I Need My Monster - Beyond the Book Resources
This story came from the author’s experience as a mother. Having 4 children she'd experienced many different bedtime issues. However, when her daughter continued to wake up and come to find her, not because she was scared, but because she thought everyone else was having fun without her, Noll started thinking... "I wish she was scared of a monster under her bed". She wondered to herself about where her daughter's monster might be and why isn't he doing his job keeping her in bed. This was a story that she, "could not keep quiet in her mind" and we're all so very glad that she took the time to get it down on paper.
There are now 5 books in this" Monster" series
Themes: Overcoming Fear Perseverance
Awards & Accolades: California Young Readers Medal (2011–12) Storytelling World Award Honor Book (2010)
Teachable Moments:
This book offers multiple opportunities for learning that go far beyond what's printed on the page or seen in the illustrations. Here's a small sample:
Great Adjectives- razor-sharp claws, breathy voice, ragged nails, and uncut claws I stopped making my list of examples 1/4 of the way through the story. Work with your child to add to my list.
Character Traits - Each monster has a slightly different personality & physical characteristics.
Order of Events /Plot- Which monster came first, next, last.
Extend the Learning with Story-Based Play
Adding an element of play is another way to deepen your child’s understanding of concepts within and beyond a story. According to Hall (1991), young children often develop advanced literacy skills when they engage in play related to a familiar story. Many complex literacy skills develop naturally when the story and play intersect, setting the stage for your child to learn to read and write.
It’s easy. Take a great story, gather toys that align with that story, and get out of the way. Your child will do the rest. The goal is to allow the play to evolve naturally. You’ll be surprised by the amount of learning transferred and reinforced through this type of play.
Here’s Why We Love These Specific Products:
They have direct connections to the book.
They reinforce new vocabulary.
They encourage imaginative play
They make it easy to re-enact parts of the story.
They often take learning beyond the confines of the story.
Few require batteries, screens, or electricity.
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