In the last two days I visited both K/1 classrooms and shared Tubby and the Lantern, my favorite book from childhood (I still have the battered copy I owned as a child). The story centers around the adventures of a boy named Ah Mee, and his friend
Tubby the elephant. They float away from home on a giant paper lantern, narrowly escaping one dangerous situation after another - from falling into the ocean, to escaping pirates - by relying on their friendship and quick wits. Ah Mee's parents are barely present in the story (though their love for the two is evident), allowing the lives of the protagonists to take center stage. It is a vivid, complicated book that honors the emotional and imaginative lives of children, and I think that's why I liked it so much.
After reading the book aloud, students we
re given a choice of activities to deepen their connection to and understanding of the book, varying slightly by classroom. Building pirate ships out of blocks, re-enacting the story in the dress-up area, and creating flip-flap books of events in the text were just some of the options. It was a wonderful way to meet the new and returning K/1 students, share my love of reading, and see the classrooms in action.
Thanks to Blackberry Creek for these pictures!
thanks, zaq. the story made a definite impression and daniel described the story in detail to me this morning on the way to school. he described the reader (now i know it was you) as "a special visitor to the class". he really got alot out of it. thank you!
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