Elephant & Piggie Like Reading! We Are Growing!



Last updated Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Laurie Keller
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 1484726359
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2019

Synopsis: Walt and his friends are growing up fast! Everyone is the something-est. But . . . what about Walt? He is not the tallest, or the curliest, or the silliest. He is not the anything-est! As a BIG surprise inches closer, Walt discovers something special of his own!

Note to readers:
•  Read the letter to the reader inside the front cover of the book.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What types of things grow?
•  What types of things grow faster then others?
•  Do you think growing is easy or hard?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  How have you grown from kindergarten to first grade?
•  What type of ways did the grass grow?
•  What something -est do you think you are?
•  What else grows? (hair, nails, feet, flowers)
•  What gets cut/trimmed? (hair, flowers)

Craft ideas:
•  Make a book from a single sheet of paper & write about anything, like growing.
•  Create your own garden with a variety of different plants/ flowers! This could be done by drawing, folding flowers with colored paper etc.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/september-2019/elephant-and-piggie-like-reading/

Special activities:
•  Have everyone write on a piece of paper what their something-est quality is. Put all these slips of paper into a container (hat/ box etc.). Have each child pick out a slip and guess whose something-est quality it is. After all guesses are made, go around in a circle and have each child reveal their something-est quality. Then, prompt them to share why they love this about themselves!

*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!