"Sometimes reading looks like ...
Pointing to letters and
sounding out words.
But I don't always read like that.
An audiobook reads me a story aloud,
giving my brain space to think,
so I don't have to wrestle with words
that shake, shatter, and swirl on the page.
When I listen to a story, I can read."
Too often our children do not see themselves in the books they read ... especially those who are neurodivergent. Creators of this book show all children that there are many ways to learn. It may be very different for the children in any classroom. Students need to know there is more than one way to learn what is being taught.
Some can't sit still while learning; they need to move. There are small and subtle ways to make sure they can quietly move while listening: a foot tap, arms on knees, squeezing a soft ball. Learning is then easier for them. Some cannot keep attention with their eyes, and need to look around as they listen. Some learn with pencils and paper to make sense of words, while others need to hear what is written.
The text is penned in first-person, and follows a pattern for understanding the different ways that children in one classroom might learn. It is comforting for listeners to know it doesn't always need to be the same. Counting may require tactile use of an abacus or other equipment to help with understanding. At times, oral reporting makes answering questions much easier; a scribe puts those ideas on paper. Working with someone rather than alone, can cause anxious moments, while sitting quietly provides the comfort needed to learn.
HOW DO YOU LEARN?
Colorful digital art, done in soft colors and providing a good amount of white space, invites readers to take a close look at the different ways that children do learn. Most will find someone in the classroom who shares common experiences. Many children will appreciate the details included on the book's pages and want to talk about them. It's easy to see and understand the adaptations made for those who learn differently than others, and to understand that how we learn is as special as we are. The repetitive structure of the writing helps, too. Back matter is useful concerning accommodations and definitions.
Reassuring and helpful, this is a book that will offer comfort in today's classrooms, for both students and parents.
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