April 17th, 2016

I'm excited to share some stories the children have been authoring during journal time (after lunch).  Enjoy these little gems and I look forward to sharing more in the days ahead. 

Also see the "Steppers Stories by Steppers Kids" basket located on the cubbies in the hallway.  These illustrated stories are collaborative works by children and myself that grow out of our art play in the mornings.

During reading sessions, I point out various features of book-writing, for example, how the title gives a hint about the story; the way the pictures add additional information to the story that the words do not tell on their own.  And, that many authors dedicate their work to someone important in their life.  "Like Mommy!" exclaimed Esther.

As you read the stories you will notice how authors borrow from each other's ideas.  Or you might notice how a particular author revisits a theme over and over again.  Some authors like to tell multiple stories using the same familiar characters.  Others like to mash up the stories in their head with their friends.

The children have been showing their humor by intentionally NOT making the story title fit with the story. They absolutely delight in how Nina and JoJo turn up in all kinds of crazy contexts.  And belly laugh when they realize they have the power to turn their turn older siblings into little babies.  

There is lots more to notice about the story-work we are doing but I'm ready to get out in the sunshine.  Know that we love to read these stories over and over again at Steppers.  Children ask for specific tales and correct me when I misread something or skip a line by accident just as they would do with a beloved popular author.

 I have arranged the stories by Author below in a PDF format.  The stories are raw and reflect the children's own voices without editing.