Synopses & Reviews
Out of his years of experience in working with children, Zingher identifies some of the powerful and evocative themes of childhood, and explores why these touch children so deeply. He encourages professionals who work with children in school, camp, club and library settings to consider using these themes to develop thoughtful and creative programs and units of study. Included are recommended books and videos that illustrate each theme, questions for discussion, possible starting points (readalouds, stories to be told, sensory experiences, interesting objects etc), follow-up activities, and examples of fully described and developed thematic journeys. In this time of standards and accountability, this book reminds us of the joy of teaching and learning, and the power of the imagination.
Review
"In his approach to creating theme-based activities using writing, art, drama, music, and other techniques with children, Zingher advocates clustering picture books, fiction, poetry, and films around nontraditional topic to spark student-directed creative journeys. In lively prose, he describes the evolution of this approach and suggests ideas for launching imaginative exploration….For each entry, Zingher includes an exhaustive list of books, films, and other works. While the author's awe-inspiringly experimental approach may prove overwhelming to novices since he offers limited guidance on implementation and relies on older works, it may inspire veteran school or public librarians to explore these themes and classic works in new and broader dimensions." - School Library Journal
Review
"Drawing on the column he wrote for School Library Media Activities Monthly called Thematic Journeys, Zingher describes important childhood themes, how to encourage children to explore them, and how to develop corresponding programs in the classroom, library, after- school center, and playroom. He provides examples of using themes in various settings, from classroom to camp to the hospital, and ways to explore the themes of entrances and exploration. Each example is accompanied by a list of resources consisting of books, films, and videos. Zingher has worked with children in a variety of capacities, among them library media specialist and play therapist." - Reference & Research Book News
Synopsis
A wealth of creative library program ideas.
Lists of theme-based books and videos.
Activity ideas.
Insights into student thematic journeys.
Inspirational—the joy in learning.^LGrades K-6
About the Author
GARY ZINGHER has engaged children in thematic journeys in a number of settings. He has been the library media specialist at Corlears School, Manhattan Country School, and Bank Street College Children's School
Table of Contents
Foreword by Augustus Trowbridge
Preface
Embarking with Children on Thematic Journeys
Experimenting with Themes in Different Settings
The Power and Magic of Entrances
The Child as Everyday Explorer
A Few Reflections
Biography