There are so many great books to read during the month of October, but one of my favorites is the book "Hey, That's MY Monster!" by Amanda Noll. The book is filled with descriptive language which makes it perfect for teaching a lesson on using descriptive language in our writing. Your students will not only enjoy reading this endearing story, but will also love getting to make their own monster as well as write about it! Make sure to grab the free "Hey, That's My Monster!" printable for the activity.
In this adorable sequel to "I Need My Monster," Ethan finds out his monster has left him to go help his little sister and this will just not do since all kids need their own monster under their bed to help them sleep. It is truly such a fun story to read!
After reading the book with your students explain that authors use descriptive words to make their writing stronger and to help readers visualize the story. Go back and read the descriptions that the author used for the monsters throughout the book (example: hairy, slime-covered, icky, etc.) Use sticky notes in one color to write the descriptive words the author used and put them onto the page. Then, use a different color sticky note to have students brainstorm a couple more descriptions about the monster and add them to the page in the book. This exercise will help them begin to think of descriptive words that they can use in their own writing.
Explain to students that today they are each going to get their own monster. Show them how they can make their own custom monster using Large Wood Craft Sticks, Crayola® Markers and a Mini Monster Pumpkin Decorating Craft Kit. One of the best parts about these kits is that each of the pieces are self-adhesive so they're easy to use. Let students incorporate Googly Eyes too for even more fun!
If you're running low on time or want to hand out individual craft kits these Monster Flower Magnet Craft Kits or regular Monster Magnet Craft Kits are perfect! Tell students that just like the author did in the story, they now will need to use descriptive words to describe their monster on the "Hey, That's My Monster!" printable. Download the free printable worksheet HERE. Students can even give their monster a name, just like in the book. Make it even more fun by having students use these monster pencils to do their writing and then listen for the cheers when they find out that they get to keep the pencil!
After students finish their writing, have them glue their monster onto the box on the paper. To finish the activity have them glue the entire paper onto a black piece of construction paper for their fabulous writing to stand out.
For share time, you can have students show their monsters while reading their writing and then let the class guess which monster they have based on the descriptions! This is such a fun writing activity for October!
