aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Reading
What age group	Year or Grade 3
What topic	The Stories Julian Tells
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Engaging Start to a Grade 3 Reading Lesson: The Stories Julian Tells

Introduction: The Mystery of Julian's Stories

Objective: Spark curiosity and creativity in students to prepare them for reading The Stories Julian Tells by Ann Cameron.

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Hook: The Story Jar

Materials Needed:

• A large glass jar or container
• Colorful slips of paper
• A pen or marker

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Jar: Before the lesson, decorate the jar to make it visually appealing. Consider adding images of books or colorful stickers related to storytelling.

2. Create Story Prompts: Write various story prompts on slips of paper. Some examples include:

   • A day when everything went wrong
   • A secret adventure with a talking animal
   • An unexpected guest at a family dinner
   • A magical item that changes the hero's life

3. Present the Jar to Students: Begin the lesson by holding up the Story Jar and explain that it holds special story prompts that can help inspire their imagination.

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The Activity

Step 1: Invite students to gather around. Explain that today they'll explore The Stories Julian Tells, a book filled with imaginative stories. But before diving into Julian's tales, they will get a chance to create their own!

Step 2: Draw a Slip: Ask a volunteer to come up and pick a slip from the jar. Have them read the prompt aloud to the class.

Step 3: Group Brainstorming: Along with the class, brainstorm ideas on how they could turn that prompt into a story. Ask guiding questions such as:

• What characters could be in this story?
• What challenges might they face?
• How might the story end?

Step 4: Introduce Julian: After the brainstorming session, tell the students that The Stories Julian Tells also explores rich imaginative tales. Explain that they will read about Julian and his friends, who tell their own exciting stories and have fun adventures.

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Conclusion

By starting the lesson with the Story Jar activity, students not only engage their creativity but also build anticipation for reading about Julian's adventures. This interactive approach gets them involved and primes their minds for the joy of storytelling!

Make sure to transition smoothly from this activity into reading The Stories Julian Tells together as a class.