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Author and Illustrator:

By Sue Ganz-Schmitt (Author), Luke Flowers (Illustrator)

Summary:

In That Monster on the Block by Sue Ganz-Schmitt, a monster is excited to meet a new neighbor moving into Vampire’s old house. He imagines it could be a scary ogre, goblin, or dragon, but when the newcomer arrives, it turns out to be someone even more unexpected. Feeling nervous, the monster tries to rally the other neighbors against the new arrival. However, as the story unfolds, the monster learns an important lesson about accepting others, even when they seem different or unfamiliar. This lighthearted tale emphasizes themes of acceptance and kindness.

Genres:

Children's Fiction, Humor, Seasonal/Holiday

Grade:

First Grade

Standard:

1.RL.KID.2 Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

Read Aloud:

https://youtu.be/-tDwSN5s-wg?si=pNTAiPyB5M_8ZJ-j

High Quality Resources:

This story has won multiple awards including the Northern Lights Book Award for Humor, the Hindi's Females of Fiction Literary Award, the Royal Dragonfly Awards, and the Firebird Book Awards.

Activity:

“Monster Story Sequencing and Welcome Poster”

Objective:

Students will practice sequencing key events and reflect on the story's message by creating a "welcome" poster for the new character.

Materials:

Printable cutouts of characters from the story (Monster, Clown, and other neighbors)

Large construction paper for posters

Crayons, markers, and glue

Worksheet with four key events from the story to arrange in the correct order

Instructions:

1. Story Sequencing Activity:

After reading the book, I will give students a worksheet with jumbled key events (e.g., Monster practicing his growl, Clown moving in, neighbors reacting, Monster learning to accept Clown).

Students will cut out the events and arrange them in the correct order to retell the story.

2. Class Discussion:

We will discuss the story’s message about accepting those who are different. I will ask students questions like:

"Why was Monster nervous about the new neighbor?"

"How did Monster’s feelings change by the end of the story?"

"What lesson do you think the story teaches?"

3. Create a Welcome Poster:

Each student will make a “Welcome” poster for the new neighbor (Clown) using art supplies. Encourage students to include a kind message or drawing of the characters together.

4. Sharing Time:

Students will share their posters with the class, explaining how their poster reflects the lesson of acceptance from the story.

Assessment/Wrap-Up:

I will use the sequencing worksheet and class discussion to assess students' understanding of the plot and lesson. I will display the posters around the classroom to reinforce the theme of welcoming others.

This activity supports RL.1.2 by encouraging students to retell key events and explore the message of inclusion in an engaging and creative way.

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Author and Illustrator:

By Eric James (Author), Marina Le Ray (Illustrator)

Summary:

In A Halloween Scare in Tennessee by Eric James, the story takes readers on a spooky but fun adventure through Tennessee during Halloween night. From Memphis to Nashville, a variety of creatures and critters—including witches, goblins, and more—arrive on broomsticks, bikes, and buses, preparing for the night’s eerie festivities. As the mysterious creatures gather, the main character wonders what they are up to and if they might be coming for them! Despite the spooky setup, the story remains lighthearted and playful, making it a delightful Halloween-themed read for children. The charming rhymes and whimsical illustrations by Marina Le Ray enhance the story’s festive atmosphere.

Genres:

Children's Fiction, Humor, Fantasy, Seasonal/Holiday

Grade:

First Grade

Standard:

1.RL.KID.3 Using graphic organizers or including written details and illustrations when developmentally appropriate, describe characters, settings, and major events in a story using key details.

Read Aloud:

https://youtu.be/ZOIFlZ8PKac?si=0DRkWAsH-oW6-R8U

High Quality Resources:

This story has not won any awards, nor has the author.

Activity:

"Create Your Own Spooky Tennessee Scene"

Objective:

Students will demonstrate their comprehension of the book by creating and describing a spooky scene set in Tennessee, reinforcing key details about characters, setting, and events.

Materials:

Large sheets of paper

Crayons, markers, and colored pencils

Stickers or cutouts of Halloween creatures (optional)

A worksheet with sentence starters such as:

"In my spooky scene, I see ________."

"This is happening at __________ (location)."

"The creatures are getting ready to __________."

Instructions:

1. Class Discussion:

After reading the book, we will discuss the main events and characters:

"Who were the creatures in the story?"

"What places in Tennessee were mentioned?"

"How did the creatures prepare for Halloween night?"

2. Create a Spooky Tennessee Scene:

Each student draws their own Halloween scene set somewhere in Tennessee. They can include creatures from the book or make up their own spooky characters.

