Why kids can learn more from tales of fantasy than realism

This is a wonderful post about the importance of fantasy in writing and reading.

M.C. Tuggle, Writer

Deena Weisberg is a senior fellow in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. Her specialty is “imaginative cognition,” which studies how imagination boosts one’s ability to learn. Her research demonstrates that children absorb new material taught in the context of a fanciful scenario better than they do when it’s presented in more realistic terms. In a recent edition of Aeon, she challenges herself with a question she’s grappled with before: Why do fantastical stories stimulate learning?

What can be going on? Perhaps children are more engaged and attentive when they see events that challenge their understanding of how reality works. After all, the events in these fantastical stories aren’t things that children can see every day. So they might pay more attention, leading them to learn more.

A different, and richer, possibility is that there’s something about fantastical contexts that is particularly helpful for learning. From this perspective, fantastical fiction…

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When Chapter Reading Isn’t Enough

Jennie’s post is an excellent example of the finest teaching!

A Teacher's Reflections

Charlotte’s Web is a book that has a profound influence on children in the best of ways.  Children listen, often silent because of all the wonder that is going into their brains.  The words alone paint a picture that they relate to and understand.  Yes, close listening happens.  Yet, when I read-aloud The Story of Doctor Dolittle, children are actively engaged, asking question after question.  This is a book full of imagination and creativity.  They want to experience this book. Oh, how we talk!

We talk about Chee-Chee and the monkeys in Africa.  We learn about vaccines.  We figure out how the Bridge of Apes is possible.  The Leader of the Lions and the King of Joliginki introduce the subtleties which are most important: goodness, right vs wrong…  then along come the pirates.  Oh, my!

We can’t get enough!  We need more.  So, we play The Story of Doctor Dolittle.

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Quotations on Bigotry, Justice, and Injustice

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“What a sad era when it is easier to smash an atom than a prejudice.”

                                                                     Albert Einstein

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“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

                                                                     Martin Luther King Jr.

 

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“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”

                                                                     Elie Wiesel

Holocaust Remembrance Day 2017 ~ Never Forget

This post has a crucial message that is always deeply important!

By Hook Or By Book

I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.

~ Elie Wiesel ~ 

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The Travels of Maledicus: Part I

Beginning with this post, I will occasionally show photographs of my book Maledicus: The Investigative Paranormal Society Book I as it travels to various locales.

These were taken on a ferry from Staten Island to Manhattan during a recent excursion my wife and I took  into the city. I love traveling on the ferry, which is still free! Actually, I love riding on any kind of boat or ship, so this part of the trip, no matter the weather is always exciting for me.

This one was taken as the ferry was departing from its slip in the Staten Island Terminal.

(Liz French 2017)

And this one shows the novel traveling comfortably on one of the ferry seats!

(Liz French 2017)

 

Please follow the following links to find my novel:

ebook

Print book

Thank you!

The book trailer:

Maledicus:Investigative Paranormal Society Book I

My radio interview:

interview

Quotations by Teddy Roosevelt

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“To announce there must be no criticism of the President, or that we stand by the President right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but it is morally treasonable to the American Public.”

 

“I believe that the more you know about the past, the better you are prepared for the future.”

 

“Patriotism means to stand by the country. It does not mean to stand by the President or any other public official.”

 

 

Let’s Share: Doc Chuck

I am honored by this post, and I hope you check her blog and follow her.

Here is another one of those men I speak about in my Ode to the Old Men. Doc Chuck is a muse of sorts walking around creating inspiration. He has a way of teaching a person how to find their voice and bring it forth. He is my professor, adviser, mentor and friend.

He steers the ship of learning; towards the shores of knowledge.

Reminding me of a quote from one of my favorite movies” “O Captain! My Captain! ” (Do you know what movie this is from?)

He recently published a book which I am currently reading and enjoy very much. The book; which is titled Maledicus, follows a paranormal investigative society made up of older men (not the average hero). They investigate a haunting and discover the real evil behind it.

Check out Doc Chuck’s Blog: Charles French

“All that is necessary for the triumph of…

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Importance of Imagination

I thought these quotations on imagination were worth revisiting.

charles french words reading and writing

Imagination is one of the most important aspects of life and of writing. We should cherish it and help develop it in others.  Here are a few quotations for your consideration:

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“I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

                                                                                  Albert Einstein

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“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were, but without it we go nowhere.”

                                                                         Carl Sagan

“Reality can be beaten with enough imagination.”

                                                                                    Mark Twain

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The Wisdom of Martin Luther King Jr.

Let us remember the teachings, wisdom, and courage of this crucially important American hero.

charles french words reading and writing

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“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

“Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles;
Cowardice is submissive surrender to circumstances.
Courage breeds creativity; Cowardice represses fear and is mastered by it.
Cowardice asks the question, is it safe?
Expediency ask the question, is it politic?
Vanity asks the question, is it popular?

But conscience ask the question, is it right? And there comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right.”

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Owled Again~

These photographs of the beautiful owls are lovely.

Burrowing Owl populations in San Diego County have been sharply depleted by extensive development and are at risk for local extinction.

In San Diego they are a protected species under the Multi-Species Protection Act, and are protected by state and federal wildlife agencies.

The Living Coast Discovery Center in The San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge is breeding these remarkable little owls and visitors can get up close and personal with these very curious creatures which is an incredible experience.

In the wild Burrowing Owls live mostly in squirrel and gopher burrows, often sharing space with their furry room mates.

The most reliable place to view Borrowing Owls in the wild in Southern California is at The Sony Bono Nature Preserve at The Salton Sea.

Artificial burrows have been set up here where you can watch the owls and their nests in the wild which is quite fascinating!
Cheers to…

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