Hello The Magic Pencil Curriculum Guide was prepared to accompany the engagingly didactic novel for youth, The Magic Pencil. "TMP" is the only book discussing African American English and code-switching from a young person's view point. The Magic Pencil is both a mirror book as well as a window book. It's purpose is to uplift and inspire youth toward greater literacy by letting them see themselves and their peers in literature. This Guide will help the instructor introduce the book almost immediately once she has it in her hands It summarizes each chapter with teaching suggestions and stimulating questions following. OBJECTIVES To encourage the uninspired, reluctant and discouraged reader to develop the desire to read for pleasure. To develop the desire to read for greater knowledge. To increase self-esteem; especially within African American/black youth. To remove the stigma applied to African American/black people when they use colloquial language. To recognize all people engage in this behavior. To understand that there are special and new words used when one is a part of a particular group (the language among computer technicians, for example) which may or may not become known among the general population. To increase vocabulary by creating a desire to know exactly what a particular word means and how it relates to what is occurring. To demonstrate the opportunities available by learning how to effectively navigate unfamiliar territory not just through "traditional" education. To honor the "first/home/community" language of the speaker and to realize s/he is articulate within that language. To, thereby, foster a willingness in the person to adopt other ways of speaking while retaining his or her present mode of speech -- if desired and needed. To become respectful and tolerant of the differences in others. To focus on the commonalities between self and others. To foster self-respect, self-determination and self-reliance. To learn how to constructively debate over preferences and beliefs. To learn to be empathetic towards another's problems. To work together for the greater good. To feel hopeful about the future. You will understand what the author's intentions are and will be able to mold them into what is best for your learners."