Chalk by Bill Thomson

Directions

JUMP TO: SING · TALK · READ · TALK · PLAY

SING

1How's the Weather (Lyrics can be found in the video description box.)

2Play the song with your child and let them listen to the words. The second time through, invite them to shake or nod their heads along with the children in the song.

3When the song ends, look outside, point to the sky, and ask "How's the weather? Is it ___________?" and invite them to answer if they’re able to, if not, answer for them, using the melody of the song (example: “It’s sunny today!”).

TALK (Transition from singing to book reading)

1Hold up the book you are going to read. Tell your child this story shows rainy weather, just like the rain they saw in the song.

2Point to the green dinosaur on the cover. Ask "Do you know what this is?" Wait no more than 3-5 seconds before gleefully jumping into the the answer. It’s a T-Rex dinosaur.

3If your child likes dinosaurs, you can share this video about dinosaurs with them as well, before you read the story.

4Redirect their attention back to the book cover. Then say “I’m going to read a book, called “Chalk”. “Hmmmmm I wonder what this story is about?” Make up a silly answer to your question, then ask the child in a casual tone, similar to what you would use in a conversation – “What do you think its about?” Show the child the front and back of the book. Use the pictures as clues to further guess what the story could involve.

5On the front cover, draw their attention to the bag in the dinosaur’s mouth, then flip to the back of the book, and draw their attention to what’s inside of the bag (chalk). Make a connection between the word “chalk” on the front cover, and the picture of chalk on the back cover by turning the book from front to back in front of your child.

6Transition into reading by saying “Well let’s find out what this story is about.”

READ 15 Minutes

1Tell a story that connects with the pictures on the page.

2Parent Sugar: If you’re child is able, invite them to join in with you as you tell the story. They can turn the pages, as you make noises that complement the story (such as laughter, talking, screaming, fear, relief, etc.). You child may join in with you, or choose to enjoy listening to you. Both options are wonderful.

3Add a generous amount of Story Seasoning: Read in a lively, engaging way, using voices, gestures, and expressions as you bring each page to life.

4If your child is bilingual, or multilingual you can also blend in other languages as you create this story. Or tell this story entirely in a different language, since it’s wordless, you and another reader can take turns telling a new story with the book in a different language.

5At the end of the story announce “The End” as you close the book.

TALK

1Discuss the story with your child. Open the book up again, and show them which page was your favorite and what you liked most about your story time with them.

2Share a moment that just happened during the story time you spent together. Then ask them which page was their favorite, and what they liked most about the story.

3Compliment your child on something they did well during the read aloud. How they participated, how they laughed, how they listened. Pick anything, and celebrate them for it.

PLAY

1Option 1: Create your own chalk, and draw pictures outside with your child on the sidewalk. Note, the chalk may take 3-4 days before it dries, but you will have a great time creating your own colors and making the chalk yourselves.

2Option 2: Visit the National Art Gallery for Kids website and explore the pictures their with your child. Create a story for paintings that you and your child like. Additional option, download their app and turn your iPad into an art studio.