Deborah A. Rusnak, Canon-McMillan School District, Wylandville Elementary School, 1254 Route 519, Eighty Four, PA 15330, USA

Children's literature has come a long way since the days of Red Riding Hood, Peter and the Wolf, and the Three Little Pigs with regard to attitudes toward the wolf and wildlife in general. It is important that children learn at an early age that the perception of the wolf in these old tales are not based in realism.

As a result, I have developed a series of units that spotlight a different endangered species each month. These are integrated across the curriculum to enhance and supplement the material presented in each program.

For the past several years, March has been designated the "Month of the Wolf" in my classroom. Our current reading series contains the story, Lon Po Po, a Chinese retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood tale. To present a more balanced image of the wolf to my third graders, I use this story as a springboard into a unit on wolves that exposes the students to children's literature that portrays the wolf in a more positive light. I use both fiction and non-fiction stories. These include: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka, The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig by Eugene Trivisas, The First Dog by Jan Brett, and Julie's Wolf Pack and Look to the North: A Wolf Pup Diary by Jean Craighead George.

My poster display will include samples of original third grade student essays on various aspects of wolf behavior, habitat, and human attitudes toward wolves. These essays have also been colorfully illustrated by the children. In addition, I will have available for distribution a packet containing an excellent collection of resources which will include a bibliography of fiction and non-fiction children's books, lesson ideas, and activities that educators can take home and implement in their own classrooms.

My students have received quite a bit of recognition utilizing this approach to children's literature. Their wolf projects have been featured in several public displays including the school lobby, the administration office, and the local mall.

Children are the future. Their voices and their attitudes toward endangered species and the environment must be seen and heard.