This week we will be reading aloud Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts. This story is about a young boy, Jeremy, who wants the pair of shoes that everyone at school seems to be wearing. Jeremy's grandam tells him they don't have room for "want," just "need," and what Jeremy needs are new boots for winter. When Jeremy's shoes fall apart at school, the guidance counselor gives him a hand-me-down pair and Jeremy is more determined to have those shoes. So much so, he buys a thrift-shop pair that are much too small. Sore feet are not fun and Jeremy comes to realize the things he has are worth more than the things he wants.
We are tying this book into our discussion of wants and needs. I am sure this book will spark conversations about personal experiences and connections, fitting in, who we live with, and words such as wealthy and poor. This week I am going to pose the following questions and hope you can respond to one or two.
1. How would the text be different if it were told in another time, place, and/or culture?
2. What kinds of people are in this book? What types of people are left out?
3. How can we break the stereotype that money equals happiness?
4. Have you ever felt the need to fit in? What did you do to follow the crowd?
If you would like to join our class for our read-aloud and discussions on this story or any future story please let me know, we would love to have you and your insight. We typically start our read-aloud and discussion around 1:15 p.m. but can make arrangements if you would like to join. I look forward to reading your responses and having a conversation.
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