Put It On The List
What do you do when you have pancakes, but no syrup? Toothbrushes, but no toothpaste? A wet baby, but no diaper? In this story, a family of chickens discovers that putting these items on a grocery list is the answer. They also admit that it is equally important to remember to take the list with you when you go to the store! Families will relate to this family’s situation and will smile as they travel through the days of one week in their lives. The pictures in the book are labeled with the printed word underneath, and include items on the list as well as a map of the grocery store where the family can locate the things they need. If you are looking for a creative, funny, relatable book that children can picture read along with you – put this on your list!
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
When reading this story, point to the printed words that need to go on the list, and ask children to read them with you. On additional readings, ask each child to point to the words as they are read. In the classroom, post a general daily schedule, and allow children to add special events and specific activities to the “list” of daily events. When leading activities, share lists with children such as directions for making a craft, recipes for snacks, or a list of materials needed for an activity. Add writing materials to children’s play areas to encourage writing as they play, such as taking orders in a pretend restaurant or drawing traffic signs in a block or car area.
Discuss with families the importance of involving children in writing. Children can help you make lists and they can create lists of their own. At the grocery store, allow children to hold the list, read from, and cross items off the list. When making new snacks or meals, children can help as adults read from the recipe book. Adding pictures or using materials such as coupons can help younger children “read” the list with the help of pictures. Include your child in other list-making activities, such as planning for a birthday party or other special event, paying bills, or running errands.