Everyone loves to hear a good story whether you are two or one hundred and two. I think as kids get into older elementary, middle school, and even into high school, we as teachers sometimes forget that.
Eric Carle books are the perfect example! The Mixed Up Chameleon tells the story of an envious chameleon who keeps wishing to be like others. There are so many reasons to read this to your kids.
Let's start off by just looking at his actions. How many kids often wish that they were like someone else? Or had something someone else had? (I still do that as an adult.) This book shares in a humorous way, how wishing to be like someone else can just complicate what you are truly meant to do. I think this is a great conversation to have with your kids. We are different. We all have talents that help us to achieve certain activities better than other activities. Sharing this book with them says that it is okay to be different in this classroom. And that no one should make fun of someone else or say those inevitable "This is SO easy!" comments. (I know you know what I am talking about! ;) )
I can hear you saying, "Preach it, Sister!" But I can also hear you saying, "Okay, character education is important. But if my principal walks in, how will I justify reading this book to my class?" Well, I am so glad you asked!
The Mixed Up Chameleon is perfect for teaching animal adaptations. As I read this book to we talked about the "structures" (or body parts) the chameleon gained. Next, we talked about its "function" (or the purpose of the body part.) We recorded our thoughts into this organizer I put below. My kids laughed and giggled as they saw the poor lizard transform into the oddest creature.
I was truly surprised how quickly they picked up the key vocab for this unit. They loved even more writing their own stories about mixed up animals. (More to come on those!)
So what do you think about this book? Do you see any other good connections. Or do you have favorite books to teach animal adaptations?
Eric Carle books are the perfect example! The Mixed Up Chameleon tells the story of an envious chameleon who keeps wishing to be like others. There are so many reasons to read this to your kids.
Let's start off by just looking at his actions. How many kids often wish that they were like someone else? Or had something someone else had? (I still do that as an adult.) This book shares in a humorous way, how wishing to be like someone else can just complicate what you are truly meant to do. I think this is a great conversation to have with your kids. We are different. We all have talents that help us to achieve certain activities better than other activities. Sharing this book with them says that it is okay to be different in this classroom. And that no one should make fun of someone else or say those inevitable "This is SO easy!" comments. (I know you know what I am talking about! ;) )
I can hear you saying, "Preach it, Sister!" But I can also hear you saying, "Okay, character education is important. But if my principal walks in, how will I justify reading this book to my class?" Well, I am so glad you asked!
The Mixed Up Chameleon is perfect for teaching animal adaptations. As I read this book to we talked about the "structures" (or body parts) the chameleon gained. Next, we talked about its "function" (or the purpose of the body part.) We recorded our thoughts into this organizer I put below. My kids laughed and giggled as they saw the poor lizard transform into the oddest creature.
I was truly surprised how quickly they picked up the key vocab for this unit. They loved even more writing their own stories about mixed up animals. (More to come on those!)
So what do you think about this book? Do you see any other good connections. Or do you have favorite books to teach animal adaptations?