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Because
Last updated Friday, March 13, 2026
Author: Mo Willems
Illustrator: Amber Ren
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 1368019013
Grade Level: 1st (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2026
Synopsis:
A powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this tale of a young girl's journey to center stage.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Do you know what the little girl on the front and back cover is doing?
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Have you ever heard an orchestra perform?
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Do you play any musical instruments? If not, what instrument would you like to learn to play?
Vocabulary:
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Rehearse- (v)To train or practice.
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Usher-(n) one who escorts people to their seats (as in a theater)
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Compose (v)- to formulate and write (a piece of music)
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Premiere(N)- a first performance or exhibition
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Pick one thing leads to another in the story and share how they are connected.
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What would you like to learn or get better at? (focused craft below) How will you make that happen?
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Can you think of two things that are connected, because? E.g. Because I practiced my cursive writing, my cousin was inspired to learn cursive as well and we became pen pals.
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| Craft ideas: |
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Children draw themselves doing something they are learning or practicing or would like to do someday.
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Encourage to share with the group. “Because I tried, I can ____.”
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Have the children create their own orchestra! 1.. Use available supplies to build instruments (paper plates and beans for noise makers or guitars made of construction paper with ribbon/yarn as strings). 3. Once constructed, it is concert time!
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| Special activities: |
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Take a short walk indoors or outdoors. 1. Ask children to stop and listen quietly. 2. Afterward, discuss: “What did you hear?”
What happened because you were listening?” Tie it back to how the character in Because starts by listening.
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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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