Here is my wish for all young childrenthat they too can experience a class as inspiring as Ranu's. Here is my wish for all teacherswhen you read The Castle in the Classroom, let Ranu's wise teaching be your guide. Georgia Heard ' The Castle in the Classroom describes a year in a kindergarten classroom as the children embark on literary exploration. Each child approaches the journey from a different perspectivesome are self-sufficient, others more hesitant; some are literary adventurers, others shyly reluctant. The detailed focus lessons throughout the book use the power of storiespersonal narratives, ' folktales, and fairy talesto deepen the literary experience so that reading and writing become as much a part of kindergarten as playing and pretending are.

As the book progresses through the year, teachers will find a wealth of resources, including practical models to teach strategies and skills; effective teaching schedules; ways to address, challenge, expand, and celebrate student learning; examples of student work; parent education materials; and ideas on how to manage assessment. By the end of the year, your studentslike those in Ranu's classwill have built on their love of storytelling to establish a strong literacy foundation.