Monsters

Today our activities revolved around monsters.  We read the stories Go Away Big Green Monster and Glad Monster, Sad Monster.  Caldecott Award-winning author-artist Ed Emberley has created an ingenious way for children to chase away their nighttime fears. Kids can turn the pages of this die-cut book and watch the Big Green Monster grow. Then, when they're ready to show him who's in charge, they'll turn the remaining pages and watch him disappear! This story allowed us to talk about some books being real and others being make believe.

During centers the children made their own Big Green Monster.  They were given a black piece of paper that was folded in half.  Then a spoonful of green paint was placed in the fold.  The children closed up their papers and rubbed on top of them.  They then added features to make their monster.  During the second center the children read the story Shape Monster, Shape Monster.  Each page started out with the sentences, "Shape Monster, Shape Monster, Munch, Munch, Munch.  How about a ______ for your lunch?"  To fill in the blank a shape and its color was written.  For example, "How about a yellow square for your lunch?"  The children listened to the shape clue then glued the corresponding shape on the page.  When your child brings the book home tomorrow encourage them to try to read it to you.  Have them point under the words with their fingers moving left to right.  Also have them use the picture clue to tell about the shape.  If your child does not know the shapes, keep the book out and reread it the next couple of nights.