The Blue Book

Hello everybody!

This us our very first activity post to help you get the most out of the Reading Train during a time when so many schools are closed and families are practicing social distancing . We will regularly update this page so please send us your ideas for ways you have found to extend the learning. If we use your idea we will credit your child and send you a Promo Code for the app of your choice!

Our first printable book is the Blue Book. You can download a printable copy HERE. You can create the book in 3 different ways: print it double sided, flipping on the short edge, or print out both sheets and glue them together back to back. In these cases, cut the book down the middle on the long edge and place pages 4-5 on top of pages 2 and 7. Fold and staple. Alternatively, cut out the individual pages and staple them together in order.

Once you have assembled your book, help your child to find the word “Blue” on the cover and lightly color the word blue. Find the word “blue” on every page and circle the word or lightly color it blue. Colored pencils work well for this. You want to be able to still see the word when reading the book as this helps anchor the child for one-to -one matching. Next, it is time to color the vehicles blue on each page. Lastly, your child can practice reading the book, pointing to each word. Have your child point underneath the first letter of each word as this will help them to read unknown words. For example, if s/he says “airplane” for “plane“ on page 4, point out the letter p at the beginning of the word and say p, p, p plane.

After reading the book, here are some suggestions: Go on a treasure hunt around the house to find things that are different colors; Play “I Spy” with colors rather than things beginning with a letter of the alphabet; Make blue ice cubes with food coloring and watch them melt in a glass of water; Find out what happens when you mix blue paint or food coloring with other colors. Go to http://www.petethecatbooks.com/songs/ and listen to I Love My White Shoes.

Enjoy, and don’t forget to let us know how you are using the Reading Train at home.