3-2-1 TUESDAYS WITH MS NIV

Issue #252, 6th May 2025

When our children read literature that is not contextual to them, all of most of the time, what happens?

Some or all of the following:

They may struggle to connect with characters or situations, making comprehension more difficult.

They might miss cultural references, idioms, or historical context that are crucial to understanding the text.

Engagement often decreases when children don’t see themselves or their experiences reflected in what they’re reading.

They may internalize subtle messages about whose stories “matter” in society if they rarely encounter characters like themselves.

While they can still learn from these texts, the extra cognitive load of navigating unfamiliar contexts can detract from deeper analysis and enjoyment.

How can we make stories more relevant? more contextual? include characters that are relatable? I a setting that they are familiar with? Alongside exposing them to world literature? a new academic year has just rolled in. What are your educators, parents, and children picking up to read?

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Three Images of the Week

Two Thoughts of the Week

“Books serve to show a man that those original thoughts of his aren’t very new after all.”Abraham Lincoln

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”Walt Disney

One Video of the Week

Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. Novelist Chimamanda Adichie tells the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice — and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.

Reading with Ms. Meenu: Tip of the week

Why a StoryWalk?

The pandemic challenged all of us to be outside in safe and rewarding ways, StoryWalks have enticed families, classes, and individuals as a perfect way to experience the outdoors together, to get some fresh air, exercise and to share the rewards that stories offer regardless of any setting. StoryWalks have staying power because they invite readers to experience the universality that literature offers. StoryWalks can reflect an individual’s own experience but also deepen this experience through new information or perspectives. 

What makes a good StoryWalk book?

·         Provide a deeper look or connection into a setting. These might be nonfiction books about ecosystems, history of a place or characteristics of a neighborhood. It offers a way to connect, wonder and imagine in a particular setting. 

·         Support exploration of a curricular or social goal. A StoryWalk offers the chance to immediately connect local surroundings with literature in the science curriculum.

·         It invites readers of different ages and experiences to engage in the book, providing an experience for a broad age range audience. Consider how a book might offer information in varying levels of depth and detail. 

These guidelines are to help you choose a book that works for your setting, your students and your community as well. Stay tuned for Where to do a StoryWalk? And Logistics: How to make a StoryWalk? Until then keep reading 😊

Keep reading!

Meenu Gera, Consulting home and school librarian and reading guide.

Showcase:

Thrive Beyond School – A unique STEAM education project for very young learners.

From designing to testing
During the egg drop challenge activity, Tara learned about the science of impact and how soft, cushioning materials can help prevent damage. She applied her engineering skills to design two different egg protectors. In one, she used straws, foam, bubble wrap, and tape to create a strong and supportive structure. In the other, she used cotton pads, cloth, cotton balls, and tape to cushion the egg gently. After testing both designs, Tara observed that the eggs remained safe and thought about which materials worked best. This hands-on activity helped her understand real-world packaging and the importance of testing, problem-solving, and making improvements. Tara: 5 years 9 months

And Finally… against all odds

“It is no point thinking about what I don’t have. Rather, I should think about what I have.” Tharika

Dear reader,
I work with the school leadership team as an advisor and collaborate with teachers as a pedagogical trainer. I also help parents as a parenting counselor and regularly engage one-on-one with students as a personal guide and mentor. This weekly newsletter shares what I read, learn, and experience.

3-2-1 Tuesdays with Ms. Niv is a newsletter you can subscribe to and enjoy your learning journey with me.