Enriching the Reading Experience!

Okay, you've bought your granddaughter a book that she loves. Is there a way to extend that experience?

Of course! Create an activity around that book!

Background~

A few years ago, my youngest granddaughter loved Amelia Bedelia books. On one of our playdates, we went to the bookstore, and she picked out the book, "Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie." We discovered a recipe in there for apple pie, so on another play date, we made that apple pie. We made it kid-size and she took it home to her family!

Procedure~

Be sure to put your grand in an apron--that's half the fun. Then get out all ingredients and equipment. I did let my granddaughter measure the ingredients. I even let her chop the apples. First I peeled and cut the apple in big chunks. Then she did the rest of the cutting herself with a plastic nice. Very safe.

I chopped first...

Then she chopped next with a safe plastic knife.

Doing most of the work herself!

Finished products to take home. Smells so good!

More Connections~

You can plan an activity around just about any book your grand enjoys. Simply read the book and see what extended activity the book suggests in your mind. The possibilities are endless. Favorite books for 4-5 age groups are many. Reading "Be Nice to Spiders"? Make a spider--and a 3-dimensional one is really fun. Dr. Seuss' "One Fish, Two Fish"? Make a fish on a line! Another favorite that's still available for this age group is "George and Martha." Instead of making Martha's split pea soup, make her chocolate chip cookies! A never-ending array of choices when enriching the book experience with your grand! Always fun for both generations!

Extend the book, "Be Nice to Spiders," by making a 3-D spider.

Another book about spiders, Eric Carle's "The Very Busy Spider." 3-D spiders on a string are fun as you can scare siblings or parents with them!

Fish on a line to extend Dr. Seuss' "One Fish, Two Fish."

Another kids' favorite is "Swimmy" by Leo Lionni. You've got to make a fish! By the way, we stuffed this one with tissues to make it 3-D.

Parting thoughts~

I know my readers have extended various reading activities with your grands--whether it was writing your own books based on a favorite book, cooking or doing some art activity. Please write me and share. I would love to hear.

Books mentioned today that are a favorite of preschoolers:

"George and Martha" by James Marshall
"Be Nice to Spiders" by Margaret Bloy Graham
"Swimmy" by Leo Lionni
"One Fish, Two Fish" by Dr. Seuss
"The Very Busy Spider" by Eric Carle

Great blog for children's art ideas~ artbarblog.com