My Grandfather's Journey

When I was teaching fifth grade, I read this book aloud to my students. They were captivated by the story line ... intrigued by keenly his dilemma of a dual identity, walking the tightrope between cultures.

Coincidentally, we'd read an excerpt from another story just a few days before and inspiration struck. As a class, we thought it would be fun to interview a grandparent or older friend or relative in an effort to get a glimpse into their past. We thereby came up with a list of questions to ask - hoping to get insight into how our lives were different in regards to technology, the chores the children were expected to take part in, opportunities available to young people.

This lens is the first of many that will highlight how I've used children's literature (particularly picture books) to engage and teach.