Although each book in the AfterSchool KidzLit® program is different, leaders follow the same process to introduce the story, read and talk about it, and help young people see how it relates to their own lives.
Part
1. Introduce the story
What happens
The leader engages the kids with an introductory activity or discussion.
The Leader’s Guide provides:
- A summary of the story, background information, and “big ideas” to explore together
- Suggestions for developing kids’ curiosity and establishing context
2. Read the story
What happens
The leader reads the story aloud, pausing for questions, showing illustrations, and defining new words.
The Leader’s Guide provides:
- Suggestions for where to break stories being read over several days
- Question prompts for kids reading as partners
3. Talk about it
What happens
The kids discuss the story, either in pairs or as a group.
The Leader’s Guide provides:
- Open-ended questions to facilitate discussions
- Short activities to get the kids talking
- Ideas for vocabulary enrichment
4. Get connected
What happens
The kids do an activity that deepens the connection between the story’s content and their own lives.
The Leader’s Guide provides:
- Suggestions for activities that help the kids respond to the text
- Suggestions for activities that allow for individual, partner, or group work
5. Wrap it up
What happens
The kids do an activity that extends their thinking about the story.
The Leader’s Guide provides:
- Ideas to bring closure to the story
- “Cool Words” activities that help the kids use their new vocabulary to summarize key ideas from the story