Dine with a Book Character

 The fourth challenge in the My Little Bookcase Reading Adventure is Dine with a Book Character. This creative challenge involves choosing a favorite book character to share a meal with, planning the meal, and then setting up a way to share it with that character.

This is an excellent project for any grade level. Begin by brainstorming a list of favorite characters. These can be drawn from books that have been read by reading groups, or from books that you have read to the class. Parents can help children at home to choose characters from stories that you've shared.

Once a list of characters has been made, have the students discuss which would make good dinner guests. Encourage children to think about what they know about a character to help them in their selection. Characters who have been well developed in stories make the best guests - unless your students want to have a "mystery guest" at their party.

Writing invitations is a great activity. Have students think about the characteristics of the character they've chosen - or that the class has chosen together. Have each student draft an invitation. Discuss the important things to include - date, time, place, theme - and then let each student create his or her own invitation.

Planning the meal is next. This can be a simple snack or a more elaborate meal. Discuss who will be in charge of bringing the ingredients, making any recipes and serving the treats. Be sure to assign some students to clean up duties as well.

Cooking with Kids: Informal Teaching and Learning offers some tips for creating a cooking activity with your children. These ideas can easily be adapted for classroom use.

Dine with a Book Character is a great activity for home, school or summer day care. Be sure to check out other suggestions at the My Little Bookcase site and enter to win this month's prize.

Happy Reading and Eating with your favorite character!

Copyright 2012 Irene Taylor.All rights reserved.