Reading for Curriculum Integration – Part 2 [December 2024]

I appreciate the valuable support both through comments and private messages dear friends. As an educator and parent, I am keenly aware of the challenges faced in guiding young children to acquire independent reading skills in an age where stimulating digital media is so pervasive. Until early readers can apply decoding techniques confidently enough to deem new vocabulary good friends along the path of coherent expansion, it is challenging to maintain their focus long enough to attain autonomy.  Perseverance with this is the work however, so please don’t lose heart. 

I’m very excited to share the release of my third title in the Marcus series – “Marcus Catches the Light“, which became globally available at the end of November. In response to a number of enquiries from teachers as a result of my November 2024 posting of Part 1 introducing different ways “Marcus – King of the Dandelions”  can be integrated within the (science) curriculum, in this post I would like to expand the interdisciplinary approach to include curricular ideas for both social studies and English language classes. In addition to the first and third title in the series, aspects from book two “Marcus Meets a Friend” will also be included.

Nature is a strong enough theme throughout all  books in this series that it could be considered a character in and of itself. Other  reoccurring concepts include healthy social relationships, emotional regulation and communication. It goes without saying that when a mentor or parent highlights an aspect of a story read aloud, that focus of attention is enough to stimulate curiosity within the child. If the momentum of that focus is extended to an enjoyable experience or interaction beyond the story sharing alone it will enable the child to establish a deeper bond with the concept, and generate a stronger desire to return to the story. Perhaps the greatest contribution of literacy is that it can stimulate the formation of questions (curiosity) beyond the limited confines of the story.  One may say this can also be accomplished by watching a video – and while there is some truth in this, the process of visually interpreting text makes the act of reading more powerful in accomplishing this. In fact, the video creator is the greatest beneficiary in that it is his/her visual interpretation that is being viewed, while the viewer is predominately a passive receiver.

Nurturing Supportive Relationships

Within each book the reader is introduced to a significant relationship in young Marcus’ life. 

In “Marcus – King of the Dandelions” (book 1) this takes the form of mother and son.  Though there is most certainly a difference in the power hierarchy displayed in the dynamic between parent and child, this story illustrates a relationship that is grounded in mutual respect and admiration among the two characters. Mother is able to share her greater experience and knowledge with Marcus, who is a willing recipient of this valuable information. And Marcus’ genuine interest and curiosity, makes the sharing valuable to mother. You can tell that mother values this mutuality in her willingness to sit on a lower step, so that she can address her son eye to eye.

The dynamic that exists between the two friends in “Marcus Meets a Friend” (book 2) exemplifies the power in reciprocity.  While there is no stark difference in the age and maturity of the two characters within this story (the new friend is only two years older), the reader can appreciate the willingness of each to understand the perspective of the other. Though Marcus is initially frustrated that his friend didn’t offer greater assistance in his climb up the tree – he values her wanting him to experience the achievement independently. And while she was frustrated at his suggestion to put the chrysalis in an aquarium, she also appreciated his sincere intention to protect it. Once again, the mutual respect shared between the pair demonstrates a relationship that is uplifting for everyone involved.

“Marcus Catches the Light” (book 3) portrays a beautiful relationship between young Marcus and an elderly neighbor  he lovingly calls ‘Auntie’. There may be a large difference in age between these two characters, but Marcus resonates with Auntie’s independence, cultivation of the natural environment for self-sufficiency and love of life. While enjoying their favorite cake, Marcus basks in the magic of Auntie’s backyard and the many creatures that are visually present within it. His appreciation for the wisdom gleaned from Auntie is evident, as is her loving admiration for his ‘light’.

Questions – a key for expansion

In all the books within this series, it is Marcus who formulates most of the questions as his means to better understand the world around him.  When we reflect on the evolutionary value of questions and that inherent desire to know more, it is perhaps important that education reconsider whether questioning should be a role predominately assigned  to teachers or students. Perhaps students could roleplay scenarios direct from the story or inspired from their own life experience that utilize questions for the purpose of expanding knowledge, demonstrating interest or extending the conversation.

Perspective and its Connection to Critical Thinking

Another concept introduced in this series is that of perspective. One cannot think critically without first understanding that any topic or focus of attention could be legitimately seen from different perspectives. In the first book, Mother was beginning to consider her list of tasks for the day a burden before the ‘kitchen rainbow’ distracted her. Young people may benefit from understanding how a negative emotion could be improved by temporarily removing attention from it and focusing on something more positive. The storyline of the second book illustrates many ways that the two friends have a different way of viewing the same thing, but this ultimately helps them to determine a clearer world view while respecting different viewpoints.  For example, while all agree it is a very cool idea for Marcus to cultivate an ant colony that he could observe, his friend wonders if the ants in the ant farm would enjoy the same freedom they would have in nature. In the third book, Marcus’ love for insects will be evident to all readers loyal to the series; however, this makes Auntie’s complement – “Well, this little spark of joy certainly chose the right room to fly into” – that much more loving.

Dear friends, parents and educators, as always I truly love to hear if/how this material resonates with you. It is my heartfelt wish you  enjoy the last few weeks of 2024, and ready yourselves for an amazing 2025 adventure! 

Any comments or reflections based on your experiences and observations are most welcome!

Part 3 of this Blog series will be published in January 2025!