KINDERGARTEN-FIRST GRADE

For the youngest readers, who are learning about the seasons, Barbara reads her books WINTER LULLABY and SPRING SONG. The two books follow the seasons, through animal behavior, in soft, gentle verses accompanied by handsome illustrations.

The children are asked questions about winter. For example, "What do you do in cold weather? The discussion leads them to name things they do or clothing they wear. Barbara draws simple pictures of articles of clothing on the board to accompany the discussion.

After the discussion, Barbara reads to them from WINTER LULLABY, which is about how animals cope with the cold and the coming of winter. The children follow the spoken text and what is happening through the illustrations. They love discovering, with each turn of the page, what the animals do to keep warm.

When the reading of WINTER LULLABY is over, Barbara reinforces the essence of the book, that animals and people have to find warmth and shelter when it is cold. The discussion leads to what happens in Spring, as they discuss the weather getting warmer. Different outdoor activities are mentioned, and items of clothing - hats, mittens, coats - are removed from the board because they are no longer necessary. Barbara follows the discussion with a reading of SPRING SONG, about what animals do when they emerge after the long winter, hungry and thirsty, and wanting to play.

If necessary for good visibility, the illustrations may be shown using an overhead projector.