Fall is definitely upon us which means Halloween is just around the corner! This can be a crazy time in the classroom but it’s also exciting because there are so many opportunities for seasonal read alouds and activities. And I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed that children are nearly always MORE ENGAGED when there is a seasonal spin on things. Nearly any skill can be taught thematically using a fun read aloud but I know we are often pressed for time and can’t always think of creative ideas when we are exhausted… sometimes we just need a list to help us get started and then we can take it from there. The need for having a fun list of activities and a love for seasonal read alouds is exactly what inspired me to compile a list of “How to Catch a Monster” classroom activities.
“How to Catch a Monster” by Adam Wallace is a delightful and imaginative picture book that captivates young readers with its engaging story and whimsical illustrations. But did you know that this book can also serve as a wonderful tool for teaching various educational concepts? In this blog post, we’ll explore tons of “How to Catch a Monster” classroom activities that incorporate reading, phonemic awareness, phonics, and math skills using this popular story.
“How to Catch a Monster” by Adam Wallace is a delightful and imaginative picture book that captivates young readers with its engaging story and whimsical illustrations. But did you know that this book can also serve as a wonderful tool for teaching various educational concepts? In this blog post, we’ll explore tons of “How to Catch a Monster” classroom activities that incorporate reading, phonemic awareness, phonics, and math skills using this popular story.
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How to Catch a Monster: Reading Activities
1. Story Retelling
After reading the book, encourage students to retell the story in their own words. Provide them with story sequence cards or pictures to help organize their retelling.
2. Character Analysis
Discuss the characters in the book, such as the little boy and the friendly monster. Have students describe the characters’ traits and actions in the story.
3. Creative Writing
Invite students to imagine what they would do if they were trying to catch a monster. Ask them to write their own version of “How to Catch a Monster” with their unique ideas. This no prep How to Catch a Monster writing activity has everything you need!
4. Vocabulary Exploration
Identify and discuss interesting vocabulary words from the book, such as “ingenious” or “elusive.” Encourage students to use these words in their writing or create word cards with definitions.
You might find these Monster Graphic Organizers helpful if you plan to implement any of the above activities.
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How to Catch a Monster: Math Activities
1. Monster Measurements
Explore measurement by having students estimate and measure different parts of a “monster.” They can use rulers, measuring tapes, or even non-standard units like paperclips.
2. Monster Shapes
Identify and discuss geometric shapes found in the illustrations. Challenge students to create their own monsters using various shapes.
3. Counting Fun
Count the number of objects or creatures on each page. Create simple addition and subtraction problems based on the number of monsters or objects students see.
4. Problem-Solving Challenges
Present students with math challenges related to catching a monster. For example, “If there are three monsters and two run away, how many are left?”
How to Catch a Monster: Phonics and Phonemic Awareness Activities
1. Rhyming Monsters
Identify and highlight rhyming words in the book and create pairs of rhyming words (catch and hatch). Encourage students to come up with their own rhyming words related to the story and share those with a partner or in small groups. You could also give children word/picture cards and have them sort the words into rhyming pairs.
2. Beginning Sounds
Select words from the book and ask students to identify the beginning sounds. For instance, you can focus on the /m/ sound in “monster.”
3. Phoneme Blending and Segmenting
Choose words from the book and break them down into individual syllables or sounds (e.g., “mon-ster”). Ask students to blend the sounds back together to form the word.
4. Syllable Counting
Challenge students to count the syllables in various words from the story by clapping (monster, catch, etc). Give them word/picture cards and have them sort the cards into 1, 2, or 3 syllable categories.
Phonics and phonemic awareness activities can be especially effective for emerging readers and those learning to decode words and sounds.
Final Thoughts
Picture books like “How to Catch a Monster” are treasure troves of educational opportunities. By incorporating reading, math, phonics, and phonemic awareness activities inspired by this whimsical story, teachers can make learning a joyful and interactive experience for their students. These activities not only reinforce essential skills but also foster a love for reading and curiosity about the world. So, dive into the enchanting world of “How to Catch a Monster” with your students, and watch as they catch a wave of learning along with their imaginary monsters!
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out my other popular posts for the month of October:
- Five Little Pumpkins Poem: Freebie and Ideas for Activities
- Is Candy Corn the Ultimate Halloween Candy? Let’s settle the debate with this candy corn opinion writing activity!
- 20 Engaging Ways to Use Halloween Eggs for Learning
Happy Spooky Season!
Megan