My School Community

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Within a community there are smaller communities such as schools. According to the text, "People at my school work together. We help each other learn." The text then drills down to take a closer look at the school, its structure and the make up of a class. Many people keep the school running ranging from the teachers to the principal and the custodians. The group in this particular classroom looks like a mini United Nations. Kids at school learn to share computers and art supplies; they play at sports and may even take music classes, but, most important of all, they respect their teacher. There are many ways that kids get to school: buses and bikes are mentioned but not walking. Kids go to school to learn and with a good education get a job in a field of interest. To make school enjoyable and provide an environment for learning there are certain rules that one should follow. These are listed on a blackboard for all to read and hopefully adopt. The segue into cultures and keeping healthy is not smooth and seems to be tacked on to the end. The opening pages contain a table of contents, and the closing page has a list of words to know and an index accompanied by pictures. Simple declarative sentences and questions accompanied by photographs of children from a variety of ethnic backgrounds set on crisp white pages make this an attractive book. It is a Level "G" book in the "My World" series. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot