undergraduate level and current educators at the graduate level. Jeri coordinates the Master of Science in Education Curriculum and Instruction program at Missouri Southern State University and her research focus is supporting diverse learners.