Why I Love Creepy Carrots
Hey teacher!
Today I wanted to talk about one of my favorite read-alouds EVER. It’s perfect for Halloween, but you truly could use this book anytime!
Clear Story Elements
When we are helping students retell stories, it’s important that they have obvious story elements. After students have built this skill we can bring in more challenging texts. Until then, though, it’s great to have books that are CLEAR. The problem in this story is very obvious for young readers, and so is the solution!
Characters– Jasper and the Carrots
Setting– Crackenhopper Field. We don’t know what season the book happens in, but we know it happens at morning and at night.
Problem-The carrots started following Jasper and he was scared.
Solution-Jasper built a fence around the carrots, so they couldn’t chase him.
Clearly Defined Events for Retelling
In the same way that we want clear story elements, clearly defined events help students retell the story accurately. We want students to be able to sequence the events of the story, and the events in Creepy Carrots are great for retelling. Here are 3 different ways you can have students retell the book.
- Put the cards in order
- Use Beginning, Middle and End
- Use First/Next/Then/Last
Great Vocabulary
We know (based on research) how important vocabulary instruction is for our learners…particularly for students who are learning English and students who struggle with language. This book provides opportunity for discussion around some challenging Tier 2 vocabulary. The vocab is challenging but not content specific like a nonfiction book would use. Some words in the book include:
passion
crisp
yanked
victory
sinister
creeping
whipped
approached
ridiculous
thumped
hatched
As you’re reading the book, call your students’ attention to these words. Model using the text and pictures to solve the meaning of the new words, so that students can (hopefully) do it on their own!
Attainable Illustrations
I constantly tell my students that they are artists! However, so many picture books have BEAUTIFUL, but intricate illustrations. It’s hard for students to think they could ever create art like that. But Peter Brown, the illustrator, creates amazing and simple art. Similar to Mo Willems, students can recreate these illustrations. We can do fun directed drawings that build students creative and artistic confidence!
I hope you love this book as much as I do!
Here are some free comprehension cards for before, during and after reading. Simply subscribe and they’ll come to your email!
