Tips for Using Leaves with children:
Talk with children about the events in the story, and invite them to draw a picture of their favorite part. As children describe their drawings, an adult can help the children print the descriptions on the picture. These drawings can be used as sequencing cards to retell the story. Props are another great way to encourage retelling. Children can use teddy bears to re-create the story in their own way.
Tips for Using Leaves with families:
This story sets the stage for a discussion about the seasons. Families can create a list of the fun activities they can do during each season. Encourage adults to ask questions that connect to the story. For example, “In the winter, when it was cold and snowy, bear took a nap. What do you like to do in the winter?” Adults can write down the children’s responses, and add some new vocabulary to the list, too. The list can be kept somewhere special and referred to when looking for a family activity idea!