This Is Not My Hat 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
Â
SUMMARY
"This Is Not My Hat" by Jon Klassen is a clever and visually captivating picture book that follows the story of a small fish who steals a hat from a larger fish while believing he won't be caught. The little fish is confident that he can get away with the theft, but as he swims through the underwater world, he starts to worry that the big fish may know who stole his hat and could be on his way! Through expressive illustrations, the book humorously explores themes of guilt, conscience, and the consequences of dishonesty. In a surprising and satisfying twist, readers learn that actions have consequences, even in the big ocean. "This Is Not My Hat" is a simple yet impactful narrative that is engaging and memorable for young audiences.
 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 identify the point of view and discuss the benefits of the narrator.
- Have students sequence the important events in the story. This is an important skill when it comes to retelling a story.
- Teach students how contractions are used.
- Introduce pronouns and practice using them.
- Discuss the importance of making good choices.
- Discuss impulse control strategies students can use independently.
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.
- I Want My Hat Back by Jon KlassenÂ
- We Found a Hat by Jon KlassenÂ
- Swimmy by Leo Lionni
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!
