Katonah - Lewisboro School District

  Kindergarteners have been doing a close reading of Mrs. Wishy-Washy, a series of books by Joy Cowley. Teachers read the books to the young students. The youngsters learned strategies like using picture clues to develop print awareness. They also painted pictures of the main characters, did word-searches of new vocabulary, and watched movies based on the books. The unit culminated in a kindergarten production for the entire student body and invited guests!

 “The Mrs. Wishy-Washy books by Joy Cowley are a kindergarten favorite and one of the mentor texts we use in our Teachers College Reading and Writing Program Units of Study for Reading,” said Kovatch—who plays Mrs. Wishy-Washy. “We use her books in class to teach the children to read and we bring her story to life on stage!  It is a wonderful collaboration.”

"I think one of the most important aspects of this play is that the children, teachers, and parents come together to work as a team. The end result is a wonderful experience that leaves everyone smiling happily and singing the songs,” said kindergarten teacher Amy Hoaglund.

"It always amazes me when I close the curtains following the final scene that a group of fifty-one five and six-year olds pulled it off,” said kindergarten teacher Jason Briggs—who plays Mr. Wishy-Washy. “None of this would have been possible had it not been for the weeks of patience and preparation that our music teacher, Melissa Richardson, invested into our little stars.”