You could use any set of books or even different authors. This was a gentle approach to getting them back into reading and answering questions. My students loved the Arthur books and we ended up doing it a second week so they could read all of them.
This year I decided to do the same thing only with Mercer Mayer Little Critter books. I decided that I'd mostly use books with 2.5 reading level or higher for the books. I have bought a few I needed and ordered the rest (
Amazon.com). I checked the reading levels at (
arbookfind.com). There are some coloring sheets, stories read, etc. at (
littlecritter.com). I am going to make two to four worksheets for each book...if I can do a better job at drawing, then I'll have a coloring sheet with some sort of writing activity to go with it. So far my character looks like Little Critter's cousin (so my daughter says!). I did order a drawing pad (Bamboo Fun), but found I was better with a mouse. There's a free drawing program at- (
Tux Paint). Be sure to turn down the sound as it's irritating! This is a free drawing program for children! The Bamboo Fun came with Corel that I have been using too.
This is a great way to start off the year. Especially if you are not quite organized yet. You can use the same folders for years...just recopy the worksheets. I'll try to get a sample on here soon!
Joanne
P.S. I've attached the worksheets I made for Just A Day At The Pond by Mercer Mayer. I'm keeping it simple and thinking up things to go with each storybook I have.
**I forgot to add the five questions for the book! So I've re-attached the pages with the questions.
