Reading Aloud Activity

SSSnakes

Suggested Age: Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Early Elementary Students

Submitted by Brenda Freitas-Obregon, State Librarian, Kalihi-Palama Public Library

Books:

Baby Rattlesnake by Te Ata

Stubborn Baby Rattlesnake throws tantrums to get his rattle before he is ready but his trick teaches him a lesson.

Small Green Snake by Libba Moore Gray

His mother’s warning to stay close to home does not stop a small snake from venturing away from home in his search for new adventure.

Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh

Ten clever mice work together to outwit a hungry snake.

Can I Play Too? by Mo Willems

Elephant and Piggie learn to play catch with their new friend, Snake.

Activity: Tube Snake

Materials:

• Magazine pages with pictures, colors, or designs you like—shiny pages will give a slick finish. You may also use any other type of paper such as wrapping paper or newspaper.
• Toilet paper rolls
• Cellophane tape
• Yarn, about 36”-40”long, cut into four pieces
• Hole punch
• Crayon, markers, or paint
• Felt or heavy paper

Instructions:

1. Tear out pages of the magazines, finding colors or designs that you like. Magazines are often printed on shiny paper that gives your snake a slick look. You may also try newspaper, junk mail envelopes, and other papers.
2. Cut the pages of the magazines, approximately 4” x 6” but measure to be sure the pages fit around the toilet paper rolls. Wrap each roll with the cut page, securing with cellophane tape.
   
3. For the body, punch 2 holes opposite each other at both ends of 3 rolls. Line up the 3 rolls. Tie the 3 rolls together by threading a piece of yarn or string through the 4 touching holes and tying a knot. Keep the yarn or string loose to leave some room for your snake to wiggle; too tight and the body will not move.
   
4. For the head and tail, punch 2 holes opposite each other at one end of the remaining 2 rolls. Tie one roll to each end of the body by threading a piece of yarn or string through the touching holes and tying a knot. Keep the yarn or string loose so your head and tail can move. Draw eyes on the head and, at the open end, attach a forked tongue cut from felt or paper.
   
5. Finissssshed!