Early Reader: Octopus Goes to School

Even an octopus must gather supplies around his cave as he prepares to wave good-bye to Mom on his way to school. A familiar event in an unusual setting.

Activities that can extend this book into other areas of the curriculum or into the home are endless. Here are just a few ideas. Have fun!

Use geoboards to make octagons. -List equations for the number eight. Use a box of eight crayons or markers as the counters. -Play ''What's Missing?'' with school supplies. Lay several items on a table. Take an item away while the rest of the group is not looking. Players guess which item is missing. -Decorate a lunch bag with pictures of sea life. Place a healthy lunch in the bag and have a picnic on an imaginary beach. -Eat fish crackers while reading.

Seedling books help beginning readers grow through engaging stories and kid-friendly photos and artwork. Best for reading at the earliest stages, these books use clear print, ample spacing, limited vocabulary, and simple story lines to help children practice word building, improve fluency, and garner a love for reading.

Seedling has an established reputation both in the classroom and at home as one of the best book collections for young readers.