Jamal's Busy Day Book

Jamal's Busy Day relates to young children going to school. This author, Wade Hudson created his story about an African-American young school age boy correlating his day, to his parents schedule. Jamal shares the same routine as his parents, excitedly preparing for the day. His parents goes to work and Jamal goes to school. I really like how this story shows this child engaging with his parents at the breakfast table reading the newspaper, at school settling conflicts, and at the end of the day playing basketball with his dad. There is not a television, computer, laptop, used by the child once throughout this day. Hudson shows good balance with hands on literature along with reading and writing skills throughout the families day. A well rounded routine each child should have grooming, eating, exercising, and with positive interactions. This book is a keeper. Another multicultural book showing the positive role models and productive day within the black family. I as well as my children, share these similar experiences. My son would fall asleep with a book in his hand like Jamal, if I did not tuck him in with a hug and a kiss. I have taken many hours with the High Scope Curriculum. The High Scope approach is very similar as a child plans their day in the classroom, as they model a Plan, Do, and Review format. As an Early Childhood Educator, I always tell parents to model and set a positive structured environment at home, and we will maintain one at school. A child may not work a 9 to 5 like Mom or Dad, but in hindsight they really do and one day they will. This book is a great way to show students their day is very similar to their parents. It will project a strong sense of self-worth in a student, if allowed the opportunity to construct their day.