Spring is Here by Will Hillenbrand is a perfect read-aloud choice for the classroom during the spring season. The book’s charming illustrations and simple text make it an ideal choice for young children.
Quick Links
Summary
Excited that spring is finally here, Mole unsuccessfully tries to wake up his friend Bear. After cooking him a wonderful breakfast, Bear’s nose finally convinces him to wake up. However, by then, poor Mole is ready for a nap.
Read Aloud Questions
Before Reading
- Why do you think there are flowers on the letters in the title of the story?
- Looking at the characters on the cover, what do you think the story will be about?
- What instrument is Mole playing?
During Reading
- How does Mole know spring has arrived?
- Why is the mud squishy?
- How does Mole try to wake Bear? Why isn’t he waking up?
After Reading
- How did Mole finally wake Bear?
- How did Bear feel about being awakened?
- Why is Mole snoring at the end of the story?
Connecting Standards to Spring is Here
Figurative Language
Teach a mini-lesson about onomatopoeias, (in the story sniff, snore, squish, tap, swish, knock, and toot). Brainstorm a list together of others and then have students write and illustrate sentences.
Poetry
Since April is National Poetry Month, spring is a great topic to use to teach different forms of poetry. Some of the easiest types of poems to teach kids to write include:
- Haiku: a short, three-line poem with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern.
- Cinquain: a five-line poem with a 2-4-6-8-2 syllable pattern.
- Acrostic: a poem in which the first letter of each line spells out a word or phrase.
Procedural Writing
Let students choose their favorite breakfast and explain the steps to make it. You can even have the writer read their “How To”, and then let the other students guess what they have made for breakfast.
Fun Story Extensions
Visit the author, Will Hillenbrand’s website for Draw and Tell videocasts and a free printable story game board.
If you’re looking for more activities for this book, check out the Learning Through Literature book companion in the Resource Ranch store.
Resource Ranch
Rhonda is the author of Resource Ranch. Most of her classroom experience has been in early elementary. She has also taught Title I Reading, ESL, and gifted students. She is certified as a Texas teacher in grades 1-8 and as a K-12 librarian.
