At Kinder Ready, Elizabeth Fraley believes that literature can be a powerful tool in shaping empathy, cultural awareness, and language skills in early learners. This book, set in post-WWII America, tells the story of a young Chinese immigrant girl adjusting to life in Brooklyn. As children explore this story through a guided literature unit, they develop reading comprehension skills while also learning about the values of friendship, courage, and perseverance.
This Book Matters for Early Learners
The protagonist, Shirley Temple Wong, is a relatable figure for many children—especially those who have experienced transitions, cultural shifts, or feelings of being “the new kid.” Her journey of immigration, identity, and ultimately connection with American culture through baseball and Jackie Robinson creates an ideal platform for early readers to reflect on personal growth and cultural inclusion. Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley added this book to its literature units, which are especially impactful as they blend real-world history with fictional narrative, giving children both context and emotional connection.
Building Reading Comprehension through Storytelling
This literature unit offers structured opportunities for students to strengthen their reading comprehension. Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready encourages discussion-based engagement, where children voice their thoughts, ask questions, and relate the story to their own lives. These conversations spark deeper comprehension and lasting connections to the text.
“In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson” is a gentle introduction to complex topics like immigration, racism, and identity. Through reading and reflection, children begin to understand what it means to celebrate diversity and respect cultural differences. Kinder Ready’s literature unit emphasizes sensitivity, using thoughtful questioning and inclusive activities to help students appreciate multiple perspectives.
Vocabulary and Language Development
The literature unit surrounding this novel supports vocabulary acquisition in a meaningful and memorable way. From words like “immigrant” and “prejudice” to idioms and baseball terminology, students are exposed to a rich language environment. Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready encourages interactive word walls, journaling, and contextual vocabulary lessons that allow students to practice new words in speaking and writing. This scaffolding approach helps build both academic vocabulary and confidence in language use.
Bringing the Story to Life in the Classroom
To enhance engagement, Kinder Ready Tutoring recommends bringing the story to life through creative extensions such as role-play, art projects, and personal interviews with family members about their cultural heritage or first experiences in a new place. Fraley says, children can write letters as if they were Shirley, or design posters about Jackie Robinson’s influence. These enrichment opportunities transform reading into an immersive, multi-sensory learning experience.
Final Thoughts
“In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson” is a beautiful way to introduce young learners to important themes that will shape their understanding of themselves and the world around them. At Kinder Ready Tutoring, Fraley believes in equipping educators and parents with literature units that do more than teach reading as they nurture compassion, cultural intelligence, and curiosity. With the right guidance, this book becomes a powerful classroom experience that students will remember long after the final chapter.
For further details on Kinder Ready’s programs, visit their website: https://www.kinderready.com/.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethFraleyKinderReady
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