StoryMaking: The Maker Movement Approach to Literacy for Early Learners

Well thought out book, we need more :)

StoryMaking is one of the books that belongs in the hands of every early childhood educator! The authors' unique approach to STREAM (STEM, plus Art, PLUS Reading/Literacy) highlights what many teachers have known to be true for decades: young children naturally integrate all of these adult concepts through their playful explorations of the world around them. The trick is to do this in an environment that extends their thinking and imaginings and that provides the teacher with opportunities to scaffold the childrens' ideas and stories into the skills they are joyfully developing.This book provides a concrete and specific framework for teachers to do just that. Based on solid theories of child development and the authors' extensive experiences with young children, StoryMaking shows teachers how to plan and implement cutting edge STEM/Makerspaces in their classroom, while nurturing young children's natural way of making everything a story AND documenting the whole process for child-centered assessment. The clear StoryMaking Cycle framework they provide for both creating classroom maker spaces from simple materials and supporting children's learning in these spaces will help every teacher create a classroom that honors children's innate love of learning through play while supporting the development of skills critical to life and school success.I love the way the authors show how to morph classroom centers like blocks, dramatic play and art into Maker Spaces, and offer a specific "recipe" for the basic ingredients of a quality of Maker Space, including categorized loose parts and "attachments." While I have always incorporated some version of making/tinkering into my classroom, having this clear format will make it so much easier to do it more intentionally and effectively. A must read for everyone who works with young children!

I have used this book for several years in my pre-k classroom - and I love everything about it. I am a firm believer that children learn best through play, and this book let me incorporate all of my centers into the story making process. My students were able to play with materials and move around the classroom - all while “building” their story. My biggest take away from this book was that I needed to document each child’s story. My preferred method was through either photographs or videos - which I would then use to conference with each child as they told me their story. The smiles on the students faces as they shared their stories with classmates was priceless. Children learn best through play - and the StoryMakers approach makes it so much fun!!

Oh I could not move this more!Wonderfully writtenBeautifully illustrated with real photographs and samplesVoices from the field snippets are greatI’ve done foil sculptures for years- kids love them and they do springboard storiesSuch a positive bookLove the wonder of the week piece!

This book beautifully laid how how to incorporate makers movement and storytelling into my already in place centers. I loved the real life examples and the storymaking focus lessons are going to help me a ton!

This book is one of the most helpful professional books that I have read in my 30 years of teaching. It is set up so you can learn the how's and why's of the Maker's movement. Also, It gives clear examples of ways to use it in a classroom. It's a great investment for you as the teacher and your students. You won't be disappointed.

StoryMaking is a well thought out book which incorporates STREAM as well as the story making cycle of imagine, make, play and share. It is a best practice approach in which young children thrive best! Kudos to The authors!

This book is beautifully laid out and it is evident that the authors take great pride in their work and have a passion to inspire others! I feel creating maker spaces is very important in my early childhood classroom and this book will help me improve my approach.