For Your Binder

This is the one that started it all! This handout is not only full of art, science & sensory recipes and activity ideas, it's got the words to tell the wolves for you too!  You know, the folks who barge in and want to know what everyone is learning and what standard you are meeting!! # handouts # play # sensory # science # DAP # art # teaching

Need more ideas? Lisa has 3 other activity focused books! 

Missed the workshop? Want to watch it again? Got a DVD player? Lisa has DVDs of all her workshops! # oldschool  

Remember what Steve Spangler teaches us - they aren't doing science until they start asking questions! Here are some ideas to get you started.  Remember you need TIME just as much as you need vinegar!  Repeat repeat repeat!  DO IT AGAIN! # science # handouts  # play # DAP # teaching

Need more ideas? Lisa has 3 other activity focused books! 

Missed the workshop? Want to watch it again? Got a DVD player? Lisa has DVDs of all her workshops! # oldschool  

Couple things here - this is an old link and the form to fill out to access the interview is no longer secure - do what you will with that.  Zipes' thoughts down towards the bottom of the page though are still very much worth the read.  Then, if you are so inclined, search his name JACK ZIPES on YouTube... better carve out a couple days!  It's a rabbit hole of amazingness that is worth falling into and you might just be a little sad when you decide to climb back out!  # fairytales # stories # books # reading

The reason I used this link for you is because within it you will be able to access a few other articles that give historical and more recent (2014) context to this ongoing topic. The other reason is because this website as a whole is a fantastic resource for making sure your book area is providing windows, sliding glass doors and mirrors for everyone! # books # stories # DAP # language # literacy # equity # diversity # teaching # learning # reading

A great summary of how reading fairy tales can assist children as they develop resilience! # fairytales # resilience # play # books # stories

This essay was originally intended to be one of the Andrew Lang lectures at St. Andrews, and it was, in abbreviated form, delivered there in 1938.  # fairytales # stories # books # reading 

This remains my go-to rationale as to why my forever answer to this ongoing question will be a resounding and unyielding, YES. # fairytales # stories # reading # books

From me:This is a good resource AND it still needs to be a "good" book; not a teachy preachy one. Kids can smell your agenda. # books # reading # equity # stories # teaching

Books are sometimes windows to new worlds; real, imagined or strange. Sometimes books are sliding glass doors we walk through so we can join that world in our imagination. Books can also be mirrors; reflections of our own lives and experiences. This classic article reminds readers of the importance of offering books that provide all three.  All of our children suffer when stories only mirror the dominant social group. This article might perhaps a much needed conversation about the contents of your book center! When I first read it I ended up launching myself down a very interesting rabbit hole and spent a fine afternoon reading articles that, albeit very dated, are probably still timely regarding the all white world of children's books. # reading # books # stories # teaching # learning # equity # inclusion # diversity # DAP # language # literacy

Here is the full text of the essay Tolkein presented (in an abbreviated form) in 1938 at St. Andrews, Scotland.  A couple of my favorite quotes: "If fairy story as a kind is worth reading at all it is worthy to be written for and ready by adults."  And, "It may be better for them (children) to read some things, especially fairy stories, that are beyond their measure rather than short of it. Their books like their clothes should allow for growth, and their books at any rate should encourage it." # books # stories # fairytales # reading