It's really that simple...
 *  One Great Story
 *  Multiple Readings
 *  Fun & Educational Follow-up Activities

Beyond the Book

If you feel comfortable jumping off with the information I've provided under the "Why I Love This Book" section of this page, you're set! 

However, if you feel like you need a little more assistance, actual printed instructions that include vocabulary cards questions and much more all designed to help you seamlessly incorporate all those teachable moments,  keep reading.

As a teacher and researcher in the areas of reading and early literacy, I know the correct questions to ask, the words that need to be explained and all the magical ways one can sneak learning into the simple act of reading a book multiple times.

When you implement the ideas found within my Beyond the Book Resources, each reading becomes an opportunity to broaden vocabulary, deepen an understanding of the world, introduce to new places, arouse curiosity and most important of all, help your child grow to truly love the written word.
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Each $2.99 Download Includes:
  • Getting Started - an introduction to the Read it Again method
  • Comprehension Questions  -  A list of  questions that tap into different levels of understanding and foster conversations about the story
  • ​Vocabulary Flashcards - Along with the flashcards, you'll also receive ideas for putting the cards to use in multiple ways
  • Writing - We provide an image and story prompt designed to extend the theme of the story. No we don't expect your child to write just yet. Instead, you can take down the dictation of the story your child tells.
  • Story Elements Page - Understanding what makes a story a story is an important skill.  This activity asks your child to identify the following: characters, setting, problem, solution, favorite part, and summary.
  • Cooking ideas related to the story
  • Art ideas related to the story
  • Links to  Great Games,  toys, manipulatives, and movies
  • Information on the Research behind ReaditAgain
Important Note
This download does not include the book, only the resources listed above.
​The book may be purchased separately by clicking here. 
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​Click HERE to see what's included with each
​download purchased.
Please note that you are purchasing the resources only.

How to "Read it Again" 

 1. The first time you read the book, try to read it all the way through without stopping.

2. After reading, go back into the story and ask your child to tell you what the story was about or ask your child to explain what's happening within the illustrations.

3. Over the course of the next week, find time to read the book two to three more times. It's okay to read the book multiple times a day... we actually encourage it! After each subsequent reading, ask comprehension questions

4. Consider taking your child's learning to the next level by purchasing the our Beyond the Book Resources. Each download ($2.99) includes multiple educational learning activities created specifically for this book.
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​5. It’s within this layering of reading and follow-up activities that the real magic starts to happen.

Why I Love This Book

Put simply, this book celebrates the joy and adventure that enter your life when you open yourself up to possibilities.  Honestly, the entire book seems like one of those water based amusement park rides that surprise you at every turn of the stream. The incredible spreads of images with bold colors and strokes add to the excitement.

The story begins with the fact that,  "The river didn't know it was capable of adventures until Bear came along." I love that Richard T. Morris gave thought and voice to a nonliving object. This is a great jumping off point for so many great conversations.
What else didn't the river know?
What does your backyard know?
What does your old high chair know?
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Themes 
  • Friendship
  • Community
  • Working Together
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Awards & Accolades
  • Caldecott Honor Book
Teachable Moments
This book offers multiple opportunities for learning that go far beyond what's printed on the page or seen in the illustrations. Here's a small sample:
  • Parts of a Book (Cover, Title, Author, Illustrator, Spine, End Papers...)
  • Story Structure (Characters, Setting, Plot...)
  • Order of Events /Plot
  • Action Verbs
  • The Power of Repeated Words and Phrases River doesn't realize, Froggie doesn't realize...
  • Animal Names
  • Map Skills (Check out the end papers to find a map of this adventure.)

Bear Came Along Themed Toys

Adding an element of play is yet another way to deepen the understanding of the concepts introduced within the multiple readings of the story.  You'll be surprised at the amount of learning that transfers and is reinforced through  imaginative play.

Why I Love These Specific Playthings:
  • Each item has a direct connection to Bear Came Along.
  • There are no batteries.
  • They encourage imaginative play.
  • They make it easy to re-enact the story.
  • ​They take the learning another step forward.​
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​Wooden Forest
​Stacking Toy    $19.95
4 Foot Long Snuggle Bear  $79.98
Tree Trunk Pillow $15.99

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15 “ Bear  $17.96
Please note that these are affiliate links.
If you purchase anything through any of my  links, you won't pay a penny more, but I'll make a small commission which helps me keep the lights on.  ​
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." — Emilie Buchwald