Castle in the Classroom: Story as a Springboard for Early Literacy

Here is my wish for all young childrenthat they too can experience a class as inspiring as Ranu's. Here is my wish for all teacherswhen you read The Castle in the Classroom, let Ranu's wise teaching be your guide. Georgia Heard ' The Castle in the Classroom describes a year in a kindergarten classroom as the children embark on literary exploration. Each child approaches the journey from a different perspectivesome are self-sufficient, others more hesitant; some are literary adventurers, others shyly reluctant. The detailed focus lessons throughout the book use the power of storiespersonal narratives,' folktales, and fairy talesto deepen the literary experience so that reading and writing become as much a part of kindergarten as playing and pretending are.

As the book progresses through the year, teachers will find a wealth of resources, including practical models to teach strategies and skills; effective teaching schedules; ways to address, challenge, expand, and celebrate student learning; examples of student work; parent education materials; and ideas on how to manage assessment. By the end of the year, your studentslike those in Ranu's classwill have built on their love of storytelling to establish a strong literacy foundation.

Ranu Bhattacharyya has worked as a kindergarten teacher, fourth-grade teacher, and literacy leader at American and International schools in Belgium, China, India, and Japan. She currently teaches at the American School in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In addition to teaching, Ranu speaks at conferences about building reading and writing skills.