On the worksheet, students write or complete sentences describing their scene, including the characters, setting, and what is happening in their illustration.

3. Share and Present:

Students will take turns presenting their scenes to the class. As they share, encourage them to describe the key elements: who is in their scene, where it is set, and what event is taking place.

Assessment/Wrap-Up:

I will use the students’ presentations to assess their understanding of the book’s characters, setting, and events. Display their completed scenes on a bulletin board labeled “Our Tennessee Halloween Adventure” as a festive class decoration. This activity allows students to apply RL.1.3 by creatively summarizing the story and adding their own twist to it.

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It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Peanuts)

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It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (Peanuts)

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Author and Illustrator:

By Kara McMahon (Adapter), Charles M. Schulz (Author), Scott Jeralds (Illustrator)

Summary:

In It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, adapted by Kara McMahon from the original story by Charles M. Schulz, the Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween with excitement and humor. As everyone dresses up and goes trick-or-treating, Linus believes wholeheartedly that the Great Pumpkin will rise from the "most sincere" pumpkin patch to deliver toys to children. He convinces Sally, Charlie Brown’s little sister, to wait with him for the mythical figure.

Meanwhile, the other kids, including Charlie Brown and Lucy, have their own Halloween adventures, such as receiving treats (and rocks!) while trick-or-treating. The story alternates between Linus’s hopeful vigil in the pumpkin patch and the gang’s traditional festivities. Though the Great Pumpkin never appears, Linus remains steadfast in his belief, showcasing themes of hope, belief, and the value of traditions, even when things don’t go as expected.

This story, both whimsical and thoughtful, reflects the charm of the Peanuts series and continues to be a beloved Halloween classic for all ages.

Genres:

Children's Fiction, Humor, Seasonal/Holiday

Grade:

First Grade

Standard:

1.RL.KID.3 Using graphic organizers or including written details and illustrations when developmentally appropriate, describe characters, settings, and major events in a story using key details.

Read Aloud:

https://youtu.be/t1SN-yLr2fc?si=2e4HNu8TKqeF05L5

High Quality Resources:

The original 1966 animated special received three Emmy Award nominations in 1967, although it did not win any award.

Congressional Gold Medal – In 2001, Schulz was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, in recognition of his cultural impact through the Peanuts series​.

Activity:

“Character Pumpkin Patch” Retelling

Objective:

Students will use key story elements to retell It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown by focusing on characters, events, and setting through a hands-on craft.

Materials:

Pumpkin-shaped cutouts (one for each student or pair)

Markers, crayons, and glue

Character images from the story (e.g., Linus, Charlie Brown, Snoopy)

A large sheet of paper or bulletin board labeled “The Pumpkin Patch”

Instructions:

1. Class Discussion:

After reading the book, I will ask students to identify the key characters, the setting, and important events:

"What did Linus believe would happen?"

"What did the other characters do for Halloween?"

"Did the Great Pumpkin show up? How did Linus feel at the end?"

2. Create Character Pumpkins:

Each student or pair will decorate a pumpkin cutout to represent a character or scene from the story (e.g., Linus with his blanket, Charlie Brown trick-or-treating).

On the back of the pumpkin, they will write one or two sentences describing their character’s role or an important event in the story.

3. Build the Pumpkin Patch:

Students will place their decorated pumpkins on the class bulletin board labeled “The Pumpkin Patch.”

In a circle, each student explains their pumpkin’s significance and how it fits into the story.

4. Class Reflection:

As a class, we will reflect on the story’s message. Ask students:

"What do you think the story teaches us about belief and tradition?"

"Why is it important to enjoy Halloween, even if things don't go exactly as planned?"

Assessment/Wrap-Up:

I will the pumpkin patch in the classroom as a visual summary of the story. Using the students' descriptions to assess their understanding of the characters, events, and overall plot. This activity reinforces RL.1.3 by encouraging students to describe key elements using their own words while connecting with the story in a fun and creative way.

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Author and Illustrator:

by Jimmy Fallon (Author), Rich Deas (Illustrator)

Summary:

In 5 More Sleeps 'til Halloween by Jimmy Fallon, a young child eagerly counts down the last few days until Halloween. Each "sleep" brings a new wave of excitement, as the child prepares for costumes, candy, and spooky fun. The anticipation builds with every passing night, capturing the thrill and joy children feel as Halloween approaches. The playful illustrations by Rich Deas complement the humorous and lighthearted tone of the story, making it a fun and engaging read for kids and families.

