I have been in the Education field more than 25 years. I have mainly taught English to both children and adults, and I was also an Early Childhood educator for 3 years. I like reading books about teachers which are from learners’ point of view because I imagine that my current or former students might have thought about me like the characters in the story. Here are picture books I love which are written about loveable teachers.
I Love My Teacher
What a straight forward message. I don’t remember the face of my first teacher, however I have a clear memory of her playing games with my friends and I, she played the piano when we sang songs and she spoke to me gently and gave me support when I was bullied by a few classmates. I liked her so much as she was caring and allowed me to have experiences which I didn’t have at home. My cognitive and fine motor skills developed significantly throughout my days with my teacher.
Young readers can see a lot of smiling children at school in ‘I Love My Teacher.’ The children in the story are reassured that going to school is fun! Teachers are waiting for children at the school entrance. In the story, teachers provide activities which children are intrigued with. When students need help, they are always approachable, listen to what the problem is and give support to solve it. The children listening to this story will be able to imagine spending time at school there and what teachers do for them.
This book is suitable for children who are both anxious and excited about starting school.
I Love My Teacher
Author: Giles Andreas
Illustrator: Emma Dodd
Publisher: Orchard Books (2018)
My Teacher Is a MONSTER!
I laughed out loud when reading this story and at the same time it filled my heart with joy.
A boy called Robert was told off by his teacher because of his behavior in the classroom and he claimed his teacher was a ‘Monster.’ She roared, stomped and enforced an unpleasant classroom rule. One day, on the way to his favourite place in the park, he saw his monstrous teacher at the park. She was sitting on the bench. He wanted to avoid her, but he chose to sit next to her. They had a conversation but it didn’t last, and things quickly felt awkward.
Suddenly, a strong wind blew, and the teacher’s precious hat was blown away. Fortunately, Robert caught it just in time. Surprisingly the monster teacher thanked him from the bottom of her heart. After this event, they opened their minds up to each other gradually and had an enjoyable time. Awkwardness between them transformed to camaraderie through spending time together. She called him by his nickname, Robby, instead of Robert.The more they enjoyed each other’s company, the more the monster teacher changed her appearance. Then the monster turned into a human lady.
My favourite page in this book is when Robby spots the monster in the park and his appalled facial expression and I could hear his voice inside his heart, ‘Oh my goodness, why is she here? Is she going to tell off me even though I haven’t done anything bad?’
Teachers might be perceived as someone to be afraid of by children. Hopefully, one day they’ll discover that teachers are also human beings who have their own feelings, emotions and personalities just like them. I must admit that I am a strict teacher and I wonder if my students might perceive me as a monster.
I especially recommend this story for children whose teachers are very strict and for monster-like teachers who are enthusiastic about education.
My Teacher is a MONSTER!
Author and Illustrator: Peter Brown
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers (2014)
