First grade is wrapping up our very special second Wit and Wisdom unit, Module 1: A World of Books. This unit helps students fall in love with reading and discover how books can change their lives. Through stories from around the world, students are learning that books don’t just tell stories—they open doors to imagination, knowledge, and endless possibilities.

Our journey began with Tomás and the Library Lady, the story of a young boy who discovers the magic of books with the help of a kind librarian. Students practiced retelling the story using key elements, including character, setting, problem, and resolution, while learning how reading can spark curiosity and hope.

Next, we read Waiting for the Biblioburro, where a girl named Ana discovers that libraries can travel, and that the special library that came to her remote village traveled on the backs of donkeys. Inspired by the biblioburro, a traveling donkey library, and her love of stories, Ana begins to write her own book, showing that reading can inspire us to become writers too.

We then explored My Librarian Is a Camel and That Book Woman, discovering how children around the world access books in creative ways—by camel, elephant, wheelbarrow, and even on horseback! These stories remind us that no matter where we live, books have the power to reach us and transform our lives.

Throughout this unit, students have practiced retelling stories, expanded their vocabulary, explored parts of speech, and deepened their appreciation for reading. They have also practiced writing responses to the books, with their reflections growing longer and more confident after each story.

As we conclude our journey through A World of Books, we’re learning that reading isn’t just a skill, it’s a gift that connects us, teaches us, and helps us see the world in new ways.