This picture book emphasizes the excitement of waiting for special events, using the countdown to keep readers hooked. It's an enjoyable celebration of Halloween that resonates with the festive spirit many children feel in the days leading up to the holiday.

Genres:

Children's Fiction, Bedtime Story, Humor, Seasonal/Holiday

Grade:

First Grade

Standard:

1.RL.KID.2 Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

Read Aloud:

https://youtu.be/fsCnGifDsJ4?si=eyZuR_wgH3MTr0NU

High Quality Resources:

Emmy and Grammy Award winner, known for his other #1 New York Times bestsellers, such as Your Baby’s First Word Will Be DADA and Everything is MAMA​.

Activity:

“Countdown Chain to a Special Event”

Objective:

Students will practice sequencing and comprehension by creating a countdown chain similar to the book’s storyline, reinforcing their understanding of anticipation and preparation.

Materials:

Paper strips (one per “day” in the countdown)

Markers, crayons, and stickers

Stapler or glue to create the paper chain

Chart paper for discussing the story’s key events

Instructions:

1. Class Discussion:

After we read the book, I will ask students to identify key details:

“What did the child in the story do to get ready for Halloween?”

“How did their excitement build as the day got closer?”

“What do you think the message of the story is about waiting for special events?”

2. Create a Countdown Chain:

Each student will create their own paper chain with 5 strips to represent the 5 sleeps in the story.

On each strip, students will write or draw what happens in the book (e.g., selecting a costume, decorating, dreaming of candy).

Staple or glue the strips together to form a chain.

3. Countdown to a Class Event:

We will use the paper chain to countdown to an upcoming class event (like a field trip or holiday). Each day, students remove a link from their chain and reflect on how the countdown makes them feel, similar to the character in the story.

Assessment/Wrap-Up:

Students can share their countdown chains with the class, explaining how they depicted the events. This activity helps reinforce sequencing and builds anticipation, while also promoting personal connections to the book’s theme of excitement during countdowns.

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Author's:

by Mercer Mayer (Author), Gina Mayer (Author)

Summary:

In Trick or Treat, Little Critter by Mercer Mayer and Gina Mayer, Little Critter and his friends gear up for Halloween night. The story follows their preparations as they select costumes, carve pumpkins, and get ready for trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Along the way, they encounter some humorous and mildly spooky moments, reflecting the playful and festive spirit of Halloween.

The book captures the excitement and challenges of Halloween from a child’s perspective, making it relatable and fun for young readers. It also emphasizes family bonding, as Little Critter and his family come together to enjoy the celebration. The vibrant illustrations and light-hearted tone make this book ideal for children ages 3-7, offering a fun seasonal read while promoting themes of friendship and adventure.

Genres:

Children's Fiction, Humor, Seasonal/Holiday

Grade:

First Grade

Standard:

1.RL.KID.3 Using graphic organizers or including written details and illustrations when developmentally appropriate, describe characters, settings, and major events in a story using key details.

Read Aloud:

https://youtu.be/tTRe6RnZ3js?si=bFxl7g2Z7h8USPGv

High Quality Resources:

Critici Erba Prize in Italy, and Kerlan Award for Children's Literature!

Activity:

"Halloween Adventure Map"

Objective:

Students will recall the key events from Trick or Treat, Little Critter and create a visual "adventure map" that sequences the story's events.

Materials:

Large sheets of paper or construction paper

Markers, crayons, and stickers

Printable images of pumpkins, costumes, or candy (optional)

Glue and scissors

Instructions:

1. Class Discussion:

I will start by reviewing the story with the class. Asking questions like:

"What did Little Critter do first to get ready for Halloween?"

"Where did he go trick-or-treating?"

"What costumes did he and his friends wear?"

2. Create the Adventure Map:

Each student will create a visual map on paper, illustrating the key events from the story in order (e.g., carving pumpkins, dressing up, trick-or-treating).

Students can draw pictures or use pre-printed images for each event.

I will encourage them to decorate the map with Halloween-themed elements like candy, bats, or ghosts.

3. Story Retell:

Once the maps are complete, students work in pairs or small groups to use their maps to retell the story aloud. Each student explains the events they included and why they are important.

4. Class Reflection:

We will wrap up by discussing the lesson from the story—how Little Critter enjoyed Halloween with his friends and family despite the challenges. Ask:

"What was your favorite part of the story?"

"Why is it important to have fun with friends and family on holidays?"

