Olivia is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
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SUMMARY
"Olivia" by Ian Falconer is a delightful story about a spirited pig named Olivia. The book follows Olivia as she goes about her daily adventures, from dressing up, singing, and building sandcastles to creating works of art and getting into a little bit of mischief. Olivia's boundless imagination and energy are showcased through the book's playful illustrations and humorous anecdotes. Despite her mischievous nature, Olivia's love for her family shines through, especially her strong bond with her supportive and patient mother. Through Olivia's character, young readers are encouraged to embrace their own creativity, express themselves, and enjoy the simple joys of childhood. Overall, "Olivia" is a charming and entertaining picture book that captures the spirit of a lively and imaginative young pig.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Teach students how contractions are used.
- Introduce pronouns and practice using them.
- Encourage students to think about ways they can show compassion.
- Discuss patience with students and share strategies they can use to be more patient.
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
- 30Â 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
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- A Piglet Named Mercy by Kate Dicamillo
- Piggie Pie by Margie Paatini
- The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
- Pigsty by Mark Teague
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!
