The Magic Pencil Curriculum Guide: A Literacy Lift for Youth, Volume 1 (The Magic Pencil Series) - Softcover

Karen E. Dabney

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1478177543 ISBN 13: 9781478177548

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2012

Synopsis

Hello! The Magic Pencil Curriculum Guide was prepared to accompany the engagingly didactic novel for youth, The Magic Pencil."TMP" is the only book discussing African American English and code-switching from a young person's view point.The Magic Pencil is both a mirror book as well as a window book.It's purpose is to uplift and inspire youth toward greater literacy by letting them see themselves and their peers in literature. This Guide will help the instructor introduce the book almost immediately once she has it in her hands! It summarizes each chapter with teaching suggestions and stimulating questions following. OBJECTIVES•To encourage the uninspired, reluctant and discouraged reader to develop the desire to read for pleasure. •To develop the desire to read for greater knowledge.•To increase self-esteem; especially within African American/black youth. •To remove the stigma applied to African American/black people when they use colloquial language. To recognize all people engage in this behavior. To understand that there are special and new words used when one is a part of a particular group (the language among computer technicians, for example) which may or may not become known among the general population.•To increase vocabulary by creating a desire to know exactly what a particular word means and how it relates to what is occurring. •To demonstrate the opportunities available by learning how to effectively navigate unfamiliar territory not just through “traditional” education.•To honor the “first/home/community” language of the speaker and to realize s/he is articulate within that language. To, thereby, foster a willingness in the person to adopt other ways of speaking while retaining his or her present mode of speech -- if desired and needed.•To become respectful and tolerant of the differences in others. To focus on the commonalities between self and others. •To foster self-respect, self-determination and self-reliance.•To learn how to constructively debate over preferences and beliefs.•To learn to be empathetic towards another’s problems.•To work together for the greater good.•To feel hopeful about the future.You will understand what the author's intentions are and will be able to mold them into what is best for your learners.

About this title

About the Author

Karen E. Dabney, a native Detroiter, possesses a BFA from The University of Michigan, and a BA from the University of Detroit Mercy. She is the CEO of Dabs & Company, an organization dedicated to increasing literacy and instilling a love for literature and "keeping minds lit!".
Karen's publications as author, artist, and producer include: 
I Love Me Some ME! Positivity Poems for Our YoungStars, 
The Magic Pencil Black Language Glossary, The Magic Pencil Curriculum Guide, The Magic Pencil, 44th Barack H. Obama The Commemorative Edition, Michigan Chronicle, For My People newspaper, Journal of Non-White Concerns, The University of Michigan Institute for Social Research Newsletter, The University of Michigan Dearborn's The Michigan Journal, To the Poet in You, Dreaming, poetry by Chicara J. Brassell, and Necessary Roughness, poetry featuring Safi.

Karen attended writing workshops with the Voices of Our Nation's Arts Foundation (VONA) and The Hurston/Wright Foundation. She is a member of Gifted in Michigan, Michigan Association for Gifted Children, International Reading Association, National Association of Teachers of English, National Conference of Artists, Southern Poverty Law Center, Motown Writers' Network, Broadside Poets' Theatre, Concept East, Project B.A.I.T., and Urban Theater Magazine. 

Through The Magic Pencil, Karen has inspired, uplifted, and captivated reluctant and uninspired readers. Her intentions have always been to stem the tide of youth falling through the cracks in life. The Magic Pencil imparts means and methods to increase their skills for successful navigation and mastery through self-determination and self-reliance. These qualities are fostered within the story by its empowering effect on the reader/listener.

From the Back Cover

The Magic Pencil Curriculum Guide was created to accompany The Magic Pencil novel, a unique and valuable book.
It teaches, through young Malcolm, the art and purpose of code-switching among black people.
This practice is demonstrated in a way youth and adults will understand. It, and this Guide, are tools for sociology, psychology and linguistics studies. The age range is flexible and customizing is easily done for learners to get the most from the story.
"TMP" is a mirror book and a window book. It enables youth to see themselves and inspires them to look beyond.

BE SURE TO LOOK AT BOTH KINDLE & PAPERBACK PAGES FOR MORE

Educators on The Magic Pencil:

'This delightful book, with its bright, spunky characters, will captivate ... youngsters ... Dabney's thoughtfully written story entertains, inspires, and challenges young readers to reflect deeply on their choices and to make the most of their abilities and talents."
~ Gloria House, Ph.D. (Aneb Kgositsile), Educator/Poet/Community Activist

"In The Magic Pencil, Ms. Dabney has found a creative and enticing way to help young people find pleasure in literature. Her use of the observant protagonist, Malcolm, to explain ways the English language is modified - yet still effective - depending on the audience, is uncanny. The lesson learned is validating to those who choose to speak one way or another.The "time and a place" issue is dealt with in a manner any child will understand. The fictive assumption that black children who speak the standard English of America are smarter than those who do not, as well as the fictive notion they are "acting white" by those children who do not care to learn how, are laid bare and exemplified throughout the story. The versatility and switching up among the characters' languages belie the fact that many non-black folk think it is wrong and ignorant for one to use black language....The Magic Pencil is an educational,uplifting and affirming tale told to enable the gifts in every child.

