Hello, My Name is _______________: Penny

We are currently introducing ourselves via narrative writing inspired by a 1999 Ann Landers column. For more information, visit this post: Hello, My Name is _______________.

I sit here upon the shelf, gazing out at the students, hoping beyond hope that someone will get up from those desks in rows and browse the shelves where I reside.  Each day they return to the same big book to read the same story as their neighbor while my story remains untouched, unread. 

Wait, what is this, a new teacher has entered the room, she is conversing with the classroom teacher.  Did I hear that right, did she just suggest that students might enjoy having books they’ve self-selected in reading cubbies right at their desks to enjoy throughout the day.  Oh my, imagine.  Pick me!  Pick me!

Yes.  I see the teacher nodding her head, smiling, and asking questions.  I can hardly contain myself. If only I had the wherewithal to jump from this shelf and share my story.  A plan appears to be forming as the two walk about the room discussing what could happen in various locations.  I think perhaps the new teacher may have ideas to help all students learn to love to read and explore books, magazines, and other texts.  I can hardly wait to see what might happen here.

What’s this?  The teacher has returned.  She is carrying a large box of containers.  The classroom teacher is very excited about the gift.  Conversation is flying so quickly I cannot keep up.  Yes, indeed, these will be used for students to store books they choose.  I just know I’m going to be picked.  I have such a good story to tell.

That seems so long ago.  That new teacher has created a new life for my friends and me.  I knew the students would like me, but I was sure surprised when they chose to share my story with others encouraging them to read, write about, and talk about my story.  They have found many ways to share the information within my covers over these past few years.

It’s amazing how this teacher has changed reading instruction as a result of talking to this new teacher.  Students are thrilled to read, write, and talk about books now.  The classroom teacher asks the new teacher questions and is excited about her teaching.  Me, I’m showing some wear now, but am well loved.  Now, I see students stopping what they’re reading to write about my story, or the information they’ve learned in another book.  I see them excited to tell friends about what they’ve learned or asking questions to learn more.  The students are learning so very much and the excitement during literacy instruction is electric.  I’m sure glad that new teacher came into this classroom. 

My shelves are squishy now as many new books have been added as the years have passed.  My covers are tattered, a few pages torn, some dog-eared, and a few have smudges from dirty fingers, but I’m the happiest book ever as children have loved reading my story time and time again.

Biography:

Penny Antell, Ed.S. is the Literacy Coordinator K – 5 for the D.C. Everest School District.  She also serves as the District Literacy Coach.  Penny received her training through the Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy Model with Dr. Linda Dorn and Carla Soffos.  Penny continues to service students through intervention part of each day.  She works with her Literacy Coaches, classroom teachers and principals forwarding literacy understandings across the district.  Penny is also co-chair of the Reading Specialist committee with the Wisconsin State Reading Association and fosters literacy across Marathon County with the Wausau Early Bird Rotary Club.  Penny values literacy for all ages. Her passion is prominently seen as she presents across the state and nation.  Penny enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, reading, biking, fishing, gardening, and yoga.