Assessment/Wrap-Up:

I will display the completed maps in the classroom to celebrate students’ work. Assess their ability to describe the characters, setting, and events based on their maps and retellings. This activity reinforces sequencing and story comprehension, supporting RL.1.3.

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Author and Illustrator:

By Jory John (Author) and Pete Oswald (Illustrator)

Summary:

In The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by Jory John, Halloween is the Bad Seed's favorite holiday, but this year, he faces a dilemma—he can’t find the perfect costume. Frustrated and overwhelmed, the Bad Seed considers canceling Halloween for everyone! The story follows his humorous and slightly mischievous journey as he tries to put together a show-stopping outfit in time for the big night. Along the way, the book explores themes of frustration, perfectionism, and learning to enjoy the moment rather than striving for perfection.

This continuation of the Food Group series is both funny and thought-provoking, reminding young readers that it's okay to have bad moods sometimes, but not to let them ruin the fun for others. It blends humor, heart, and Halloween festivities, making it an enjoyable seasonal read for kids.

Genres:

Children's Fiction, Humor, Seasonal/Holiday, Social-emotional learning

Grade:

First Grade

Standard:

1.RL.KID.2 Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

Read Aloud:

https://youtu.be/vyiEalNDDLw?si=APrQqGCW4wRWwXor

High Quality Resources:

#1 New York Times Bestseller, two-time recipient of the E.B. White Read-Aloud Honor, & numerous state-level awards!

Activity:

"Spooky Story Retell Chain"

Objective:

Students will practice sequencing events from The Bad Seed Presents: The Good, the Bad, and the Spooky by creating a collaborative story chain.

Materials:

Strips of paper ( Halloween colors like purple, orange, green, black)

Markers or crayons

Tape or glue

Instructions:

1. Class Review of the Story:

I will ask the class to review the main events of the story. Write down the key moments on the board, such as the Bad Seed struggling with his costume, considering canceling Halloween, and the resolution where he learns to enjoy the holiday.

2. Create the Story Chain:

I will divide students into pairs or small groups. Then, give each group a strip of paper to draw or write one key event from the story.

Once each group completes their part, they will present it to the class, explaining how it fits into the sequence.

Students will tape or glue the strips together to create a "story chain" that visually represents the sequence of events.

3. Discuss the Lesson:

As a class, we will reflect on the lesson learned in the story. I will ask the students:

“How did the Bad Seed change by the end?”

“Why is it important to focus on having fun instead of being perfect?”

Wrap-Up:

I will hang the story chain on a bulletin board to remind students of the book’s message. This activity helps students practice retelling with sequence and key details, reinforcing comprehension of the story’s central theme.

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Author and Illustrator:

By Alice Walstead (Author), Megan Joyce (Illustrator)

Summary:

In How to Catch a Witch by Alice Walstead, the Catch Club Kids embark on a Halloween adventure filled with magical mishaps. As they go out to trick-or-treat, they discover that a mischievous witch has opened a portal, allowing ghosts, goblins, and other spooky creatures to flood the neighborhood. To save Halloween and protect the candy from being taken by these creatures, the kids try to trap the witch using creative and funny tricks. Each attempt is playful and zany, but the clever witch keeps outsmarting them. Ultimately, the kids learn that teamwork is key as they work together to close the portal and bring order back to their Halloween night.

This story blends fun, rhyming text with themes of problem-solving and teamwork, making it a great seasonal read for young children.

Genres:

Humor, Funny Story, Fantasy, Seasonal/Holiday

Grade:

First Grade

Standard:

1.RL.KID.2 Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

Read Aloud:

https://youtu.be/6R0Treh2h84?si=376DH8eUJynzp9Cj

High Quality Resources:

How to Catch a Witch by Alice Walstead is part of the popular How to Catch series, which has achieved recognition as a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

Activity:

"Trap the Witch - Retell and Build"

Objective:

Students will retell the story by sequencing events and designing their own creative traps, reinforcing comprehension and problem-solving skills.

Materials:

Paper and crayons/markers

Printable sequence cards showing key events from the story (e.g., the kids trick-or-treating, the witch opening the portal, each trap attempt)

Craft supplies for students to design their own traps (e.g., cardboard, string, pipe cleaners)

Chart paper for a class discussion

Steps:

1. During Reading:

As I read the story I will pause to ask students:

“What just happened? What are the kids trying to do?”

“What do you think will happen next?"

This encourages them to follow the sequence of events closely.

2. Retell the Story (After Reading):

Distribute the printable sequence cards (one card per student or small group).

