Title – The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle

By – Jennifer Dalke

Subject – Art, Language Arts

Grade Level – 1-2

The Very Quiet Cricket by Eric Carle

(Literal Comprehension – Recognition of Detail)

Before reading this story, I will ask the children some questions to peak their interest: Have you ever seen any insects in your houses? What kinds? What about outside? What kinds of noises do the different insects make? Why do you think they make these noises?

Then, I will instruct the students to listen closely to the story as I read it to them. After the story is over, I will ask the students some more questions: Did the book mention any insects that we already said? Were there any that were different? What kinds of sounds did they make? Why did the insects make these sounds?

Next, I will point out a large strip of butcher paper that I have already put up in the room. I will explain that we will be making our very own mural of the setting of our story. I will be sure to ask students for ideas about what we need to put on our mural. Then, I will tell the children that I will read the story one more time, only this time, students need to pick one insect that they will draw on the mural. Students will be reminded to pay close attention to where the insect lives and what it looks like.

Finally, after rereading the story, I will put out newspaper on the floor next to the mural and put out a variety of markers, crayons, and colored chalk. I will emphasize that this is a mural, not individual pictures- the students must work together in order to make the mural. I will monitor the students carefully to be sure that they understand what they are doing. If necessary, I will give hints and pointers as to how to improve their work. When the students have finished, I will write the name of the story at the top of the mural.

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