Summary (SPOILER):
Ralph's teacher says that everyone has a story to tell, stories are everywhere! She seems to be right. During writing time at school, everyone around Ralph is writing their stories. The problem is, Ralph doesn't have a story to tell. He stares around the room, searches the hallways, and attempts to help the lunch ladies all to find a story. He wants to write, but he doesn't have anything to tell. He even asks the girl next to him, who tells him that she has written several stories about him. How could she write a story about Ralph when he has no stories to tell? When the teacher comes by, he has to think about something quickly, so he tells her a quick response. Then when it is time to share, Ralph stumbles with what he thinks is not a story. It isn't until after he tells a little that the questions from his classmates fly in. Ralph realizes he really does have a story to tell.
My thoughts:
This is adorable! It's definitely a child's version of writer's block. I taught first grade (many years ago) and had several students that just couldn't think of a story to tell; however, if you asked them a quick question, then they would have so much to say. Ralph just doesn't see all of the adventures that he has. I think this is a great book to teach that lesson. A Kinder or First grade teacher NEEDS to have this book. Share this story and show how Ralph finds all of his stories. This will probably help some of those struggling writers find their voices.
Ralph's teacher says that everyone has a story to tell, stories are everywhere! She seems to be right. During writing time at school, everyone around Ralph is writing their stories. The problem is, Ralph doesn't have a story to tell. He stares around the room, searches the hallways, and attempts to help the lunch ladies all to find a story. He wants to write, but he doesn't have anything to tell. He even asks the girl next to him, who tells him that she has written several stories about him. How could she write a story about Ralph when he has no stories to tell? When the teacher comes by, he has to think about something quickly, so he tells her a quick response. Then when it is time to share, Ralph stumbles with what he thinks is not a story. It isn't until after he tells a little that the questions from his classmates fly in. Ralph realizes he really does have a story to tell.
My thoughts:
This is adorable! It's definitely a child's version of writer's block. I taught first grade (many years ago) and had several students that just couldn't think of a story to tell; however, if you asked them a quick question, then they would have so much to say. Ralph just doesn't see all of the adventures that he has. I think this is a great book to teach that lesson. A Kinder or First grade teacher NEEDS to have this book. Share this story and show how Ralph finds all of his stories. This will probably help some of those struggling writers find their voices.
