Christina Marconi Dr. Peck CURR 511 Link: http://youtu.be/hONae--RoLY 1.

Chesters Back, written by Melanie Watt Published in 2008

May 22, 2013 Read Aloud Narrative

Description: Melanie Watt wrote this sequel starring Chester, the cat. However, Chester continues to be disruptive throughout this book. With his red marker, big ego, and silly costumes, Chester rewrites, doodles in and sabotages Melanie Watts book. This book has the reader questioning which author-illustrator will come out on top Chester or Melanie Watt. As Chester sees it, who needs Melanie Watt when they have Chester? He has no shortage of his own storytelling ideas. When Chester starts acting far too Hollywood, Melanie calls an open audition to replace the high-maintenance cat. After these auditions, Chester feels he needs to fight back. This book is a comical text of dueling author-illustrators. Curricular Links: Literature, understanding humor, voice, point of view, tone, mood, character 2. Rationale For Choice The reason I chose this book for the read aloud is because it is a humorous text that will get students grade pre-k to 3 engaged and making predictions. The students will fall in love with Chester, and the use of color and fonts to indicate the speakers and the mix of various illustration styles add definition the story-within-the-story, and the pages are full of activity. Readers will discover new details with each viewing. This book is also great to teach voice in writing. With two narrators, it is important the students are aware of who is speaking when. In addition, you can make story time more creative with props to emphasize important scenes in the story and get into character. Props may include a cowboy hat, red marker, handkerchief, plastic dinosaur, little mouse, and red jellybeans. 3. Method for Activating Prior Knowledge and Previewing Text It is possible to read this book and understand the meaning of it, however I think it would be more beneficial for the students to be familiar with Chesters personality prior to the reading of this book. I will prepare readers for the text by review the qualities of Chester the cat that we have seen in previous books. Then, I would invite the students to participate by asking who the author of the story is, and ask what additional clues the cover gives as to what the story will be about. I will point out Mouse on the front cover, and ask what emotion he is showing. I will also point out Chester, and ask what emotion he is showing. I will stage the story before I begin. I will state that Melanie is trying to write a story about a Mouse but Chester keeps taking over with his red marker!

4. Reasoning for Intentional Pauses to Allow Talk I will pause briefly throughout the story to make sure the students understand who is speaking when. While its clear by the color of the text, its less so when read aloud to younger audiences. I will hold a Chester mask in front of my face, so the students are always aware who is narrating. 5. Interactive Questions that Engage Readers in a Shared Language a. What is a narrator? b. Chester keeps interrupting Melanie, how do you think that makes her feel? Why do you think that? c. Why do you think Chester is acting this way? d. Melanie is holding auditions for a new Chester. Why is she holding auditions? 6. Follow Up Engagements Based on the Text A) Discuss the differences in tone, mood, and content between Chester and Melanie Watt. Use a Venn diagram to outline the similarities/differences or make a chart together. Also, connect that information to specific character qualities of each voice. B) Play a game of If I Were. Have 3-5 scenarios, such as playing a game, doing a project, or completing chores. Ask the students to pick which character (Melanie or Chester) they would want to be with in that scenario and to explain why. For example, if I were to play a game of cards, I would want to play against _____ because ______. Or, if I were doing chores, I would want _____ to help me because ____. This activity is an excellent way to assess how well the students understand the characters. C) Continue the discussion by asking the children if they have pets at home. Do they ever misbehave? D) Ask the class how Melanie could have helped make Chester behave. E) Start a discussion about Mouse (since we never were able to hear a story about him). What would his story be about? This is a great way to lead into an independent story writing activity.