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EMPATHIZE
    During this stage, students developed a deeper understanding of the topic.  We took out several books from the school and public library that used numbers to tell a story or that explored counting.  We created anchor charts to identify the particularities of each type of book.  We also discussed our feelings about each book in relation to the artwork, the story line, our interest level and why we would reread the book.

DEFINE
   At this time, students identified what the key features of books that are published.  They also talked about the needs of the readers in the library and the types of books that the library could use more of.    As a group, we developed a problem sentence that would encompass whichever type of book the students created. 
 We came up with this problem:  We will create a real math number book that can be displayed in the library for other students to enjoy or be taken home to enjoy.

IDEATE

    At this stage, we had our older mentors come in and help us to translate our thoughts into a visual brainstorm.  The idea was that students choose 1 number and create a sample page of the book.  This stage went much better than I anticipated.  Students and mentors were able to come up with several different samples of the book they would like to create.  Some developed stories to go along with their samples.  Many came up with 4-6 different types of books that could be written.  The mentors and the teachers encouraged students to come up with many different solutions.  A group discussion ensued and groups went back and finalized their idea for their book.

PROTOTYPE
   Now the fun begins!   Students worked independently to create one sample page from their book.  Students created books of all shapes and sizes.  Some students created storybooks and some created books that explained each number.  They did a fabulous job of showing the number in many different ways as they tied in their numeracy workshop learning.  Once students had a sample page they shared it with their mentor to receive constructive feedback.  The mentor then helped the student gather the supplies they needed to complete their book.

TEST
     During this last stage, we invited several guest authors to join us give us feedback to improve our book for the publishing stage.  The students loved having "real authors" join us!  They also realized that authors can be parents, grandparents, teacher, police officers and published authors.
    Once the books were complete with illustrations, words and laminating the students were ready to take their books to the library.  We also color copied their book 5 times so that there were plenty of copies available for the library patrons.   Barcodes were also affixed to their books.  Once the books were ready to go we had a unveiling celebration.  We invited another kindergarten class to join us.  The book authors took the time to do a "book push".  Imagine their delight as their books were checked out of the library for several months. 



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