I’m pleased to share with the readers of the New Teacher Resource Center that my story, “The Gift,” is now available in Stories for Children online edition September 2009!
I just love the illustration for this story. You can use this story to teach the Jewish New Year.
Before reading the story to your students, you can start by asking the class:
Pre-Reading Questions
1. What do we typically do/eat/hear on Rosh Hashana? Allow students to brainstorm as many things. Remember the more time you give for brainstorming, the more responses students will give. So don’t rush through this stage.
2. Why do you think the Jewish new year of Rosh Hashana is like a gift?
While-Reading Questions
As students listen to the story, have them either stop you or underline areas of the story that indicate that Rosh Hashana is a gift for Chava, the main character.
Post-Reading Activities
1.Answer either in full class responses or individually: Did students like the ending to the story? Why or why not?
2.Students can complete a story web or write an additional ending to the story.
Click on the link below for the story. You have my permission to use it in your classroom. Please email me for other uses.
You’ll need to scroll down to page 42 where you’ll find my story, “The Gift.”
Click here for the link.
Enjoy! Have a sweet Jewish New Year!