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Sesame Street t.v. show debuts
Sesame Street t.v. show debuted on PBS in 1969. Since I was only a year old, it would be a few more years before I begin watching. The show was an entertaining and educational blend of puppets, animation, music and live actors in short segments, teaching preschoolers alphabet, counting etc. I enjoyed watching the show and I think it reinforced many literary concepts. -
Kindergarten
My parents enrolled me at (I think the names was "Kinder-Craft"), a local kindergarten program. My teacher was Miss Amy, and my favorite time of day was her story time! -
My own library
Sometime around 1973, my parents set up my own "library" in my room - which took up the better part of a tall book shelf. I was very proud of it, and would re-read many of the books over and over again - beginning my love of reading and further development of skills. -
"Where the Sidewalk Ends"
Shel Silverstein published "Where the Sidewalk Ends" in 1974, a collection of funny poems and drawings. During my middle school years (approximately 79 - 81) it was one of my favorites, as well as most popular of my class, to check out of the school library. One of my favorite poems was "I Cannot Go to School Today" - my mom said I was just like "Little Peggy Ann McKay" because I used to try every excuse to not go to school. -
Dr. Suess
"The Cat in the Hat" & "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" were just a couple of my favorite titles by Dr. Suess. While they were published much earlier, the silly rhymes added to my love of reading and literary skills during my years in elementary school. -
"Amelia Bedelia"
Peggy Parish published "Amelia Bedelia", about the literal-minded housekeeper, in 1963. I remember discovering the book sometime around 4th or 5th grade I believe. I enjoyed how she would literally do what was asked of her, and I would laugh out loud at the character "drawing the drapes" or "dressing the chicken". -
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Middle and High School English classes
From attending a Baltimore Parochial elementary/middle school, where they really drilled the basics of reading & writing, to a team of Howard County high school teachers that further developed and encouraged my writing skills - I gained confidence in my abilities as a knowledgeable and proficient writer. -
"Dragonriders of Pern" universe
The series of novels, set in a sci-fi fantasy world of dragons and their human riders, began in 1968 by Anne McCaffrey. I was introduced to the books around 1981 (high school), and giving me a first taste of the science fiction genre. I enjoyed the fantasy worlds and names, and developed a liking to the style of writing - even though it was a bit more complex. I learned to take my time while reading so I could comprehend the details of the text. -
Laura Numeroff
Laura Numeroff released "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie", the first in the series, in 1985. I love the simplicity and circular storytelling of these books.I discovered the books soon after beginning my first preschool teaching job in 2009. Bonus: I was so excited to meet Laura (with my family) while she did a reading/signing tour - partnered with "Sleepy's" bedding chain in 2010. -
Yahoo! mail
Originally a collection of favorite websites, Jerry Yang & David Filo launched Yahoo! Inc., their mail, search engine, directory and news platform in 1994. I remember first creating my email account back then- and I still use the very same one! I was always better at writing than actual face-to-face talking. This use of technology, pretty close to instant gratification on text & letters, enabled me to discover a new method of communication while using literacy skills.
