Look Inside Teachers' Notes While taking a walk on Halloween night, a witch and her cat are frightened by three children in costumes. Beautifully re-illustrated with a fresh and appealing look, these Beginning-to-Read books foster independent reading and comprehension. Using high frequency words and repetition, readers gain confidence while enjoying stories about everyday life and adventures. Educators' resources include reading reinforcement activities and a word list in the back. Activities focus on foundational, language and reading skills. Sections include; phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
Usually a witch flies through the skies during Halloween. On this night, however, a kindly witch decides to take a walk instead to see what she and her black cat will discover. Will the witch be scared? Does she spook others along the way or perhaps be surprised herself? As the walk continues, the witch and her companion find rather familiar sights such as ‘spooky’ trees, bats, ghosts, another cat, an owl and an unexpected group in costumes. What to do now? Why, fly away in the sky with her black cat again! Friendly pictures of common Halloween sights should lessen fright in children. Text features for families and educators include a letter by Shannon Cannon, Literacy Consultant, and specific reading reinforcement activities based on the story. Phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and text comprehension are vital components of reading instruction as determined by the National Reading Panel. Also, a sixty-seven word list of high frequency words is provided. Youngsters will recognize them when listening repeatedly to the author’s “Beginning-to-Read Easy Stories.” Whether used seasonally or not, classic stories such as this one help children make sense of their world while giving them opportunities to practice oral language by common experiences.
Susan Treadway, M.Ed (Children's Literature)
Simple story with spooky illustrations perfect for Halloween. Great one to check out to beginning readers. Repetitive and easy to read. Perfect for kindergarten.
Richardson's Independent School District's Library Media Services Book Review Program, June 2010
