Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree - Beyond the Book Resources
I had no idea that this book was first published in 1963!
It's truly timeless. Seriously, it's been around this long and yet its message is still just as relevant today...maybe even more so, as it was when first published. It's basically a testament of how one thing (the tree) can bring joy to many.
It's a fun book to read over and over because each time you read, you'll find something new in the illustrations. It still happens to me and I've read it numerous times!
In 1995 this book was turned into a Christmas television special for CBS. It starred Robert Downey Jr., Stockard Channing and Leslie Nielsen. It also featured Kermit the Frog as a narrator. I searched for a link or copy, but couldn't locate one.
Themes: One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure Contentment Family
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:
Rhyming Words- The story is like an extended poem
Character Traits - how are the different animals and their homes alike or different
Powerful Verbs- tidy up, scampered, rollicking, frolicking, padding, spied
Order of Events /Plot- Which house received a tree first, next, and last.
Examples Shown with Images are for Reference Only - Not Part of the Download
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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