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 perspective -- some are self-sufficient, others more hesitant; some are literary adventurers, others shyly reluctant. The detailed focus lessons throughout the book use the power of stories -- personal narratives, folktales, and fairy tales -- to 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 students -- like those in Ranu's class -- will have built on their love of story-telling to establish a strong literacy foundation.