Chicka Chicka Boom Boom

FOR THE WEEKEND share this classic title with your child. 

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a classic rhyming alphabet story from Bill Martin Jr and John Archambault with bright and bold illustrations by Lois Ehlert. You'll be singing along with this lively alphabet rhyme which finds all of the letters racing up the coconut tree. The question is, will they all fit? Readers of all ages will delight in the rhythmic words, silly circumstance and colorful pictures which adorn this classic book.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Sequencing:
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom is a wonderful book to practice sequencing. Since this story features all the letters in alphabetical order, your reader will be able to help you put the story together. As you read, have your reader recite the letters with you as they climb up (and later away from) the coconut tree. Not only will they get to practice their ABC's they'll also find themselves interacting with the story and having an overall more engaging experience.

Do this with your child:
After you read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom check out the unlimited options of activities to accompany the book on Pinterest! Whether you want to cut, draw or paint your own letter coconut tree, make a Chicka Chicka Boom Boom inspired snack or play interactive games, Pinterest has what you need! You can also check out an animated YouTube video here.

If you're interested in sharing Chicka Chicka Boom Boom with your child you can find it published by Simon & Schuster here. 

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Changes, Changes

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this title with your child. We are celebrating changes!

Changes, Changes is appropriate for children of all ages.

Summary:
Changes, Changes from Pat Hutchins is a wordless adventure that two block people share. Using their blocks, this pair builds a house. But when their house catches on fire, changes are necessary. Journey through the story to discover all of the amazing things they build and accomplish together as their circumstances and surrounding change with them. Changes are a necessary part of life.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Retelling:
Changes, Changes has no words but that does not limit the story telling. As you flip through the pages, you will be able to tell the story based on the pictures. Once you read through it, let your child take a turn to tell their own version. Will they name the charachters? Can they tell you why their house caught on fire? Can they fill in details that might not have been shared the first time around? By giving your child the power to lead the story, their engagement with the book witll be strenghtened.

Do this with your child:
Changes, Changes is told using pictures of blocks. Do you have blocks at home? You and your child can recreate the story using your own blocks. Recreate the images or create your own versions of the things that are built. Leave the fire and the water to your imaginations!

If you're interested in sharing Changes, Changes with your child you can find it from Simon & Schuster here. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiration.

Click here to learn more about Raising A Reader and the work we do to promote early literacy and family engagement. 

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Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday

FOR THE WEEKEND, share this fun title with your child! 

Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday is appropriate for children age 5-9.

Summary:
Alexander's grandparents came to visit and Alexander knows that when they come, they bring a dollar for him and his brothers. He loves when his grandparents visit because he loves money. But in Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday he quickly learns how fast that dollar can disappear. Follow along with the story written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Ray Cruz to discover where all of Alexander's money disappears.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:
As you read Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday you will be able to help your child find connections to their own life. This book can be a window into their own spending habits or a mirror to reflect a possibly less desirable outcome for their money. You can ask have a conversation about whether your child has ever wanted to spend their money right away, if they find it hard to save their money, or if there has ever been something that they really wanted that they would save their money to buy. 

Do this with your child:
Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday provides an excellent opportunity to practice your child's financial literacy skills. Alexander has one dollar bill but as he spends his money, his total is less and less. For older children, keep track of the amounts that he's spending to see how much he has left. You can use real money to help keep track of the amount. For younger children, talk about the different types of money, bills and coins, and help your child recognize them by size and color. For the youngest children, coin sorting and stacking can be a fun activity to go along with the story.

If you're interested in sharing Alexander, Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday with your child you can find it from Aladdin Paperbacks, a division of Simon & Schuster here. Please like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.