Parent Participation and Publishing in Preschool

Parent Participation and Publishing in Preschool
Mar 15, 2002, 7:47am

When parents visit a classroom to share their special knowledge, everyone involved is enriched.

How do we express ourselves? This question is posed as a theme in preschool. A KGII class combined parent involvement with the question of self-expression for an interesting project. Mrs. Nathalie Hilal, a KGII mom, visited school with her business partners to present an assembly demonstrating one style of publishing a book. The three associates collaborate in their work, pooling individual talents to produce their end product – books. They work together as author, illustrator and artistic designer.
The subject of the preschool assembly is a story about a young girl shopping for a special birthday gift for her mother. In her search she acquires a magic goldfish. KGII teacher, Mrs. Sana Kaedbey, and her students borrowed the plot of Elena and her goldfish to write, illustrate and design their own version of the book. Each member of the class created a page with illustration and short narrative to tell the entire story.
The voluntary sharing of a parent’s particular expertise brings all kinds of enriching experiences into classrooms that are not available through any other means. This parent visit provided a springboard for further lessons, discussions and growth.

Two members of the publishing team demonstrate the beginning stages of creating a book.

Young publishers are hard at work on their version of Elena and her goldfish.

Students assemble the finished book and tell the story.

KKGII students and their teacher enjoy reading the book they published as a team.