Teachable Text Tuesday (The Little Red Fort)

This week as I was preparing and planning for my students, our amazing librarian, shared a book with me that was going to be perfect to help me model sequencing to my first grader students.  The book is called The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier and with it's already familiar story line it brings just the right amount of suspense to my first graders as we uncover how to sequence a text while still using our metacognitive strategies to become better readers.  

The little girl in the story asks her three brothers for help when she wants to build something.  Each time she moves to the next step in her project she gives her brothers another chance to join her.  The story continues similar to The Little Red Hen but with a twist that makes you feel happy for all the characters involved near the end.

This evening as were laying in bed sharing special moments about our days, Macy stopped to share what they did in library today.  She began retelling this thrilling story about a little girl that wanted to build something and she continued her retelling all the way through to the end of The Little Red Fort.  She said she loved the ending because sometimes we all need a second chance.  I was kind of astounded because it was one of the first moments when talking and analyzing a book that I didn't have to prompt or share or teach.  It was a moment that she held on to a story (in her mind) that she loved, retold the story perfectly, and then made a connection and shared what she learned with me.  It made my teacher heart happy! 

So, if you are looking for something to do with this text or any other book for that matter, all you need to do is read it.  Talk through normal and natural conversations that are spurred on as you read and take the time to reflect when you are finished.  You don't have to do anything earth shattering to teach your little ones to love reading, except READ.  Give your people lots of choices and lots of time and show them that you love to read too.  I can almost guarantee that Macy's love for this book grew from her teacher's passion and love for this book.  It is a big responsibility sharing a love for books but sometimes thats all it takes to create lifelong readers.  

If you want to purchase this book you can find it here.  Happy "Teachable Text Tuesday!"