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Ralph Tells a Story



Last updated Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Author: Abby Hanlon
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 0761461809
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2019

Synopsis: Nothing ever happens to Ralph. So every day when it’s time to write stories, Ralph thinks really hard. He stares at his paper. He stares at the ceiling. But he has no stories! With the help of his classmates, Ralph realizes that a great story can be about something very little . . . and that maybe he really does have some stories to tell.

Note to readers:
•  Note the difference between the endpapers (very first and last pages pasted into the book) at the beginning and end of the book.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you like to write stories?
•  Do you like to draw stories?
•  How many different ways can you think of to tell a story? (dancing, singing?)

Vocabulary

•  Character: a person (or animal or sometimes an abject) in a story
•  Aquarium: a home for pet fish
•  Squinting: Squeezing ones eyes almost closed
•  Embarrassed: Feeling like you don't want anyone to look at you
•  Comfortable: Feeling relaxed and good

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  How did Ralph tell his story?
•  How did Daisy help Ralph tell his story?
•  Do you have a story to tell today?

Craft ideas:
•  Create a one page story book and fill it in.
•  Draw your own book covers
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/september-2019/ralph-tells-a-story/

Special activities:
•  Start a story and pass it to the next person so they can add to it, and keep going until everyone gets to contribute.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!