Hey teachers! We are spotlight another great book on our blog today. When you think of a book with magic, you probably think fairy tales, witches, or other mythical creatures. Mac Barnett brings us a story with magic, Extra Yarn, but in a fresh and touching way. This is a book that will make its way to your heart right away. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
Annabelle lives in a dark and dreary little town. One day, she discovers a box filled with colorful yarn. She decides to knit herself a sweater and when there is leftover yarn she knits one for her dog. Everyone starts to notice Annabelle’s colorful sweaters so she begins to make them for others: her neighbor, teacher, classmates, and animals. Each time she knits something, there is still extra yarn! Word spread about Annabelle and her magic yarn and people begin visiting the town. An archduke even comes and offers Annabelle large amounts of money for the box of yarn, but she declines. The archduke is angry and decides to have robbers steal the box of yarn. When he returns home the archduke is surprised to find the box is empty. He throws the box out the window and curses Annabelle. However, the box makes its way back to Annabelle and she continues to knit.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
One of the reasons I love Extra Yarn so much is because I feel like I can use it to teach any skill or concept. For example, I need to teach my students about compound words. Perfect, there are so many examples in the book. Seriously, no matter what you want to teach, I’ll bet you can find a way to incorporate this book.
- Practice character analysis skills using the two main characters.
- Discuss the messages and lessons that can be found within the story.
- Engage students in “how-to” writing as they create their own step-by-step books.
- Write letters and design postcards based on events in the story.
- Introduce a new prefix to your students.
- Explore possessive nouns and why writers use them.
- Get your students thinking about the importance of kindness and making good choices.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
I am so glad we have a book companion for Extra Yarn. This is definitely a book you will use to teach for years to come. Even if you move to a different grade level, there are enough writing prompts and comprehension questions to fit the skills you are teaching.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
- Snow Globe Family by Jane O'Connor
- Snowmen at Night by Caralyn Buehner
- The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
