A Book of Hugs

In keeping with the theme of love for the month of February, I would like to share with you an activity I completed with my students using the book A Book of Hugs by Dave Ross. 

This is the sweetest little illustrated book about the different kinds of hugs one can get and give; mommy hugs, friendship hugs, knee hugs, birthday hugs etc. After reading the story to my students, they work in their writing journal to create a list of things you can hug and can’t hug. Students share ideas with the class, choosing a couple from each list to read aloud. As each student shares keep track of their ideas on an overhead or chart paper. As more students share, ask them to choose things from their two lists that no one has mentioned yet. When all of the ideas are written, read them with your students and discuss if they agree where the item was assigned; in the can or can’t hug column. Finally, let each student pick one or two words from the lists to illustrate on an index card, checking each word chosen so no pictures are repeated. After everyone’s index cards are complete, show each card to the class and explain that they will use these cards again next week in their pocket chart center. They will work on sorting things you can and can’t hug. You can extend this lesson by introducing or reviewing contractions and by having students write another journal entry “I would like to hug a ______ because...” and “I would not like to hug a _____ because…” We also have a poem of the week in our class, and I always complete this activity the same week we learn Hug –o –War by the poet Shel Silverstein. 

You can’t give a hug without getting a hug. ~ Author Unknown

Comments

[Karen]

I like the hug book! We need a little love in our room. Thanks for sharing your ideas!!

[Jennifer]

Thanks Karen! You know what the Beatles say..."All you need is love..." You should check out my latest blog today that has tons of St. Patrick's Day ideas that you could use with your 2nd graders!