Grace Lin inspires thinking about books as Windows and Mirrors

The students and I have been preparing for the visit from Grace Lin. Each grade has had a different set of lessons leading up to her visit (more on that in another blog post). The first week, the fourth graders and I shared an excerpt from When the Sea Turned to Silver. The students shared their connections, predictions, and ideas. The next week, the fourth graders watched the Tedx Talk by Grace Lin.

We paired this experience by breaking down and thinking about what Grace Lin shared after being recognized as a Champion of Change for Asian American and Pacific Islander Art and Storytelling. Grace believes, "Books erase bias, they make the uncommon everyday, and the mundane exotic. A book makes all cultures universal." (Grace Lin Press Kit)

I asked the students to share their connections to what Grace Lin was saying. Here's some of their thinking:

During browsing and borrowing the students shared books that would be mirrors -- books that would reflect their own unique experience. It was a pretty amazing to read what they wrote. I will use this knowledge as I build out the collection.

This week the students used TeachingBooks.net to learn about Grace Lin on their own. They could read, listen, or watch at their own pace. I loved how my library looked and sounded. These students were completely engaged. 

Practicing Inquiry: Questions for Grace Lin

Photo Credit: Alexandre Ferron

We are preparing for our visit from Grace Lin. The students' questions are indicative of how much they love her books. 

Which do you like best, writing words or making art?

When you write books, where do you start?

Why is Pinmei so much like a mouse?

How did you get the idea to connect Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, Starry River of the Sky, and When the Sea Turned to Silver?

What does it feel like to be an author?

How do you come up with your character's names?

How do you make descriptive writing?

How many drafts do you do?

What do you like about being an author?

Why is the Blue Bunny Bowl in all three stories?

How do you come up with your sayings?

Have any other authors inspired you?

Which is your favorite character in one of your books?

How long does it take you to write a book?

Will you make a second book about Minli?

What is your favorite part of Chinese folktales?

What part did you actually get in The Wizard of Oz?

Given the thoughtfulness of these questions, I think it is going to be a great visit!

Learning about art and writing from Kevin Hawkes

Kevin Hawkes is visiting with our first graders today! We've been reading his books in the library and the classrooms.

The students have been learning about his writing and his art.

They've been sharing their questions:

And today they got to meet him! The students learned about his inspirations, his writing process, and his art. It was a fabulous visit. Check it out!

Growing Gardens inspired by Grace Lin

The first graders and I are preparing for the visit from Grace Lin. Last week, we read some Ling and Ting stories together. The students especially loved Ling and Ting and The Funny Vegetables. Inspired by this story where Ting tries to plant cupcakes and jelly beans, they planted their own interesting gardens: 

money garden

Statue of Liberty garden

glasses garden

hot dog garden

people garden

ice cream 

iPhones

I asked the students to share what they would like to do if they had a chance to spend the afternoon with Ling and Ting. Looks like they would have some fun!

I asked the students to share what they know about Ling and Ting:

We love Ling and Ting!