~ Dr. John Telford, educator, activist and author

"Dabney's grasp of the colloquial language is so masterful that, at times, I felt as though I were reading a Geneva Smitherman book ... The Magic Pencil is a rare book. It is a marvelously didactic read ..."
~Jeremy Williams, educator, author

From the Inside Flap

#LITERACY #GIFTS #READ #MULTICULTURAL #AFRICAN AMERICAN #CHILDREN #TEENS #EDUCATION #ENTERTAINMENT #HOLIDAYS

from Chapter 7 - Synopsis and Questions:

Malcolm shares ideas with Juan about how to do better in school. He tries to help him with his homework but does not know how to do it without prompting him with clues. He understands how hard it can be for Juan to ask for help. He also understands teaching requires certain skills, especially patience.
Malcolm cares about other students and does not like bullies.

[There is further mention regarding bullying in Chapters 12, 18, 23 and 24's summaries.]

Malcolm and Kenyon do not allow other kids to deter them from doing well in school. They understand why some students do not like or get much out of school. Malcolm and Kenyon do not feel they are "acting white" because they care about school. They understand that is fictive thinking and that one does not have to be white in order to do right/well. They also understand that way of thinking stems from others' belief it is "selling out" to take on the ways of a culture that basically does not want to accept them.
The boys plan to go to college (by getting scholarships) yet have respect for those who have not attended as long as they are doing something positive with their lives. They know it is possible for a person to succeed in life without a college education by developing a useful skill and doing it well. Kenyon's parents say, "There is dignity in all positive work."
[My nod to those who are considered doing little with their lives by working at a job that is not respected but certainly necessary such as cashier, wait person, house cleaner, caretaker, and almost any other position considered low on the service chain. I would also like to mention that not all doctors and lawyers are "doing right" as those professions are the ones usually held as the standard towards our children's aspirations.]
Their parents are enthusiastic and encourage the boys' intentions of getting "higher education." Neither boys' parents have attended college.

[See Chapter 25's summary for suggestions about getting youth to envision themselves attending college. An excellent TV program (yes, they exist!) was on in the 1987-1993 called A Different World (Link provided) It was a spin-off of The Cosby Show and did a good job of showing a lot of what going to college was really like. Most of the students were black and the college was based on being a historically black college/university (HBCU). It was fun and informative while covering serious issues, as does The Magic Pencil novel. [The series is now being shown on Bounce TV.]

Martin is street-wise and fearless. He is protective of Malcolm and their mother. He does not like the restrictions of school, barely attends, and is considering dropping out even though he has the ability to excel. School bores him. He also is gifted. He tells Malcolm he will see to it that Malcolm does well in school since that is what Malcolm wants.

1. Why is it funny to Malcolm that his brother's name is Martin?
2. Why does Malcolm care about other students?
3. Juan wants to do well in school. What are some things that could help him do better?
4. Why do some black children feel it is "acting white" to want to do well in school?
5. What are reasons some children can't - or won't - do well in school?
6. Do you have a desire to go to college? Why or why not?
7. How would you "make it" without going to college?
8. Have you ever visited a college? What made the biggest impression on you?
9. Do you know someone who attends college?
10. What do Kenyon's parents mean when they say, "There is dignity in all positive work."?
11. Are Malcolm and Kenyon being realistic in their ideas about college life?
12. Do Malcolm and Martin understand the other's feelings about school?

from Chapter 25 - Synopsis:

Malcolm meets Nia at the public library. Nia has permission to use the Adult Reading section. She shows Malcolm books that cover some of his interests and tells him he could probably read the city newspaper. He becomes eager to renew his library card.
He receives his first letter from his uncle who is in the armed forces and overseas.

[If you are working with learners who may need coaxing to go to a public library, I suggest a field trip to the main library near your program in order to expose them to all of the wonders to be found. It may well be a first visit for some. You could arrange a special time for a tour or attend an event. Be sure to let the learners see the various things available to them for free such as classes for -- and general use of -- computers. Visit special collections after having discussed something about them before viewing.
Another way to make higher education more realistic -- and attractive -- to the learners is to visit a local college or university. No matter what you do during your visit -- be sure to take them through various lounges, activity centers, gyms, and even a dorm, if possible. They will not forget these excursions! And, they will see that students are encouraged to study as well as play in order to stay healthy and positive!] ADDENDUM: One of my fondest memories growing up involving learning was my childhood library. I didn't know it then but one of the most famous poets to draw breath was MY FAVORITE LIBRARIAN! I'm speaking of Mr. Dudley Randall. He was always available, encouraging, patient, and "cool". He was the founder of Broadside Press of Detroit -- celebrating it's fiftieth year (2015). The old Parkman Branch is still thriving and a copy of The Magic Pencil resides there.
In it I wrote about Malcolm and Nia's visit to the library and how Nia was allowed in the adult stacks -- as was I -- at 10 years old! Mr. Randall and other staff would look over the books I selected, of course. So it kind of ruffles my feathers when people tell me The Magic Pencil is not meant for younger children when I wrote it for all ages!
I recently visited a school where the teacher had read the story to his class. These kids seemingly weren't the best of readers but they certainly got the message of the book! I was so impressed by their engagement, understanding and retaining. I had to remind them of parts of the story because it had been quite a while with many other books in between. But they GOT IT! And, that is my most desired audience and outcome. So, take THAT, professionals who don't think it CAN happen! (SMiLE)

The Magic Pencil Series is being used by a major school system in Detroit, Michigan!

Edition details

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1478177543
• ISBN 13: 9781478177548
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 126