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Honeybee

Writing goal: Use various sentence types (not sure if that applies to this type of writing)

One of the books I enjoyed the most from this summer was Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Eric Rohmann. One of Candace Fleming goals in writing this book was to allow kids to gain empathy and turn that empathy into action. After reading this text it sparked my curiosity as to how can we use informational text like Honeybee to build empathy within our students? How can we help our students see the perspective of living things around them to help them understand their worth? 

Informational texts are often used to teach about topics. Why can't we use them to help build empathy and understanding the value of the world around us?

Something I notice recently with kids is how quickly they are to step on a bug to "get rid" of it without even thinking about what they just did. I have watched kids destroy plants on purpose or even waste water to just waste it. We often try to build empathy when it comes to human to human interactions, but I think we need to help students understand the world around them is equally important. 

Comments

  1. Chanon JuhlNovember 12, 2023 at 6:58 PM

    Like you, I also found great purpose and value in reading the instructional text, Honeybee. You could certainly use this beautifully illustrated and informative text to build empathy in students by increasing their awareness of the vital role bees play in our environment. Like you, it bothers me to witness children harming any of nature's creatures. I can't speak directly to recess-related insect encounters, but in our classroom students will ask for assistance with relocating the trespassing insects we encounter. In my personal experience students need ongoing reminders and tips on how to be more environmentally conscious. If you find an effective way to teach students and adults to only use a single paper towel when drying their hands, please let me know.

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  2. Jessica StegerNovember 14, 2023 at 9:53 AM

    I too loved Honeybee and I love how you took the perspective to use this informational text than just its intended purpose. Not only can students learn about Honeybees, but I agree this would be a great mentor text to use to teach empathy of nature and its importance!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Meaghan CraddockNovember 26, 2023 at 5:18 PM

    You are a wonderful writer. I'm inspired to read this book to my class and build empathy for the world of nature around us.

    ReplyDelete

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