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Room on the Broom



Last updated Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Date of Publication: 2001
ISBN: 0803726570
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2004

Synopsis: The witch and her cat couldn't be happier, flying through the sky on their broomstick-until the witch drops her hat, then her bow, then her wand! Luckily, three helpful animals find the missing items and all they want in return is a ride on the broomstick. But is there room on the broom for so many new friends?

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is a witch? Where have you seen witches before?
•  Have you ever lost anything? How did you find it? Did you have help?
•  Have you and your friends ever "combined forces" to accomplish something? Could you have done it alone?
•  Have you ever taken a trip with a group of people? How would the trip have been different if you were alone?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you think the witch and the animals are all friends? What makes you think so?
•  How is the witch in this story different from other witches you've seen?
•  Could the cat have scared off the dragon alone? How was the teamwork of the animals related to friendship?

Craft ideas:
•  Have one child make a bunch of brooms. Have another make a bunch of witches. Have others make a bunch of each animal portrayed in the book. Near the end of the craft period, have each child share his or her item with the others so that everyone has a broom and a set of animals for re-enacting the story at home.
•  Make a witch hat by rolling a cone of black paper and attaching a donut-shaped brim. Accesorize the hat with elements from the story.

Special activities:
•  Make a "train" of kids by having them line up with their hands on the shoulders of the person in front of them. Take the lead position, have the kids close their eyes, and guide them along a safe path in the room, pretending to be riding on the broom with which under the night sky. Talk about what cities they're flying over and what kinds of landmarks they can "see."

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!