Picture Book Pair for a Fun Fall Story Time

by Rebecca J. Gomez Pairing two or more picture books with similar themes can open up a world of discussion possibilities, and those discussions are great ways to connect with your children or students. It can be fascinating to see how different authors and illustrators approach different topics and themes. Pairing books with similar themes during story time will help children learn that everyone sees the world a little differently, and it's good to see other people's perspectives. Read : Leaves by David Ezra Stein and The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming, illustrated by Nicola Slater Discuss :  What is the main theme in each of these stories? How are these two books different? How are they similar? What were Bear and Squirrel both confused about?  Have you ever been confused or curious about something in nature? Talk about it! What is fall like where you live? Do you see leaves changing, then falling from the trees?  What other books about fall or leaves have you read? Are any of

Summer Challenge Week Nine: Clever Creativity!

This week the Summer Challenge is all about creativity! Creativity is not just about art. It's about using your imagination to create something or to solve a problem (or both). We hope that this theme will inspire you to get creative with your kids. Read a book or books that feature creativity or clever problem-solving, then do something creative together. You could create a work of art, encourage your kids to build something amazing with blocks or play with loose parts, or think up a clever solution to a small problem (like how to arrange a bookshelf or keep the squirrels out of the garden). There's no end to the possibilities!

Ideas for books to read:

  • Drawn Together by Dan Santat, a family story in which art helps a grandfather and grandson cross the language barrier.
  • Fern and Horn by Marie-Louise Gay. This is an imaginative story about two siblings' creative competitiveness.
  • Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen. A clever and creative story about knitting, and sharing, and spreading joy and color throughout your community.
  • Kate, Who Tamed the Wind by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Lee White. A story about a girl who comes up with a clever solution to a blustery problem.

Ideas for things do discuss:

  • Are artistic skill and creativity the same thing? Why or why not?
  • In what ways were the characters being creative in the story?
  • Everyone is creative in some way. What makes your creativity shine through?
  • Talk about a time during which you had to think creatively to solve a problem.
  • How can you combine creativity with other things, like math or cooking?

Ideas for things do do: 

  • Draw or paint a character from a book in a new scene or situation.
  • Brainstorm alternate endings to a story.
  • Do some research into how an illustrator created the pictures in one of your favorite books. Try that form of art yourself if possible.
  • Write and illustrate your own story.
  • Build a home for a book character out of blocks or craft materials.
  • Create a project inspired by the book, whether that book is about art, a clever invention, or some other way of being creative.
Have fun being creative this week! We'd love to hear about your clever creativity in the comments or on social media with the hashtag #RDDSummerChallenge.

Comments

Rum Tan said…
The summer challenge's main objective is creative development, which is very beneficial. Because it happens in such small, frequent bursts that are creating the habit of generating in you, you might not even be aware that having fun, exchanging ideas, and working under pressure is what will advance you. Always choose educational institutions and tuition that support children's creativity as a study topic.