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Tap the Magic Tree
Last updated Thursday, March 9, 2017
Author: Christie Matheson
Illustrator: Christie Matheson
Date of Publication: 2013
ISBN: 0062274457
Grade Level: Kindergarten (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2017
Synopsis:
Every book needs you to turn the pages. But not every book needs you to tap it, shake it, jiggle it, or even blow it a kiss. Innovative and timeless, Tap the Magic Tree asks you to help one lonely tree change with the seasons. Now that’s interactive—and magical!
It begins with a bare brown tree. But tap that tree, turn the page, and one bright green leaf has sprouted! Tap again—one, two, three, four—and four more leaves have grown on the next page. Pat, clap, wiggle, jiggle, and see blossoms bloom, apples grow, and the leaves swirl away with the autumn breeze. The collage-and-watercolor art evokes the bright simplicity of Lois Ehlert and Eric Carle and the interactive concept will delight fans of Pat the Bunny. Combining a playful spirit and a sense of wonder about nature, Christie Matheson has created a new modern classic that is a winner in every season—and every story time!
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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What would happen if you tap a tree? or a magic tree?
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How could a tree be magical?
Vocabulary
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bud - a compact knoblike growth on a plant that develops into a leaf, flower, or shoot.
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jiggle - move about lightly and quickly from side to side or up and down.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What happens when you tap the tree and turn the page?
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How many leaves can you count on the tree? How many buds?
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What happened when you tapped the tree? Jiggled it? Shook it? Knocked on the trunk?
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What are the four seasons the tree goes through?
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What happens to the tree after the snow melts?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Divide a piece of paper into four sections. Have the kids draw a tree trunk in each space, then draw or paste cut-out shapes for each season: birds, nest, leaves & blossoms for Spring; leaves & apples for summer; colorful leaves for fall; snowflakes for winter.
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Check our music in March craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/march-2017-music-entertainment/
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| Special activities: |
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Stand up, jiggle (move about lightly and quickly from side to side or up and down) and shake. Make your fingers wiggle. Brush away the petals and blow a tiny kiss. Clap your hands.
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*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!
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