The Whole Book Approach is a tool developed by Megan Dowd Lambert that evaluates the picture book as the sum of its parts in order to understand how text, art, and design work together to form an artistic whole. This critical engagement with the picture book establishes a foundation to then create interactive picture book reading experiences with children that emerges as facilitated discussions rather than traditional read aloud times.
Ultimately, The Whole Book Approach acknowledges that while the adult reads text aloud, children are reading pictures and design. It gives children the time, space, and vocabulary needed to articulate their visual readings and bring them into dialog with the oral text.
Here's how the class works: twice a week a picture book will be introduced with an age-appropriate focus on its aesthetic or creative merits. When the teacher reads the book, children will have opportunities to answer/ask questions and comment about what they hear and see. Book reading and discussion will be followed by a review where we will revisit observations found at the start of the session.
So join us as we shake up story time, because welcoming children to talk about art and design affirms that we care about what they have to say, which empowers them to take risks in their learning.
Makeup policy:
> Due to the nature of this class, a makeup class can not be accommodated.
Refund policy:
> This is an ongoing class. You are charged weekly and can stop your registration at any time. However, if you have paid for a session and that session is canceled I will work with you to ensure that you are properly refunded.
Additional details:
> Materials Needed:
- 2 sheets of white paper - 1 red marker - color pencils, markers, and/or crayons - #2 pencils
Class policies:
> During each class, microphones will remain unmuted to facilitate open dialog. However, participants microphones will be muted by the instructor if they have excessive background noise, continuously speak over other participants, or cause other disruptions to the flow of class. Any muted participant can still participate by using the raise your hand function on the zoom platform.
Upcoming Schedule for A Whole Book Approach Story Time
Jess Play Learning Programs foster engaging, creative, and playful virtual learning experiences in a variety of topics that help children spark imagination, express creativity, celebrate individuality, and build self-esteem.
Jessica is a passionate early learning educator with 11 years of experience teaching in the field of early childhood education and has a background in child development. She created Jess Play Learning Programs because her experience has taught her that with proper guidance facilitated by engaging adults, play can act as a conduit for learning.
Jess Play's inaugural program, The Whole Book Approach Story Time with Ms. Jessica, aims to empower children 4 to 8 years old with the time, space, and vocabulary needed to articulate their visual readings and bring them into dialog with the oral text found in picture books.