Introduction (5 minutes):
- Ask the student: Have you ever had a really close friend? What makes friendship special?
- Introduce the book 'Red and Lulu'. Look at the cover together. What do you think this story might be about based on the cover picture? Point out the birds and the big tree.
- Optional: Use bird figures to represent Red and Lulu.
Reading the Story (15-20 minutes):
- Read 'Red and Lulu' aloud with expression. Pause at interesting points to look closely at the illustrations.
- Point out new vocabulary words like 'spruce,' 'journey,' 'landmark,' and briefly explain them in context.
- Encourage the student to ask questions or make comments during the reading.
Discussion (10 minutes):
- Who are the main characters in the story? (Red and Lulu)
- Where did Red and Lulu live at the beginning of the story? (In a big evergreen tree in the country)
- What big change happened to their home? (The tree was cut down and taken away.)
- How do you think Red felt when he couldn't find Lulu or the tree? (Sad, worried, lonely)
- How did Lulu find Red again? (She heard him singing near the special tree in the city.)
- What city was the tree taken to? (New York City - Optional: Show NYC on a map or picture). What special place was the tree put in? (Rockefeller Center)
- How did Red and Lulu stay friends even after the big change? (They found each other and made a new home together.)
- What does this story teach us about friendship? (Friendship is strong, friends help each other, friends can find ways to be together even when things change.)
- What does it teach us about change? (Change can be unexpected and sometimes sad, but you can adapt and find happiness again.)
Activity: Draw Your Favorite Part or Create a New Home (15 minutes):
- Give the student paper and drawing materials.
- Ask them to either:
- Option 1: Draw their favorite part of the story and tell you about it.
- Option 2: Draw a picture of a place where Red and Lulu could make a new home together after the holidays. Where would be a good place for two city birds?
- While drawing, talk about the choices they are making in their picture.
- Differentiation: For support, help label parts of the drawing or write a simple sentence dictated by the student. For extension, ask the student to write a sentence or two describing their picture or the new home they designed.
Wrap-up (5 minutes):
- Have the student share their drawing and explain it.
- Briefly review the main events of the story and the themes of friendship and change.
- Praise the student's participation and effort. Remind them how Red and Lulu's strong friendship helped them through a big change.