Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

• Story book

Preparation for Activity

• Choose a story from the following suggestions:

  • Wind by Marion Dane Bauer, 2003. Though you can't see the wind, you can certainly feel it when it blows! But where does the wind come from? (Note: This author also wrote Rain, Clouds, and Snow.)
  • Big Snow by Jonathan Bean, 2013. While "helping" his mother with holiday housecleaning, a boy keeps a watchful eye on the progress of a winter storm. He's hoping for a big snow!
  • Maisy's Wonderful Weather Book by Lucy Cousins, 2011. Whether it's snowy, rainy, or sunny, readers can explore the natural world with Maisy and find out how wonderful weather can be!
  • Hi, Koo! by Jon J. Muth, 2014. This book of seasons features Stillwater, the Zen Panda, sharing 26 Haiku poems.
  • Clouds by Anne Rockell, illustrated by Frane Lessac, 2008. Do you ever wake up and wonder what the weather will be? Instead of turning on the TV to find out, you can just look out your window at the clouds.
  • Little Cloud by Eric Carle, 1996. Little Cloud drifts away from his wispy friends and entertains himself by changing into a variety of forms-a lamb, an airplane, a shark, a clown, etc.-before joining the others to form one big cloud that rains.
  • A Starlit Snowfall by Nancy Willard, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, 2011. "My cave is big enough for two!" a bear declares to a rabbit, inviting his small friend to share his den through the longest, coldest season.
  • The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, 1963. This Caldecott Medal winner is the simple tale of a boy waking up to discover that snow has fallen during the night. The Snowy Day was the first full-color picture book to feature a young black hero, another reason to add this classic to your shelves. It's as unique and special as a snowflake.
• Review How to Read a Story Book, under Resources in the Introduction.

Description of Activity

Hold up the book and say, in these words or your own:

Here's how I am going to read the story. Does anyone need to move so they can see and hear?

This will help the children move if they need to and then get settled before the story is started, so they don't interrupt the reading. It also serves as a reminder that if they place themselves right in front of the pages, they may block others' view. When all are ready, read the story. When you finish reading, ask if anyone has thoughts about the story that they would like to share.

Including All Participants

Seat a child with hearing or sight difficulties near the reader.