Reading to children is really enjoyable, but when they can participate in the storytelling it rises to a whole new level. Little Pumpkin’s Fall Day was written so that kids can participate all the way through and become part of the story, not just the observers. They are the ones moving the main character around the page, and they are the ones providing the many sound effects through the story. If you haven’t tried this kind of interactive reading before, I encourage you to give it a go… you’ll love it!
The first purpose for this reader was to create a fall interactive book that is fun and effective right across the early years. The second purpose was to create something that is completely adaptable. In other words, once they’ve taken part in the story provided they can go back and change the story, or make it completely different. They could try making Little Pumpkin sad, naughty, silly or lost. Storytelling is brilliant for developing literacy skills and the ability to create original stories helps future writers because to write we have to have ideas first!
What you’ll need
- This free Little Pumpkin’s Fall Day printable
- Scissors, tape and craft stick
- Coloured card to make a book (but it’s not essential) and a stapler
- If your kids want to colour the black and white copy they’ll need pencils/markers.
How to put the interactive reader together
Print off the pumpkin and attach him to a craft stick using tape. Print onto card to make him sturdier, or laminate.
Print off either the colour or black and white book pages and turn them into a double-sided book. Full instructions are in the download.
How does the fall story come together?
Kids love to brainstorm when it comes to sound effects. Talk about the different sounds in the story and have them practice before reading the story together. It’s not a competition and there’s no real right and wrong, so however they want to create each sound is perfectly fine.
The sound effects suggested in the story include: walking (on leaves and stones), swishing wind, birds singing, tired puffing, snoring, singing, dogs barking, cows mooing and children laughing.
Most of these sounds are mouth sounds, but for the walking, try a loosely balled up plastic bag or page of newspaper hit with a hand for making a good ‘walking in the leaves’ or ‘walking on the road’ sound. It needs to be a one-handed noise because the child should be holding Little Pumpkin at the same time unless you’re reading to a group.
While you’re reading encourage your child to move the pumpkin around each page according to the storyline. Between moving the pumpkin and creating sound effects your child should be fully engaged in the story!
Looking for more fall activities?
Click on the links below to find lots more activity ideas and free printables!
From left to right:
Halloween Words // The Pleasantest Thing
Fall Leaves In and Out Activity // Still Playing School
Pumpkin Alphabet Puzzles // Modern Preschool
Sunflower Playdough Mats for the Numbers 1-10 // Life Over Cs
Fall Leaves Quiet Book // Teach My Mommy
Pumpkin Count and Clip Cards // Playdough to Plato
Apple Fine Motor Play // Adventures of Adam
Free Fall Themed Mazes // Powerful Mothering
Free Pumpkin Colors Booklet // Stay At Home Educator
Fall Nature I Spy Bottle // Mama. Papa. Bubba.
Fall Alphabet // Preschool Inspirations
Fine Motor Spider // Coffee Cups and Crayons
Pete the Cat Pumpkin // Think Magnet
Fall Interactive Book // Liz’s Early Learning Spot
Free Pumpkin Number Mats // The Kindergarten Connection
Fall Playdough Busy Bag // Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails
Counting with Acorns // Play and Learn Everyday
Liz,
Hi!
I love this especially since it is in color and black and white. It can be used twice for the younger children the colored and for the 5 and above the blackline master is great so they can color it any way they like or you could assign colors if they are learning colors. I find many of the printable you make very exciting. They can be used in so many different ways. Thanks for the great ideas. I am a grandma teaching my grandson to help him get ahead for kindergarten next year. So thank you very much for all the great things you make.
Thank you for your lovely comment, and how excellent that you are able to help your grandson get ready for school. He must really enjoy his time with you and you give him a gift by helping him prepare in a low-pressure home environment. I wish you both the best on your learning journey together!
Hi Liz
I just discovered this. It is a fantastic idea and I thank you so much for creating and sharing it. I am hoping I can use your idea and create similar interactive stories for my students. It would be very beneficial for them and help them to be more active participants. I teache preschool children with disabilities. Thank you. Thank yo. Thank you.
I’m so glad this is helpful for your little ones, Pennie! Good luck with creating more stories for them, I hope it helps them engage and contribute more. Sometimes getting kids to speak up and share can be an amazing achievement all on its own.