Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

• Story book

Preparation for Activity

• Choose a story from the following suggestions:

  • The Rainbow Book by Kate Ohrt, 2011. This book explores the relationship between colors and the sentiments they might inspire. Does yellow suggest happiness? Is blue peaceful? Each turn of the page reveals another color, leading to a bright rainbow of feelings.
  • A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman, 1978. A young child tries to catch a rainbow, outside and inside, in this enduring classic.
  • Ruby's Rainbow, published by Grossett and Dunlap, 2012. Max and Ruby need something to do during a rainy day. Ruby decides to paint a rainbow for Grandma, while Max wants to play in the backyard. When Ruby has trouble remembering the colors of the rainbow, Max's red boots, orange hat, and yellow raincoat give her all the right clues.
  • Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen, 2012. This Caldecott Honor Book tells the story of how a young girl and her box of magical yarn transform a community.
• 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 stand or sit right in front of the pages, no one else can see. Invite them to find a place to settle so that everyone can see. 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.