Part 3: Blessing the Book with Sharon Callen

In the latest episode of Blessing the Book: Nurturing Readers through Stories, Sharon Callen explores how thoughtfully selected children’s books can transform classrooms and create meaningful connections with young readers. Sharon introduces her concept of “blessing” books—honouring the stories and voices of the authors while guiding students through rich discussions that build empathy, spark imagination, and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

The episode highlights a variety of titles that range from heartfelt explorations of family and grief to exciting tales of adventure and mystery. Each book offers unique classroom connections that encourage students to think critically and creatively. 

Whether it’s The Letterbox Tree, a tale of environmental resilience, or The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet, which dives into magic and time travel, Sharon shows how these stories open up new avenues for students to reflect on their own experiences and the world at large.

Sharon’s approach emphasises the power of the read-aloud experience, where teachers can bring books to life simply by sharing them with students. Whether it’s a novel in verse or an adventurous historical fiction, these moments of shared reading allow for deeper exploration of emotions, themes, and the beauty of storytelling.

The episode reinforces how, through books, teachers can foster empathy and curiosity, transforming both their students and classrooms in profound ways. It is a celebration of the magic of literature and its power to nurture readers who think critically, connect deeply, and engage joyfully with the written word.

RESOURCES

Books:

• The Letterbox Tree by Rebecca Lim and Kate Gordon
• Jane Doe and the Quill of All Tales by Jeremy Lachlan
  Dusty in the Outwilds by Rhiannon Williams
• Meet Me at the Moon Tree by Shivaun Plozza
• The Impossible Secret of Lillian Velvet by Jaclyn Moriarty (Author), Kelly Canby (Illustrator)
• The Bookseller’s Apprentice by Amelia Mellor
• Silver Linings by Katrina Nannestad
• Waiting for the Storks by Katrina Nannestad
• My Brother Ben by Peter Carnavas
• What Snail Knows by Kathryn Apel
• How to Spell Catastrophe by Fiona Wood
• Sunshine on Vinegar Street by Karen Comer

Podcast:

• Read Aloud: Mem Fox on Capturing hearts and Minds through Literature

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FURTHER INFORMATION

Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide.  Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content.  Apple, Spotify,  Google, YouTube

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