Imagine the Text

As the story is read aloud, ask students to create mental images of what the text is about. Have them share their ideas with the class. Reread the text to students, showing the pictures as the text is read aloud.

Illustrate a Phrase

Have students work in small groups (three or four students) to illustrate a phrase from the text. Post their illustrations when complete. Do a gallery walk to view each group’s illustration. Follow up this activity with a sharing circle. Curriculum connections: Arts /...

Front Cover Picture Walk

Show the front cover of the book to students with the title covered. Ask students to make predictions about what they think the book will be about and share their ideas with a partner. Uncover the title and pose the question again. Ask students to confirm their...

What Animal Would You Be?

Pose the following question to students: “If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?” The students can write or draw their response on a post-it note or a piece of paper. Post their responses on chart paper. Read the story aloud to students without...

Word Web

Brainstorm and create a word web of text genres titled “Things We Read.” Record ideas on chart paper or on the Smartboard. Examples: labels, recipes, fiction, ads, magazines, comics, nonfiction (biography, informational text), signs, poetry, graphic novels, chapter...