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My Family and I/Mi familia y yo



Last updated Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Author: Gladys Rosa-Mendoza
Illustrator: Jackie Snider
Date of Publication: 2001
ISBN: 0967974844
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: May 2007

Synopsis: From Amazon.com: Teach children the all-important concept of family in these heartwarming pages of colorful and charming illustrations. Come along with Emma as she introduces all the members of her family while teaching the words for different relations, such as mother, father, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc. There's a helpful pronunciation guide in the back of the book.

Note to readers:
•  This book is in English and Spanish. Please read the English version. Read it a couple of times, and then have the kids try to say it with you. If the volunteers know Spanish, they can read the book in Spanish after that. Volunteers can also go through the glossary at the back of the book with the children.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  How many people are in your family?
•  How many people live with you? How many live in other places?
•  Do you have pets? What are they? Are they part of your family?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What kinds of things do you do with your family?
•  What kinds of things does your family cook and eat together?
•  What are the advantages of having a big family?
•  What are the advantages of having a small family?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of your family doing something you like to do.
•  Trace your forearm from the elbow to the hand on a large piece of paper to form the trunk and branches of a tree. Make sure your fingers are spread apart. Color and decorate your tree. This is your “family tree,” so draw members of your family on the branches.
•  Make a card for your mother for Mother’s Day. Draw a picture of you and your mother. Sign your name.

*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!