Storymaking - by Michelle Kay Compton & Robin Chappele Thompson (Paperback)

About the Book

This first to market book introduces StoryMaking and the Makers Movement--a creative and technological revolution in education--young children through play to move them forward in their literacy learning.

Book Synopsis

Learning(R) Magazine 2020 Teachers' Choice℠ Award for Preschool winner!
2019 Midwest Book Award Winner in the Education category!

After studying the current research on literacy learning for young children, delving into the beliefs and schools of Reggio Emilia, and discovering the Maker Movement, the authors created StoryMaking. With great success, they implemented it in their diverse and large public school district. StoryMaking shares the processes, first steps, next steps, uses for materials, and lessons learned so teachers can implement their own versions in their classrooms. The book shares practical suggestions, student samples, photographs, anchor charts, and other forms of documentation.

Review Quotes

"Steeped in the philosophy and practices of the schools of Reggio Emilia, the StoryMaker framework is built on the belief that children are intelligent, creative, and resourceful and express their ideas, interests, and understanding through many different languages--in art, music, science, math, games and physical activities. These languages, and the individual differences they represent, give teachers a multitude of observation, planning, and assessment tools. . . a worthy system for integrating learning goals in all developmental domains." --Texas Child Care Quarterly

"The makerspace movement has gained traction in K-12 education but less in early education due in some measure to a lack of practical resources and ideas. This book looks to combine principles of story making and makerspaces to provide a foundation for STEAM learning in preschool settings. The StoryMaker cycle of imagine, play, make, and share supports the ability to conceptualize, brainstorm, create, and collaborate, which are critical to success in any area. . . a good resource for early education teachers looking for ways to expand their STEAM lessons." --Booklist

This approach uses story retelling, story creation, STEAM, and loose parts to encourage inquiry-based play to develop literacy." --Learning

"This unique text introduces StoryMaking as an approach to oral language development, learning, and pedagogy. It artfully blends children's natural desire to tinker and make sense of their world by connecting provocative learning spaces and intriguing loose parts; time to invent, create, imagine and intentional moments to share stories with others. Rich with examples, the authors provide an accessible insight into creating an inclusive culture of StoryMakers." --Lisa Daly, professor, early learning consultant and coauthor of the Loose Parts series

About the Author

As an educational consultant, Michelle Kay Compton has been in the educational field for 16 years and specializes in inquiry practices throughout the content areas with early learners up to children in the middle school years. She holds a master's degree in varying exceptionalities from the University of South Florida, and endorsed in gifted as well as reading and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). For the last 10 years, she has worked to design curriculum aligned to state and international standards. Michelle provides training to teachers within the district of Manatee County, FL as well as at the state, and national level related to reading and writing instruction, inquiry practices, and content area literacy.

Robin Chappele Thompson, PhD, has worked in education for 25 years. She has a master's degree in elementary education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement, certification in K-12 reading, certification in preschool education, and a PhD in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in childhood reading and language arts. She has been a teacher, a literacy coach, a curriculum coordinator, and an instructor at the University of South Florida. Currently, Robin works as the director of early learning in the school district of Manatee County, FL where curriculum design and implementation for PreK--2 has been a focus area for her work.