Book week

An early childhood theme on books is a great way to expand children’s imaginations. Books open up a world of imagination.

Each day of book week, have an author’s chair. Have the children draw pictures on their own, using their own imaginations. Then set up a chair in the front of the circle time area and have children take turns describing their picture, making up a story to go with their pictures. This activity will encourage children to use their imaginations to make up their own stories as well as encourage them to talk in front of their classmates.

Make an edible bookworm. Use graham crackers. Spread white frosting on one graham cracker and place the other one on top like a sandwich. Squirt a line of green icing on top of the cracker sandwich. Place two circle cereal pieces on the top of the line of green icing for glasses. Use two small pieces of straight pretzel sticks on each side of the cereal circles for the sides of the glasses. Enjoy!

Designate each day as a different themed day of reading. One day camp out with books. Set up a small tent in the classroom, lay out sleeping bags, and read books in the tent. The tent can be as simple as a sheet stretched across chairs or tables, like making a living room tent.

Another day set out a beach blanket and beach chair and even an umbrella, fill a beach basket with books, and read at the beach.

One day spread out a picnic blanket, set out small plates and cups from the housekeeping center, fill a picnic basket with books, and read on a picnic. Take some books outside and read in the sunshine or the shade of a tree.

Invite parents to visit and bring their child’s favorite book to read to the class. This is a great way to encourage parent participation in class. Children love having their parents visit and spend 30-45 minutes of their day in their class.

Talk about the characters in books. Are they real or make-believe? Conclude book week by allowing students to dress up in costumes from their favorite character in a book. Ask them if their character is real or make-believe. Make sure the students bring extra clothes to change. Some costumes become itchy and bothersome after awhile.

For dramatic play activities, act out the stories from books. Have children act out the actions and words of the story and characters while the teacher narrates the story.

Go to a play. An older class (pre-kindergarten or kindergarten) can practice a story all week and perform it at the end of the week for younger classes (3′s classes). They can work on props and costumes and lines to speak. This activity encourages the performers to speak out and encourages the audience to listen and focus on the content of the play.