In my reading courses I always like to use Fables by Arnold Lobel. He always has one piece of art that encapsulate the entire story. When I teach students about predictions I usually use one of his fables. In the fable attached for this lesson I have the students examine a photo. It is a picture of an interesting bear wearing a frying pan on his head and paper bags for shoes. I sometimes have the students create a story based on what they see from the photo, other times I have students predict what they believe the story will be about.
Once they have worked with a partner to create a story or predict the story I give them the Fable of the Bear and the Crow. I ask them, what do you think it will be about now they you have the title? They will notice a crow in the picture now. Students will read through the story and then be asked, “What was the story about?” and “How does it relate to real life?” Usually I get puzzled looks. This is about animals not people! Working with group members they discover that it isn’t a silly story, but has greater meaning that applies to their life.
Note, do not staple the fable with the picture or print double sided. Provide the picture first then the story. You can also give the picture and write the name of the story on the board before providing the text.