Students work together to put the cards in the correct order and retell the story in their own words.

As a class, create a timeline of events on chart paper.

3. Design a Trap Activity:

After retelling the story, students will brainstorm and draw their own ideas for a trap to catch the witch. They can use craft supplies to create a simple model or draw their design on paper.

Each student presents their trap design to the class, explaining how it works and how it relates to the events from the story.

Assessment/Wrap-Up:

Use the sequence activity to assess whether students can retell the story with key details.

Discuss as a class how the characters in the story worked together, reinforcing the story’s message about teamwork and problem-solving.

This engaging activity allows students to connect with the story creatively while practicing sequencing and comprehension skills.

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There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat!

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There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat!

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Author and Illustrator:

By Lucille Colandro (Author) Jared Lee (Illustrator)

Summary:

In There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat! by Lucille Colandro, the old lady swallows a series of Halloween-themed objects in a silly, cumulative story. She begins by swallowing a bat, then adds an owl, cat, ghost, goblin, bones, and even a wizard! Similar to other books in the "Old Lady" series, each item builds on the last, creating a funny sequence that encourages children to predict what she might swallow next. The playful rhymes, rhythm, and repetition keep readers engaged as they follow the absurd adventure to its surprise ending.

This book offers a fun twist on the traditional “There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly,” making it a great read for the Halloween season while reinforcing sequencing and pattern recognition for young readers.

Genres:

Comedy and Humor, Poetry, Songs, Verse, Seasonal/Holiday

Grade:

First Grade

Standard:

1.RL.KID.2 Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

This standard works well with There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bat! since the story's repetitive and cumulative nature makes it easy for young students to practice sequencing and retelling events in the correct order.

Read Aloud:

https://youtu.be/fl3HZpQ9E-M?si=Iw7IYCSUaLmUEryb

High Quality Resources:

Apart of the bestselling There Was an Old Lady series

Activity:

"What Did the Old Lady Swallow?" Retelling Craft

Objective:

Students will practice sequencing and story retelling by identifying the order of events in the story and creating a visual aid to reinforce comprehension.

Materials:

Printable cutouts or pictures of the bat, owl, cat, ghost, goblin, bones, and wizard

Construction paper

Scissors and glue

A large sheet of paper or small paper bags labeled "The Old Lady’s Stomach"

Markers or crayons

Steps:

1. During Reading:

As you read the book aloud, pause after each new item the old lady swallows. Ask students to predict what she might swallow next, encouraging engagement and memory skills.

2. Retelling Craft (After Reading):

Give each student a set of pre-printed cutouts representing the objects the old lady swallowed.

On construction paper or a paper bag labeled "The Old Lady’s Stomach," students glue the items in the correct sequence.

As they work, encourage students to retell the story aloud to a partner or small group, using the pictures to guide their retelling.

3. Group Discussion:

Once everyone has completed their retelling craft, discuss as a class:

“Why do you think the old lady swallowed these items?”

“What was the funniest part of the story?”

“How did the story end?”

Assessment/Wrap-Up:

Display students' crafts on a bulletin board titled "What Did the Old Lady Swallow?"

Use this activity to assess students' ability to sequence events and retell the story with key details.

This hands-on activity engages students with the text and supports the development of comprehension and sequencing skills through playful interaction.

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Author and Illustrator:

By Julia Donaldson (Author), Axel Scheffler (Illustrator)

Summary:

In Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson, a kind witch and her cat fly through the skies on a broomstick. Along the way, the witch loses several items, like her hat and wand, which are found by different animals — a dog, a bird, and a frog. Each animal returns the lost object and asks for a ride on the broom, making the broom increasingly crowded. However, when a dragon threatens the witch, the animals band together to rescue her. In the end, the friends work together to rebuild the broom, showing the power of teamwork, kindness, and inclusivity.

This playful, rhyming story emphasizes themes of friendship and cooperation, making it a popular choice for young children, especially around Halloween.

Genres:

Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Rhyming/poetry, Seasonal/Holiday

Grade:

First Grade

Standard:

1.RL.KID.3 Using graphic organizers or including written details and illustrations when developmentally appropriate, describe characters, settings, and major events in a story using key details.

Read Aloud:

https://youtu.be/VKbOKlA6yfk?si=mi9V-0Tl2SZ-BJsF

High Quality Resources:

The book has won six awards, including the Scottish, Sheffield, Stockport, Norfolk, Blue Peter, and Mumsnet awards.

