This week's prize picnic topic is storytelling. I am not a great make up your own story person, but my family loves read alouds. With my big boy starting preschool next week (!!!) we have been dedicating reading time to some great "get ready for school" books. Here are some of my favorites.
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn (be in the right state of emotion for this one, I almost always cry...)
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
(can you tell I really love Keven Henkes books?)
Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London
David Goes to School by David Shannon
Margaret and H.A. Rey's Curious George's First Day of School
If You Take A Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
Leo the Late Bloomer by Robert Kraus
Lastly, we have been LOVING the Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park. We are currently reading number three in the series. I only read a few chapters a day, so it's not overwhelming. Then, before we read the next day, we review what was going on before. Even though Junie B. is a bit naughty, it has actually been a springboard into some great discussions about what we should do to behave.
Reading aloud is a great way to bond with your children. It encourages them to talk about their own feelings and emotions. It shows your children that you love reading and encourages them to read on their own. Little ones can read favorite stories by turning the pages and retelling the story in their own words. Those starting to read can follow along and read a special word with you (for example, have them read all of the "my's" in the book), or stop an sound out one or two words along the way. Chapter books are a great tool for encouraging sharper listening skills and promoting imagination as they have to see the pictures in their minds. Happy reading! Hop over to ABC's and 123's for more storytelling ideas.
I've actually been wanting a list of back to school books. I know some of the ones you listed from my days of teaching. Can you recommend any for my almost 3 year old who might be going to preschool in October?
ReplyDeleteI'm not much for spontaneous storytelling either!
My youngest loves the David Goes to School book so much she has it memorized!
ReplyDeleteCasey at The Wonder Years
Thanks for sharing so many fun books. We bought David Goes to School for Gavin on his first day of preschool. He loves David and all his naughty antics. Oh dear...
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how the kids are drawn to Junie B. When I was teaching it was every child's goal to be able to read "Junie B Chapter Books." Now, that was really making progress;) Too bad Junie B has goofy grammar and a lot of sass:)
This is a great list of books! Anna and I read some of them, but not all. One book that I would add to this list is "D.W's Guide to Preschool" by Marc Brown. We are big Arthur fans here (books, not movies). Good luck starting preschool.
ReplyDeleteMy manny loves all of the Froggy books. He is our last and I plan on reading picture books as long as possible.
ReplyDeleteReading aloud was something my mom always did for my brothers and sisters and I as a child, it's great you're doing it with your children!
ReplyDeleteAWE! Did I miss this one?!? Grrr Oh well!
ReplyDeleteGreat books! I think I should check some of those out from the library
Annette, if your 3yo is a worrier, Wemberly Worried is perfect, also Froggy is a fun read-aloud.
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