Activity time: 5 minutes

Materials for Activity

• Story book

Preparation for Activity

• Choose a story from the following suggestions:

  • Do Super Heroes Have Teddy Bears? by Carmela LeVigna Coyle, illustrated by Mike Gordon, 2012. Follow along as two ragtag, everyday super heroes don capes to play in the mud, save their stuffed animals from certain peril, conquer the vegetables at dinner, and overcome darkness at night.
  • The Teddy Bears' Picnic by Jimmy Kennedy, illustrated by Alexandra Day, 2000. A picture-book version of the classic teddy bear song, with endearing artwork by the popular illustrator of Good Dog, Carl.
  • Patrick in a Teddy Bear's Picnic and Other Stories by Geoffrey Hayes, 2011. Geisel Award-winning author Geoffrey Hayes delights young readers with these easy-to-read stories about Patrick Brown, a puddle-jumping teddy bear whose biggest challenge is avoiding naptime . . . until he has to contend with Big Bear.
  • Bear Says Thanks by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman, 2012. Bear has come up with the perfect way to say thanks-a nice big dinner. There's just one problem: Bear's cupboards are bare! What is he to do?
• 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.