Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Slice 7: World Read Aloud Day, The Story of John Richardson

Thank You, Mr. Falker: The Story of John Richardson
Re-reading books I love is one of my most favorite things to do. Re-telling happy stories is also a favorite. So, for Slice 7 I'm re-telling a story about a favorite reader and writer that seems most fitting on March 7th, World Read Aloud Day.

The story begins almost 14 years ago in my third grade classroom in Birmingham, AL. John, a favorite custodian and friend to all the Corgill Kids, stopped by every day to empty the trash, refill the paper towel dispenser, and soak in a bit of reading workshop. One day John was browsing the picture book shelves with several third graders, and picked up the book, Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco. I love everything Patricia Polacco, and told John he had chosen one of my favorites....but I didn't share what the story was about. He asked if he could take the book home to read, and of course, I was happy that he would be reading this book to his children and grandchildren.

Days passed and I had forgotten that John borrowed the book. He still continued to visit us every day, and he always asked the children about their reading and their book choices.
On one of those ordinary reading workshop days weeks later, John brought the book back and asked if he could speak to me privately. He had Thank You Mr. Falker in his hand as he spoke.

"I have a secret to tell you, Ann Marie. I can't read. Will you be my Mr. Falker?"

Thinking for weeks now that this man had been reading this book to his grandchildren and enjoying it at home, I was stunned. I learned that John, this kind, hardworking man in his mid-sixties, couldn't read and had gone through his entire life pretending. He made it through ninth grade without a single teacher learning his secret. He worked an entire career in a factory without a single person knowing his secret. And now, he was working in our school, a place full of readers--a place that called him to be a reader too.
I learned later that John had his wife read the book to him at home. It was simply a miracle that he chose Thank You, Mr. Falker from our shelves.

From that day forward, John and I met in the early morning hours before school and during the summer learning to read. We read books together that John later read to his favorite groups of kindergarten students. We read books together that John would then share with my students in our reading workshop and morning meeting times. Soon after, John began to write too in his shiny blue writer's notebook. Poetry became a favorite of his, and he read and wrote lots of poetry on those mornings together.

I’m happy to say that because of Patricia Polacco's Thank You, Mr. Falker and two years of early morning reading workshops, John Richardson, and I met to read, write, and talk---and my friend, who learned to read in his 60's, reads, writes, and shares with others how being a reader and a writer has changed his life.



John now speaks at his church and reads scripture to the congregation, shares his struggle (and triumph!) in literacy with groups in the community, is still invited to read to classes of students—and is still writing poetry! In fact, I have a framed copy of one of his first poems, “The Great Red Bird”.
I’d say it’s a “freeing” piece of work, about a little bird returning to his nest and learning to fly.


If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, or cool one pain, Or help a fainting robin unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain.” --Emily Dickinson




To the possibilities of this new day.....
love,
AM

19 comments:

  1. Wow, Ann Marie, what a powerful story. I love John's connections. I love how he comes in to look at books with the students, even before he could read. And I am in awe of his determination. How honored you must have been to be part of this story, this gift.

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  2. What beautiful story and tribute- to you both. You are both wonderful inspirations.
    Tammy

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  3. Simply beautiful. And inspirational! A perfect post for World Read Aloud Day -- in fact, I think I'll share it with my class. :)

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  4. Yep, started our World Read Aloud Day off by reading this to my class. And kept having to stop because I kept tearing up! Eesh! They loved it, by the way. :)

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  5. Thank you for your beautiful sharing...how wonderful for you and John.

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  6. yep...I'm crying...destiny and God ordained that he was in the right place to hear one of all of our favorite books. Thank you xo

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  7. How wonderful that he felt safe enough to come to you and how incredible you were to give him such a gift. This is an incredible story and I'm delighted you shared it with us.

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  8. Wow. We never stop learning, as long as we can admit we have something to learn.

    Lovely story!

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  9. Tears in my eyes. Beautiful. What a blessing that you handed him that particular book and that he had the courage to ask you to teach him. Simply beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I think this story needs to become a children's picture book.

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    1. I went into 3rd grade today and a student asked me to read with her. She was reading this book. I kept thinking of you.

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    2. Holy cow! This story gives me goosebumps!

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  10. So powerful! Patricia would love this...write and share this with her.

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  11. What a wonderful, beautiful story. I had chills as I read. Patricia Polacco is also one of my favorite authors and I particularly love Thank You Mr. Falkner. What I find most touching is that not only did you give a gift to John, but he has gifted you with his poetry and friendship and he spreads his gift to others. I'm going to share this story with my class and our staff. Thank you Ann Marie! Julie

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  12. Ann Marie - Thank you so much for sharing John's story. I remembered you shared about him during the 10 for 10 Picture Book Challenge, but I love this picture of him reading to students. I'm even imagining he is sharing his own poetry. What a gift you gave him!!

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  13. Beautiful story --- wonderful man.

    Cathy

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  14. Oh my goodness. This really touched my heart. What a wonderful story and how wonderful that you were able to help open his world.

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  15. What an amazing story. Thank you for sharing.

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  16. I can't stop smiling as I am picturing the bravery he must of had and the loving support you gave to him.

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  17. What trust he must've had in you to ask you to teach him. So glad that you were both in the right place at the right time with the right book to inspire this decision on his part. Thank you for being willing to share this story with all of us.

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