Earlier today, I posted an article to Two Wring Teachers on “crowdsourcing” as a tool for story building and revision.
When I read the post to my fourth grade students (the subject of my article) I could see their nods and smiles as confirmation that, together, we did a GREAT THING. Even my most rugged individualists conceded their work wouldn’t have been the same quality of they hadn’t relied on other minds.
I count that as an absolute, total, 100%, holy-cow-time-for-a-high-five WIN.
I also had some inspiration for our cover.
Whatif we named our book after A Color of His Own, Leo Lionni’s tale of friendship and belonging?
And whatif the cover were visual evidence of our learning, both about Leo Lionni and about the power of collective effort?
Folks, I give you…OUR COVER REVEAL:
To say I’m proud would be an understatement.
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 
It is great that you read your article to your students and that recognize the value of what you and they did. The cover is an anthology in itself.
Thanks! I was so pleased with how it turned out!
It is a GREAT post and I was going to write to you to complement you/ thank you for your ideas and voice.
I love the idea of your students celebrating your post. Know that my students, beginning teachers an I also celebrate your post.
Thanks so much, Anita. It means the world to hear that. I guess that’s all we can ask of one another, to celebrate our ideas and voices together. =))
The cover is gorgeous, and I’m so happy you shared your TWT post with them! They’re probably so proud they’re helping to teach teachers!
You should have seen their faces when I read them the article! And after that, I read them my Slice about the cover. They were over the MOON!
Mrs. Levin’s 4th Grade Class, that is a beautiful cover! High five to you and your students. They are lucky to have you.
Gorgeous!! The book cover artwork AND the life lesson of working together…we can accomplish anything with a true collaborative spirit. The kids’ joy comes through. These are the moments that we know we are doing exactly what we are meant to do, friend.