The Toddler 1 students have been excitedly creating Picture Stories.  This instantly popular work involves several steps:  First, a student chooses an interesting picture from a basket and glues it onto a piece of lined paper.  Then he or she narrates a story about the picture, which the teacher transcribes using the student’s exact words.  This work encourages speech development, builds vocabulary and sharpens observational skills.  This material also proves a wonderful opportunity for the Toddlers to feel like “writers” when their words can be read back to them by a teacher or parent.