How much has our focus on the mechanics of numeracy and literacy in our schools driven out the sense of joy that comes from creative activity, including reading for pleasure?
Rt. Hon. Chris Smith MP (Chairman) Man Booker Prize for Fiction, Speech 19th October 2004.
It was refreshing to read a book like Magic Wanda and the Gardener - having the DVD tie in with the story is a really original idea. Debby Gould, Librarian, London
My staff showed the Sculpture DVD to the 3-5's last week, firstly the staff thought it was fabulous, and loved it very much. The children adored Wanda and quickly pointed her out in each picture. They reacted immediately to the music and began jigging up and down in their seats! They asked about a spatula which surprised me. The music, tonal range and gorgeous graphics had them hooked
Rachael - Manager, Nursery and Primary Staff, London
Following a gas leak in the Montessori, the children were evacuated - yet that afternoon, when the mayhem subsided, the entire Montessori class sat absolutely engrossed by Magic Wanda and the Sculptor. It silenced a room of 3 - 4 year olds. Even the A-level art students loved the dragons!
Montessori readings (3-4 yrs) at St Christopher School, Letchworth, Hertfordshire - Anne
They enjoyed the story and listened very attentively - they asked for it a second time. "why are they holding hands when they fly" asked one child "because they're pretending to be aeroplanes" responded another. The overall response from 5 yr olds is one of intense concentration. They seem to really pay attention.
Read to rising 4 yr olds at St Christopher School, Letchworth, Hertfordshire - Eleanor
Children will love reading the story in this beautifully illustrated picture book and listening to it read aloud on the DVD. Offering a wealth of creative activities and stimulating experiences, this is the first book in what promises to be a delightful series.
Teaching and Learning Magazine; July/August 2005 under Key Stages 1&2 Rewarding Reading.
They enjoyed the story and listened very attentively - they asked for it a second time. 'why are they holding hands when they fly' asked one child 'because they're pretending to be aeroplanes' responded another.
Read to rising 4 yr olds at St Christopher School, Letchworth, Hertfordshire - Eleanor.
To my knowledge, this project is unique -- don’t know of anything else on the market that is designed to stimulate children’s imaginations
Carolyn Handler Miller, author of Digital Storytelling.
