Henry’s Freedom Box

I was a teacher long before I was a principal. The best part of my day was when I could sit down and listen to my students read.  It still is the best part of my day. I experienced this pleasure in Mrs. McCoy’s third grade classroom on Wednesday. One of our outstanding  students read to me a wonderful realistic fiction story called, Henry’s Freedom Box. It was about a mom and dad, Henry, who lived together as a family and worked for two different families. Mom explained to Henry that she had heard that her boss was short on money. Because of this concern, mom shared with Henry that she was afraid her boss would sell her children. Henry was perplexed and consumed by this possibility. The next day while he was working he heard from a colleague that his two children and wife indeed had been sold and shipped away. Henry was distraught by the news and had a difficult time finishing his day at the factory.

We were both mesmerized by the story and was anxious to get to the conclusion. Unfortunately, our time was over, and we didn’t get to find out how the story ended.  Thank you Kiley for reading to me. It was the best part of my day. Let me know how the story ends.

A single best way to increase your child’s IQ is to read to him/her and instill a love of reading. Try to make time for your child to read. Provide a special place to read for 20 to 30 minutes.  Mine is my Nebraska Chair. It doesn’t have to be an assignment from your teacher. It should be a fun time when the story line takes you to places you have never been before.

Mr. Koss