The Gruffalo Written by Julia Donaldson Illustrated by Axel Scheffler
Contributed By Stories Of Us Age 0-1, Age 2 Julia Donaldson / Axel Scheffler Courage, Curiosity, Decision Making, Kindness
March 30, 2017
Touch the Gruffalo's terrible tusks, feel his knobbly knees and tickle his purple prickles in this bold, eye-catching book with touch-and-feel elements on every page. My First Gruffalo: Touch-and-Feel is part of the exciting My First Gruffalo series for babies and toddlers, based on the bestselling picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
- Minimum Reading Time: 15 mins
- Est. Time for All Activities: 1 hr 30 mins
- Yields: Read, Talk, Sing, Play
Ingredients
Get the Book
READ, TALK, SING, PLAY
SING - He's the Gruffalo
TALK - Transition to Book
READ - Story Time 15 Minutes
TALK - Discuss the Story
PLAY - Gruffalo Crumble
Ingredients can be used in any order for any duration of time. Set aside at least 1 hour for the play activities.
Reading Preparation
Preview the book before reading it with your child. Flip through the pages. Notice the pictures and the different textures on each page.
Select a designated read-aloud area. This area should be inviting and comfortable. Try to use the same area every time to build a routine
Story Seasoning: This book is sensory experiences. As the reader encourage your child to feel and explore this book. Describe the textures they’re feeling (soft, rough, smooth, bumpy, etc.). If reading this book to children under the age of one, use short and simple sentences. For children around age two, try introducing new vocabulary throughout the story (example: texture).
Add Reading Sweeteners. Use big dramatic gestures as you tell this story. Mimic your pictures you see in the book.
Avoid Problem Peppercorns: While engaged in the storytelling recipe remove any distractions that might compromise your time with your child.
Directions
JUMP TO: SING · TALK · READ · TALK · PLAY
SING
1#He's the Gruffalo Play the song with your child and let them listen to the words. The second time through, invite them to move along with the song with you.
2You can make gestures that match the long (hold up your hands like claws, stick out your tongue, etc.). Growl along with the song and act as silly as you can.
TALK (Transition from singing to book reading)
1Point to the Gruffalo on the cover. If you have the touch and feel version, rub the hair on his head. If that’s not an option, point to the Gruffalo and sing the chorus from the Gruffalo song they heard earlier (if able, change your voice to a gruff sound as you sing). “He’s the Gruffalo, Gruffalo, Gruffalo...He’s the Gruffalo”.
2Make a connection in your child’s mind between the words they heard in the song with the words and pictures on the front of the book cover.
3After singing the chorus, let your child fill in the blank. You can sing once more while pointing to the picture on the front book cover “He’s the Gruffalo, Gruffalo, Gruffalo...He’s the ___________”
4Redirect their attention back to the book cover. Then say “I’m going to read a book, called “The Gruffalo”. “Hmmmmm I wonder what this story is about?”
5Transition into reading by saying “Well let’s find out.”
READ 15 Minutes
1If able, read this story in a gruff voice. When a question is asked the reader, change your voice back to normal. Example Gruff voice: “He has knobbly knees, and turned out toes…" Normal voice: "Do your knees feel knobby too? Try rubbing your knee caps, then your child’s knee caps as you ask this question.
2Parent Sugar: If your 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 gruff sounding laughter, talking in a deep voice). 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.
4At 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
1Choose from any of the activities within the free download of Gruffalo Crumble Party Pack. And if you’re really having a great time with the Gruffalo, throw a Gruffalo party and use all of the suggestions in the party pack.
Publisher
The Gruffalo
Publication
2010
Star Rating
4.3 (Amazon); 3.8 (Goodreads)
0 Reviews
