This is a book I was just reminded of that seems very fitting for this time of isolation. It is a sweet reminder to our children (and adults) that we are all still connected. If you do not have a copy of this book available to you, click here for a YouTube read aloud.
I have created some of these and borrowed others, to compile a list of extension activities for this book:
1. Discussion questions:
± How does this story make you feel?
± Is there someone you're missing right now?
± How can you stay connected to people even when you're far apart?
± Who are some of the people you're connected to by an invisible string?
± Can you think of a time you felt a tug on your heart string?
2. Geography: Once you've made a list of people your child is connected to, pull out a map or globe to locate your home, then their homes.
3. Discuss any new vocabulary. Younger children can look for specific letters on the pages (start with the first letter of their name). Older kids could play synonym and antonym games, or practice writing dialogue after studying the way it is used in this story.
4. Writing practice: since we're trying to stay connected without spreading germs, consider sending an e-card to someone who is far away and isolated. Grandparents, aunts & uncles, old neighbors from the town you used to live in, etc. Hallmark has some cute cards!
5. More writing practice: Journal: Think of one of the people on your list. Write a story about a time you spent with that person.
6. I love this idea of using paint and paper, with some unique tools, to create beautiful hearts. We are going to do this, but I will likely have my daughter cover a large piece of paper with paint/designs. When it dries, we will cut hearts out and create our Invisible String wall decor
7. Invisible String wall decor: Have your child write the names (if able) of of the people they listed earlier in the lesson onto individual hearts. Tape them to the wall (masking tape won't pull paint off) and then use yarn to connect the hearts, like the invisible string. If your child is an emergent or pre-emergent reader, you can have them draw these people or print their pictures and cut them out. This wall will be a visual reminder of those who cannot be with us, but love us no matter what. It will also help us remember to reach out and check on our friends and family during a difficult time.
8. This one might be one of my favorite things! Get a shoebox lid (or maybe one slightly larger), popsicle sticks or straws (we like to use popsicle sticks because we can use them again after this project). Tape the sticks to the inside of the box lid to create a maze. Then, cut a small heart that will fit within the walls of the maze and attach a metal paperclip to it. Now, use a magnet on the opposite side of the box to move the heart through the maze. The heart feels the tug of the invisible string!
Let me know if you think of more fun ideas to go along with this book.
Happy storytime, and wash your hands!
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