The Shubert series is a set of beautifully illustrated children’s books designed to build character through conflict for both children and adults. In Shubert’s Choice, Shubert (a lightning bug) discovers the power of choices to help him stay focused while getting ready for school. The last page of the book is intended for adults and demonstrates ways for adults to help children build character through conflict.
Before, During and After Reading
Oral Language
Read the title of the book and the names of the author and illustrator. Give your child a preview of the book. You might say:
This book is about a little lightning bug named Shubert. Shubert is the main character in the story. It’s time to get dressed for school, but Shubert just wants to play. I wonder how his mom will help him stay focused on getting dressed. What do you think will happen? Do you get any ideas from the title of the book or the illustration on the cover?
Oral Language
As you read the story with expression, stop and ask questions. For example, after you read the page where Shubert’s mom peeks her head in the room to check on his progress, you might ask:
Is there a problem? What is the problem? What do you think might happen next?
After you read the page where Shubert’s mom gives him a choice of a blue shirt or a green shirt, you might say:
Shubert’s mom helped him decide which shirt to wear. How did she help Shubert decide? That’s right. She gave him a choice and he chose the blue shirt.
As you continue reading, stop and talk about the choices that helped Shubert stay focused on getting dressed. Look at the pictures and talk about how Shubert was feeling as he got ready for school.
Near the end of the book, Shubert uses the power of "choices" to help some of his classmates. You might ask:
When Shubert got to school, did he do some things that were helpful to his friends? What did he do that was helpful?
Oral Language
As you move through the day with your child, think about how you might use the power of choices to help your child increase her attention span, follow through on a task, and improve her self-esteem. Here are some ways you may offer choices to your child. Try it! You may be amazed at the power of offering choices.
You can walk to the table or skip to the table. Which one do you want to do?
You can drink your milk from the red glass or the blue one. Which one will you pick today?
You can put your pajamas on first or brush your teeth first. Which one do you choose?
Explore other recommended children's books and reading activities for five-year-olds, or take the Reading BrightStart! Preschool Reading Screener. The screener can help you determine if your child is on the path to reading readiness, and provides a free plan for moving forward.
