Do you have older child that is 6 or older? The Monkey Balloon is ideal for ages 2-6 but can also be used for an older child who is learning how to read. If you have an older child, here are 10 ways you can use The Monkey Balloon with your older child.
1. Have your child read the book to you or a younger sibling. If your child is in 1st or 2nd grade, The Monkey Balloon can be excellent practice in increasing reading fluency.
2. Have your child complete one of our writing activities available here.
3. Ask your child to write a story on what happens after The Monkey Balloon ends. This can be an ideal time to practice your child’s writing skills.
4. Ask your child to write a story about when he or she lost their balloon. Emphasize the beginning, middle and end of the story.
5. Have your child discuss the plot and various settings of the story.
6. Read a Monkey Poem such as Monkey Me by C.J. Heck. Discuss new words, words that rhyme, etc.
7. Have your child find words that suggest a specific feeling (e.g the word “oh no!” means that Mimi might be upset)
8. Ask your child to describe the differences and similarities between The Monkey Balloon and their favorite book.
9. Dissect the word Monkey and other words by discussing the initial, middle and final sounds. How many vowels? How many consonants?
10. Ask your child to identify various punctuation marks and why they occur (e.g. “Why is The Monkey Balloon title have three capital letters?”)
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