Volume I, Issue 2

WOW Stories: Connections from the Classroom is a regular on-line publication of WOW containing vignettes written by classroom educators about children’s experiences reading and responding to literature in the classroom setting.

Contents

Introduction: Opening the World through Literature, by Kathy G. Short, The University of Arizona

Part 1: Creating a Context for Professional Learning

Creating a Vision of Possibility as Professional Learners, by Lisa Thomas, Instructional Coach

Practice Makes Perfect in Our Community of Practice, by Amy Edwards, fifth grade teacher

Exploring a Curriculum that is International, by Kathy G. Short, Professor, University of Arizona

Part 2: Developing Conceptual Thinking

Conceptualization as a Way of Thinking in Schools, by Lisa Thomas, Instructional Coach

Thinking Conceptually about Journeys through an Author Study, by Jennifer Griffith, first grade teacher

Mapping Our Understandings of Literature, by Jaquetta Alexander, second grade teacher

“Life is a Journey and an Iceberg”: Creating a Context for Conceptual Thinking, by Amy Edwards, fifth grade teacher

Encouraging Symbolic Thinking through Literature, by Kathryn Bolasky, third grade teacher

Writing as a Tool for Synthesizing Our Learning, by Kathryn Bolasky, third grade teacher

Part 3: Considering Multiple Perspectives

Moving Across the Arts to Consider New Perspectives, by Kathryn Tompkins, fourth grade teacher

Making Connections through Text Sets with Young Children, by Jennifer Griffith, first grade teacher

Encouraging Intertextual Thinking in the Classroom, by Kathryn Bolasky, third grade teacher

Re-Visioning the World through Multiple Perspectives, by Amy Edwards, fifth grade teacher

Taking Action with Young Children, by Jaquetta Alexander, second grade teacher

Exploring Action and Responsibility through Literature, by Jennifer Griffith, first grade teacher

Part 4: Exploring Taking Action

Young Children’s Explorations of Multiple Perspectives, by Jaquetta Alexander, second grade teacher

Taking Action through Emotional Connections, by Kathryn Tompkins, fourth grade teacher

Exploring Voice and Responsibility through Literature, by Kathryn Tompkins, fourth grade teacher

An Inquiry on Taking Action: Exploring Human Rights, by Jennifer Griffith, first grade teacher, and Derek R. Griffith, Filmmaker

Editor
Kathy G. Short, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Production Editor
Rebecca K. Ballenger, Worlds of Words

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

The second book in the new Made In series of riddle books, Riddle of the Nile features Baby Crocodile. His dream is to become king of the Nile, but first he must solve a baffling riddle. His search for the answer takes young readers through ancient myths and modern mosques to the Great Sphinx, the New Library of Alexandria, and other amazing sights. Based on the author’s visits to Egypt, this crocodile’s-eye view of this ancient land is illustrated with collages inspired by Egyptian art. Adding to the fun are brief notes, a map of the Nile, and a Pyramid Fortune Game to make and play.

Canadian Library Association Book of the Year, Honour Book Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction, Honour Book Mr. Christie Silver Book Award Ruth Schwartz Award, finalist Manitoba Young Readers_ Choice Award, nominee Rocky Mountain Book Award, nominee Before Micah came to St. Luc’s, he knew how to beg, how to steal, and how to run from a beating. He did not know how to comb his hair, walk in line when he felt like running, or obey anyone’s whim but his own. He was a stranger in a strange land. If it had been me, I would have found a way to disappear inside myself until the strangeness wore off. Micah was not like me. Henri has been living within abbey walls all his life, first in the care of nuns, then as a choirboy at St. Luc’s, not far from Paris. He expects to spend the rest of his life there, copying books in the Scriptorium with the other brothers, and singing Mass in the great cathedral. Then Micah arrives, a streetwise ragamuffin with the voice of an angel, saved from certain hanging to sing for God instead of coins. Micah comes like a fresh breeze into dead places, bringing exuberant joy at a time when Henri most needs it. For the plague is coming, the grim reaper that will slash at the very roots of Henri’s security. And neither Henri nor Micah nor anyone else in their world will ever be the same.

“Nelly’s voice rings true as she deals with friends, family, love, and religion. . . . This fast-paced work will grab readers from the start.” — SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNALNelly Sue Edelmeister knows exactly who she is: a skinny, brainy thirteen-year-old Berlin schoolgirl. But that’s before she develops a hopeless crush on a certain British royal. And it’s definitely before she meets the oddly attractive Maximilian Minsky, her last hope for making the basketball team before it heads off to England and she is virtually thrown into Prince William’s arms. Meanwhile, her parents’ bickering is stressing her out, as is her bat mitzvah looming ahead. Readers will relate to this funny, heartfelt tale of a determined teen as she makes some surprising discoveries about life, loss, love, and faith.

Charlie helps his little sister Lola discover that there is more than one extra-special book to be found in the library.