Once again Vivian Paley takes us into the inquiring minds and the dramatic worlds of young children learning in the kindergarten classroom.
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reviews
Dec 12, 2009
Kelly
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I first read "The Girl with the Brown Crayon" eight or ten years ago, when I was still in my teacher training program. (Since then I have also read "White Teacher," "Kwanzaa and Me," and "You Can't Say You Can't Play" -- all equally valuable books.) Every time I come back to Paley's work, I am pleasantly reminded of the refreshing, lighthearted, and easy-to-read style with which she writes. Her gift, in this and all her books, is the ability to honor th
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Dec 20, 2009
Sarah
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The girl with the brown crayon is an interesting and educational book, great for anyone interested in child development, education, or if you just want a good read. Vivian Gussin Paley gives an interesting look at both the classroom and ideas and feelings of the students inside. Paley’s teaching styles along with her love for the children in her class shine through and help us to understand what it is to be a good teacher.
The book brings us in to a Kindergarten class room where Paley i More...
The book brings us in to a Kindergarten class room where Paley i More...
Jan 05, 2011
Amy
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This was my favorite of all her books so far. She tells about her last year teaching, a girl named Reeny, and spending the whole year studying Leo Lionni books. Reeny has incredible insight and literary instinct for a kindergartener. She is also an amazing leader, and it is inspiring to read what Paley takes from the whole experience.
She and I both relate to Tico, and I also appreciate the way the books bring the class together. I've had that happen, and miss it this year.
She and I both relate to Tico, and I also appreciate the way the books bring the class together. I've had that happen, and miss it this year.
Dec 29, 2008
evelyn
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reading this book made me miss teaching, then i realized that no matter how hard i tried i was never going to reach macarthur genius grant levels of teaching like paley did (literally--the woman won a macarthur grant), so i didn't feel quite so bad anymore. this is probably my favorite book of her's so far because it deals almost exclusively with her classes relationship with leo lionni, who was my favorite growing up. this is some heartwarming shit right here, people.
Feb 27, 2009
Lindsay
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This book is adorable. Little 5yr old Reeny is better at finding meaning in the books of Leo Lionni then I am, but I suppose I'm not surprised, children are good like that. This short and easy read is a wonderful true account of one teacher's year in a classroom (with a curriculum focused on Lionni's books) and illustrates how children use stories to make meaning of their lives (and find meaning in books due to life experience). So cute!
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Sep 07, 2009
Jane
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I read this book some years ago. I still think about it when I encounter a Leo Lioni book. I loved how Vivian Paley had the strength to go with what inspired her class rather than stick to her curriculum. The richness of the experience, the depth of the discussions was amazing. A lovely tribute to the power of literature.
Jun 29, 2009
Toby
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A quick review of Vivian Gussin Paley's last year in the classroom, which was shaped by her kindergartners identification wih Leo Lionni's books and characters. Subtitled: How children use stories to shape their lives, the book reminds us how important picture books can be in a child's development.
Jan 29, 2011
Meagan
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Loved this as I love all of her books. In GWTBC Paley writes about the preservation and formation of children's ethnic identity in the kindergarten classroom. Also, an amazing example of small children's ability to really engage with literature on a thoughtful and critical level.
Mar 17, 2010
Debbie (Readerbuzz)
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Who knows why, but I wasn’t crazy about this book either. I thought I would love it, but it seemed to be a very personal account of a teacher’s last year, focusing especially on her encounter with one special student who led the class in a love for the books of Leo Lionni.
Jul 30, 2009
Molly
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Highly recommended to anyone interested in child development, education, or just book lovers. A beautiful reminder of how important it is for children to play, just play, and how they bond through stories, and how children's books are so important in reinforcing both of those ideas.
Feb 09, 2010
dirt
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One of the most inspiring teacher books I have read. Ms. Gussin Paley does a fantastic job of bringing you in and letting you imagine yourself as the teacher. I constantly found similarities between her students and my own. I am super excited to check out her other books, especially Bad Guys Don't Have Birthdays: Fantasy Play at Four.
Jul 25, 2008
Kayla
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I had to read this for my Children's Literature class and it was absolutely delightful. About a teacher (the author Vivian Paley) who spends a whole year studying Leo Lionni. My class was also asked to read Lionni's books and I have since then bought some to add to my personal collection. A good read for someone aspiring to be a teacher or work with kids.
Nov 07, 2009
SerahRose
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This is an essential read for all early childhood educators and parents. Paley shows us how to learn from your students, embrace the individuality of students, and encourage them to learn along with you. She is respectful in every way and a wonderful writer.
Next up, The Boy Who Would be A Helicopter
Next up, The Boy Who Would be A Helicopter
Jul 19, 2011
Jessica
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As a result of little Reenie and the other kids in Paley's classroom narrative, I've given friends Frederick books on their birthdays, dressed my boyfriend as a dreamer-mouse for Halloween, and otherwise had my perspective reskewed in favor of whoever's gathering colors.
Jul 03, 2008
Lexish
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As a former teacher, I loved all the books by this author. During the times when I wasn't teaching, it was like jumping back into the classroom and being there to observe the children the author describes. Definitely recommended for those interested in teaching.
Jun 29, 2008
Erica
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a book that makes me glad I teach--a lighter read about a star second grader who latches onto the characters she reads about and connects them to her life. The kind of kid that teaches us plenty.
Jan 20, 2008
Emily
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This book follows the year-long literary exploration of author Leo Lionni by a kindergarten class. One girl, the only black girl in the class, is particularly bright and leads the journey.
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