Before I tell you about Mrs. Hausman's visit today, I want to briefly share some information about special books called, "Kindergarten Star Books". Star books are books that are chosen because of their strong narrative story elements (characters, setting, problem, events, and solution), simply put, they are GREAT stories to listen to and to "read". The books are introduced to the children one at a time. Beginning the first day of school, star books are shared with the children during read aloud time. The same story is shared at least 4 times over a 2 week period, introducing about 4 new books in a month. This process allows the children to become very familiar with each story. Careful attention is given to reading each story intonation and lots of enthusiasm and, before very long, the students are reading along with the teacher for much of the book!
Once the children have heard a star book several times and are very familiar with the stories, they get to choose to "read" the stories during our beginning sessions of Reading Workshop... a real treat for children who are not yet reading conventionally.
When she was finished she gave each student a gingerbread decorated pencil... THANK YOU Mrs. Hausman!