The Stories We Share

Transforming Ideas Into Impact

Stories are some of the most powerful tools we have for understanding the world and our place within it. They shape how children see themselves, connect with others, and make sense of new ideas. At WHPS, we believe the stories students encounter—whether in books, conversations, or experiences—ignite curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking.

That’s why we thoughtfully select the literature and resources in our school and use them to spark meaningful discussions. By engaging with diverse perspectives and exploring complex topics in developmentally appropriate ways, we prepare students to navigate a world that is both interconnected and ever-changing.

Questions like whether schools should restrict books or how to navigate sensitive topics are just some of the important ideas we explore with intention.

Read more about how stories shape learning at WHPS.

• Should Schools Restrict Books?

  The question of restricting books in schools has sparked national debate. We believe in a thoughtful, intentional approach that ensures students encounter literature that is both developmentally appropriate and reflective of diverse experiences.

  Books provide powerful opportunities for children to see themselves and others. As Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, often called the “mother of multicultural children’s literature,” explained, great books serve as mirrors, windows, and sliding glass doors—helping us understand who we are, connect with others, and imagine new possibilities.

  Exposure to diverse stories does more than broaden perspectives; it helps fight bias and racism by normalizing different experiences and showing the humanity we all share. When children see themselves reflected in literature, it validates their identity. When they see others represented, it builds empathy and understanding, breaking down harmful stereotypes.

  Even a little ambient representation in literature can go a long way. When children encounter a variety of family structures, cultures, and abilities naturally integrated into the stories they read, it broadens their understanding of the world. It also ensures that when students meet peers with different life experiences, they’re not encountering those differences for the first time. By normalizing diversity in books, children learn to see people as familiar rather than “other.”

  Many of the best books for young children gently include this kind of representation without turning every story into a formal “lesson on diversity.” This thoughtful integration fosters empathy while keeping the focus on meaningful storytelling.

  We also involve students in reviewing classroom libraries, helping them recognize potential biases and develop critical awareness about the stories they read. This not only builds analytical skills but also empowers students to see literature as one of many tools for understanding and shaping the world.

• Tackling Big Questions

  Children’s natural curiosity often leads them to ask big questions about the world around them. Whether sparked by a book, a news story, or an overheard conversation, these questions deserve thoughtful, age-appropriate responses.

  For example, when wildfires recently affected our community, students wanted to understand why these events happen and how people and nature recover. Younger students explored how firefighters help, while older students examined environmental resilience and the long-term impact on ecosystems. These discussions not only provided answers but modeled how to approach complex topics with curiosity and care.

  In upper elementary grades, students read texts like A Young People’s History of the United States, which provides age-appropriate context about the experiences of marginalized groups in early America. This text serves as a springboard for deeper discussions, helping students connect historical events to modern issues with a more nuanced perspective.

  When sensitive topics arise—such as immigration, historical inequities, or puberty—we are intentional about keeping families informed. We share how we plan to handle these discussions, anticipate potential questions, and explain how we’ll respond. This transparency not only equips parents to continue the conversations at home but also ensures that all discussions remain age-appropriate and aligned with the values of partnership and trust.

• Building Respectful Conversations

  The way children take in information today extends far beyond books. From using ChatGPT for research to questioning what they hear in the news, students must learn to think critically about the stories and messages they encounter.

  At school, we actively teach these skills through Accountable Talk norms, where students learn to engage respectfully, ask thoughtful questions, and analyze information critically. Prompts like “Can you explain that further?” or “I see your point, but what about…?” encourage them to articulate their thoughts while listening to others with an open mind.

  These skills go beyond the classroom. By practicing critical inquiry and constructive dialogue, students are better equipped to navigate a world flooded with information, discern credible sources, and form their own informed perspectives. This ability to think critically and consume information responsibly is essential for their future as engaged citizens and leaders.

• Teaching for Transfer

  Education isn’t just about preparing students to answer comprehension questions at the end of a test. One of our guiding principles is teaching for transfer—helping students connect what they’re learning to real-world applications.

  For younger children, this might mean applying new vocabulary to describe observations in the garden or using math concepts during a hands-on project. For older students, it could involve analyzing historical events to understand current issues or designing experiments to test scientific hypotheses. By connecting lessons to life, we foster problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability—skills that serve students well in any future endeavor.

• A Transparent Partnership

  Engaging with sensitive topics or current events requires a proactive and transparent approach. When we plan to discuss a sensitive subject or anticipate that something might arise—whether related to history, current events, or personal development—we strive to partner with families from the start. We share how these discussions will be handled at school, explain how we’ll respond to children’s questions, and provide expert guidance to help families continue the conversation at home in a way that aligns with their unique values.

  This proactive communication fosters trust and collaboration, ensuring families feel informed and supported. By working together, we create an open and respectful environment where children can safely explore complex ideas, knowing their families and school are aligned in supporting their growth.

  By prioritizing transparency, expert input, and collaboration, we help children process the world around them with confidence and empathy, building a strong foundation for meaningful learning and understanding.

The world our students will inherit demands adaptability, critical thinking, innovation, and the courage to make a difference. By carefully curating the stories they encounter and equipping them with the tools to question, reflect, and engage thoughtfully, we prepare them not just for academic success but for purposeful, compassionate lives as leaders and changemakers.

Every book, conversation, and experience we share lays the foundation for shaping resilient problem-solvers, empathetic collaborators, and bold innovators who are ready to navigate and transform the world.