The audio version of the book won the Spoken Book Award for best audio for 6 and under.

Activity:

"Room on the Broom Adventure Map"

Objective:

Students will retell and sequence events from the story using key details, reinforcing comprehension and story structure.

Materials:

Large sheet of paper or poster board

Markers, crayons, and stickers

Pre-printed cutouts of characters and objects (hat, wand, broom, etc.)

Glue and string to connect events in sequence

Small star or arrow stickers to mark key moments

Steps:

1. Reading and Discussing the Story (During Reading):

As we read Room on the Broom, pause after key events to ask questions:

“Who found the witch’s hat?”

“What animals joined the ride?”

“What happened when the dragon appeared?”

Record the students’ answers on the board to prepare for the next part of the activity.

2. Creating the Adventure Map (After Reading):

I will divide students into small groups and give them paper, markers, and character cutouts.

Each group will create an “Adventure Map” showing the sequence of events from the story, adding illustrations of key moments. They can draw paths, clouds, or rivers to represent different parts of the journey.

They will use strings or stickers to connect the events in the correct order.

3. Presenting the Adventure Maps:

Each group will present their map to the class, describing the characters and what happened at each point in the story.

I will ask students to explain how the characters worked together and overcame challenges.

Assessment/Wrap-Up:

Use the maps to assess students’ understanding of the characters, setting, and plot.

Reinforcing the theme of cooperation by asking my students, “How did working together help the characters succeed?”

This activity encourages students to engage with the text creatively while practicing sequencing and recalling story details.

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Gustavo, the Shy Ghost (The World of Gustavo)

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Gustavo, the Shy Ghost (The World of Gustavo)

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Author:

Flavia Z. Drago

Summary:

Gustavo, the Shy Ghost by Flavia Z. Drago tells the story of a timid ghost named Gustavo, who is good at ghostly activities like walking through walls and playing the violin. However, Gustavo struggles with making friends because his shyness makes him invisible to others. As the Day of the Dead approaches, Gustavo finds the courage to express himself through music, helping him connect with other monsters and finally feel seen. The story highlights themes of bravery, loneliness, and friendship, with whimsical illustrations adding charm to the narrative.

Genres:

Children's Fiction, Cultural Experience, Fantasy, Picture Book, Seasonal/Holiday

Grade:

First Grade

Standards:

1.RL.KID.3 Using graphic organizers or including written details and illustrations when developmentally appropriate, describe characters, settings, and major events in a story using key details.

1.RL.CS.4 Identify words and phrases in stories and poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

Read Aloud:

https://youtu.be/Y36p77qbelQ?si=xSstcCce1MNdBc8e

High Quality Resource:

A #1 New York Times bestseller, 2021 Klaus Flugge Prize

Activity:

"Gustavo’s Ghostly Journal"

Objective:

Students will reflect on Gustavo's journey by creating a simple "ghostly journal" to summarize events from the book, explore emotions, and connect Gustavo's experiences to their own lives.

Materials:

Pre-made "Ghostly Journal" templates (folded paper booklets)

Crayons, markers, pencils

Stickers or stamps for decoration

Example prompts written on the board or distributed on handouts

Steps:

1. Reading and Pause-Reflection (During Reading):
As you read the book aloud, pause at key moments and ask students reflective questions:

"How do you think Gustavo feels right now? How do you know?"

"What would you do if you were Gustavo?"

"Why do you think the other monsters didn’t notice him at first?"

Students can draw or write short answers to these questions in their journals as they follow along. Each page of the journal will focus on different story moments:

Page 1: Gustavo's shyness and his love for music

Page 2: His challenge in making friends

Page 3: His bravery at the Day of the Dead event

2. Journal Writing and Illustration (After Reading):
After finishing the book, students complete their journals by drawing a picture of Gustavo's performance and writing a sentence about how Gustavo changed by the end of the story.

Example Prompts:

"How did Gustavo feel at the end of the story? What changed for him?"

"Draw your favorite part of the story."

"What is one way you can be brave like Gustavo?"

3. Sharing Circle (Optional):
Students share their completed journals in small groups or with the class. This encourages speaking skills and allows them to connect their ideas with those of their peers.

Assessment/Wrap-Up:

Will ask the students to orally describe Gustavo’s character, the story setting, or a key event using at least two specific details. This will reinforce RL.1.3 (describing characters and events) and provide an opportunity to assess comprehension.

This fun, multi-sensory activity engages students with the book’s themes and helps them build empathy and storytelling skills through play and music