Masterman, E., & Rogers, Y. (2002). A framework for designing interactive multimedia to scaffold young children’s understanding of historical chronology. Instructional Science, 30, 221-241.

Literary elements: Interactive text allows the reader to place themselves inside the text, gender of the children are not specified allowing either gender to feel a part of this text Curriculum Uses: I would use this book as a read aloud for younger students because it will help them feel loved, and maybe it will help them feel like the classroom environment that I am trying to create is much like the ambiance that this book creates. I would use this book for a guided reading selection, and I would also consider it for an independent reading book for students who are just transitioning into reading such books. Barton, K. C. (2008). Research on students’ ideas about history. In L. S. Levstik & C. A. Tyson (Eds.), Handbook of research on social studies teaching and learning (pp. 239-258). New York: Routledge.

What is my date of birth if I'm 21 today?

People have an innate curiosity to know what happened on the day they were born and understand how the world they know today once was. Often memories that we are too young to recall directly can be prompted by revisiting them through visual cues, such as the images and firsthand accounts found in newspapers from that very day. As the recipient reads through a newspaper from the day they were born they are likely to experience a wave of nostalgia and have some fond memories prompted. With the world’s largest private collection of archived newspapers we can almost guarantee a newspaper will be available from the day you were born. Newspapers over 100 years old are generally bought for historical interest although we have even supplied a born day newspaper for someone born 110 years ago! There are a huge range of title to choose from for the majority of dates, including many that are no longer in circulation. Some examples of the newspaper titles that are no longer printed include the Daily Graphic, the News Chronicle, The Citizen – and many others. Perfect Gifts From The Day You Were Born Harnett, P. (1993). Identifying progression in children’s understanding: The use of visual materials to assess primary school children’s learning in history. Cambridge Journal of Education, 23, 137-154. By adding eight photographs and filling in a few details, parents can create a very special journal for their child, rejoicing together in all the natural wonders of the universe. Here is an ideal gift for the new parents with a vibrant connection to nature. --Emilie Coulter

There are other books with timelines related to American history that could be collected for a text set in the classroom. Recommended children’s books Curricular uses: Read aloud- young children confused about how we come into the world may take something out of this book to help them understand. Older children could appreciate their new siblings by reading this book independently. I have in turn given this book as a baby gift to other expectant parents. It is not as well known as some other popular baby shower book gifts, but it's message of "welcome to the world, we are so glad you're here" is universal.

Books & Authors

Lynn, S. (1993). Children reading pictures: History visuals at key stages 1 and 2. Education, 3-13, 21(3), 23-29.

Barton, K. C. (1997). History-it can be elementary: An overview of elementary students’ understanding of history. Social Education, 61, 13-16. Social Issues: This book discusses how the Earth came together and what the animals did on the day you were born. It looks at how your family came together to greet you during your entrance to the world.Nostalgic gifts are especially popular for milestone birthdays, but why settle for a trinket from that decade, year, or even month, when there are gifts from the day you were born available? As the world’s largest archive you can not only find newspapers available from the day you were born, but also select specific national, and regional titles! Headlines From The Day You Were Born Each student can begin with their date of birth and then make a list of the subsequent years of their lives, with at least one important event for each year. These lists should be developmentally appropriate for each grade but can become increasingly complex through the grades. Information on what was happening in the world around them can be added as well. Teachers can co-construct the guidelines for creating a timeline with students, depending on their grade and area of study in the social studies (e.g., the family in kindergarten, the community in Grade 3, U.S. history in Grade 5, world history in Grade 6, etc.). These parallel timelines afford students a view of the world during their own lifetime, situating themselves in the context of the historical events of the time. Literary Devices: This book uses repetition to help the readers understand the text better. The author also uses themes of nature throughout the book to get the tone and mood across. Finally, the book has symbolism, imagery, and personification. Curriculum Uses. This would be an guided reading book for children grades 2-3 or an independent read for children asking about how they came into the world.