I Need My Monster Activities are the perfect segue into discussion opportunities to free common childhood fears. Yes, we’re talking monsters under the bed.
Although it was some time ago, I can still remember being totally and utterly frightened by the smallest noise or slight movement of a shadow.
To my surprise, an interesting twist on the monster under my bed scenario is solved through a favorite read-aloud, I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll.
I Need My Monster turns the dialogue around, with its main character Ethan frantic because his monster has gone fishing. Ethan proclaims that he needs his monster to keep him in his bed so that he can fall asleep. Although Ethan is presented with several substitute monsters, all of them will not do for one reason or another. Eventually, Ethan’s monster returns from fishing, and all is well. Ethan is scared just the right amount for him the tuck deep into his covers and fall asleep.
Our Powerful Imagination
When I read the story, I Need My Monster, the class and I focus on the power of our imaginations. The big message for my little ones is that you can create any creature, good or bad, with the power of your imagination.
We take the time to create the type of creature to help each of us fall asleep. All of our ideas are shared on a brainstormed list for future use. From here, we create the imagined creature to keep us safe in our beds. This is easily done by using my scrap pieces of construction paper. (I know, very low-tech and no prep work.)
I Need My Monster Activities
The story, I Need My Monster, has great vocabulary for your students. Therefore, vocabulary discussions and working with the new vocabulary are must-have activities.
I start all my book introductions with pre-teaching vocabulary the students will read in the text. I present the vocabulary word in print and supply a kid-friendly definition.
The next step is to use the word in a sentence. Which I easily do by using the mentor text of the read-aloud.
If you follow my blog, I use this same routine in all of my read-aloud companions. (Take advantage of my Read-Aloud Companion Bundle opportunity here.)
The last step is to ask a leading question to use the vocabulary word in their answer. Having the students immediately use the new term is always a great idea.
Grammar Lessons Within Text
After the students read the story at least once, I give them a mini grammar lesson by using the text with the read-aloud. For this particular read-aloud, I decided to teach the students about adjectives and adverbs. Yes, the story is filled with many great examples of adjectives.
A list of adjectives and adverbs is shared with the students after teaching the actual definitions of adjectives and adverbs.
From here, we go on an adjective or adverbs hunt. Yes, we reread the text and list add adjectives found. (Or adverbs, when we are doing the adverbs mini-lesson.)
Story Structure
Lastly, the students and I rewrite sentences after adding more description to our sentences by adding adjectives (adverbs).
The most exciting day of our read-aloud study was when we discussed the story’s structure. Since I teach second grade, my students need to give a good retelling of the text.
I Need My Monster unfolds perfectly for students to give a retelling of the story with ease. If your students struggle with this skill, I have several graphic organizers that they may use until this skill becomes second nature.
I Need My Monster Writing Prompts
The writing prompts are by far my favorite of the activities. I love to read what’s in those little heads and discover their inner thoughts.
Our first writing prompt I give the kiddos is to tell me what they need to fall asleep at night.
If you choose to give this prompt, hang on to your hat. You’re going to hear some comical stuff! (And I love every minute of it.)
Another fun and concise writing assignment are to have the student fill out a Monster Application. The writing task asks students to start using descriptive detail, which can transfer to their narrative writing.
The narrative writing about their monster is the big writing assignment. I start with the narrative rubric so students know exactly what it takes to score the highest level. Students may also use this rubric for self-assessment as well. (You’ve gotta love that!)
Narrative writing is where I put most of my efforts; therefore, mini-lessons will guide them through each step of the narrative and the corresponding rubric.
The five writing prompts I use for this story are:
- Do you need one under your bed?
- Describe your imaginary monster.
- Describe how you help yourself fall asleep.
- Monster Application
- My ___ Monster Narrative
If you’re looking for more ideas on creating a writing routine that works for your elementary-aged students, be sure to check out my Sentences, Paragraphs, and Essays: Oh, my! E-book. You’ll love the tips, tricks, and activities to excite your students about writing!
-Melissa
