A wonderful book with lovely illustrations that make you feel like cloud floating in the deep blue sky. Read it for the pure joy and the opportunity to encourage conversation, or add some chalk and let your child join Eric Carle as an illustrator. The predictable text shows Little Cloud changing into something recognizable, and then asks the readers for their thoughts. This book is perfect for reading outside under a sky filled with fluffy white clouds.
Before, During and After Reading
Find a cozy spot outside on a cloudy day to read this book. Sit down and bring your child’s attention to the clouds in the sky. For example: Look at the clouds in the sky. The wind is causing the clouds to move or drift across the sky. Can you think of something else that can drift in the sky? (leaves, balloons, feathers)
Introduce the title of the book, the name of the author and the illustrator. As you read the title let your finger “drift” along the words to demonstrate reading left to right.
Oral Language
With each illustration, ask your child when he might have had an experience with the shape seen in the illustration. Allow your child time to think and expand the answer to the question.
Beginning Writing
Create your own cloud book. Provide chalk and bright blue construction paper. Ask your child to look up at the clouds in the sky and think about the shapes he sees. Encourage your child to draw a cloud shape on the paper and tell you about it.
Letter Knowledge
Use sidewalk chalk on a concrete surface and write your child’s name in cloud shaped letters. Say the letters that you wrote and have your child “drift” from one letter to the next as you say the letter name.
Phonological Awareness
Create a cloud snack. Cut a paper plate into a cloudy shape. Provide a selection of snacks that begin with the sound of /k/, such as carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower, corn, cookies or cake. Talk about what you are eating, say the words together and remind your child how they all begin with the same sound.
Discover more age-appropriate pre-reading activities for two-year-olds, and browse more engaging books.
