Core Skills Analysis
Language Arts and Literacy
New watched The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore during International Literacy Day. At age two, New was introduced to the idea that books, stories, and reading can be meaningful and enjoyable. The film provided an early opportunity to notice characters, images, and storytelling without requiring New to read independently.
Social-Emotional Learning
While watching the film, New encountered a story centered on books and a character’s relationship with them. At age two, New could begin connecting stories with feelings, comfort, curiosity, and companionship, although the activity description did not identify specific emotional responses. The shared viewing experience also supported positive attention around books and literacy.
Cultural and Global Awareness
New watched the film as part of International Literacy Day, connecting a home learning activity with a global celebration of reading and access to literacy. At age two, New was introduced to the idea that literacy is important beyond one ordinary reading moment. The activity created an age-appropriate starting point for valuing books and stories across communities.
Tips
Tips: After viewing, invite New to look through a favorite picture book and point to the cover, pictures, and pages. Retell one simple part of the film using toy characters, puppets, or drawings, while accepting gestures and single words as responses. Create a small “book celebration” by visiting a library, choosing a book together, or placing books in a special reading basket. Keep the experience playful and brief, following New’s interest rather than expecting formal comprehension.
Book Recommendations
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle: A colorful, repetitive picture book that encourages page turning, picture recognition, and early story participation.
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr., illustrated by Eric Carle: A predictable read-aloud with repeated language that supports listening, vocabulary, and participation.
- A Book of Sleep by Il Sung Na: A gentle picture book that celebrates books, nighttime reading, and the comforting rhythm of shared stories.
Try This Next
- Picture retelling: Ask New to point to or draw a favorite scene, then name one character or object.
- Book basket activity: Sort three familiar books by size, color, or cover picture.
- Story-play prompt: Use stuffed animals or puppets to act out opening, looking at, and sharing a book.