The Big Umbrella 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
"The Big Umbrella" by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates is a heartwarming and inclusive children's book that celebrates the power of kindness and acceptance. The story revolves around a big red umbrella that welcomes anyone and everyone who seeks shelter from the rain. As the umbrella expands to accommodate more and more people, it becomes a symbol of inclusivity and compassion. With its simple yet powerful illustrations, "The Big Umbrella" teaches young readers about the importance of embracing diversity and making others feel included. The book promotes empathy, understanding, and the notion that there is always room for one more under the umbrella of kindness. Through its gentle and uplifting message, "The Big Umbrella" encourages children to look beyond differences and extend a helping hand to those in need.
 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.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Have students practice their questioning skills as you read the book.
- Practice identifying the main idea and key details.
- Discuss the different adjectives used in the book.
- Teach students how contractions are used.
- Explore examples of inclusion in the story.
- Discuss the importance of kindness.
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.
- Cloudette by Tom Lichtenheld
- Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett
- Same, Same, But Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
- We're All Wonders by R. J. Palacio
- The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi
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!
