Room on the Broom
LESSON 3
Children will read the story, “Room on the Broom,” and participate in service based activities.
The book, “Room on the Broom,” by Julia Donaldson.
Make witches brew (purchase ingredients of choice)
Brown paper bags
Potato
Carving knife (for adult to use)
White or cream acrylic paint
Black paint
Materials
Preparations
Gather materials
Guide children in using the cover of the story to make predictions and stimulate their critical thinking and comprehension skills.
Facilitate a shared reading experience of "Room on the Broom," instilling an enthusiasm for literature and storytelling in the children.
Lead a post-reading discussion to explore the theme of kindness and encourage children to reflect on the story's characters and their acts of kindness.
Provide guidance as children work together to create a witches' brew recipe, fostering creativity and teamwork.
Supervise and assist children in the process of making witches' brew and creating Halloween-themed stamps, reinforcing values of generosity and thoughtfulness.
Objectives for Teachers
Children practice using the cover of a story to make predictions about its characters, themes, and potential events, enhancing their comprehension skills and critical thinking.
Children engage with the story "Room on the Broom" by reading it together, fostering an appreciation for literature and storytelling.
Children work with the teacher to create a witches' brew recipe, promoting creativity and teamwork as they select ingredients and plan an activity together.
Children engage in acts of kindness by making witches' brew and creating personalized Halloween-themed stamps to share with friends and family. These activities instill values of generosity and thoughtfulness in children.
Objectives for Children
Collect and Connect
Have fun learning this song together. You can use musical instruments to tap along with the beat. We love to do a witchy voice when she answers. And my children especially love to yell “Boo!” at the end.
Old Mrs. Witch
Old Mrs. Witch, Old Mrs. Witch
Tell me how you fly, tell me how you fly.
“I fly on a broomstick up in the sky.”
Old Mrs. Witch, Old Mrs. Witch
Tell me what you see, tell me what you see.
“I see a little Jacko lantern looking at me.”
Old Mrs. Witch, Old Mrs. Witch
Tell me what you’ll do, tell me what you’ll do.
“I’ll fly on my broomstick, and I’ll scare you, BOO!”
Activity Flow
Begin by finding a comfortable place to read the story, “Room on the Broom,” by Julia Donaldson.
Before diving into the story, take a moment to explore the cover with your child. Ask questions like:
By analyzing the cover, you provide an initial glimpse into the story's themes, characters, and potential events. This sparks curiosity and builds anticipation, helping readers connect with the narrative as they search for clues and context.
3. Read the story together to discover what unfolds in the witch's adventure.
4. After reading the story, initiate a discussion with your child about the importance of being kind and making “room on the broom.” Ask questions like:
Who do you think this story is going to be about?
What can we learn about the witch from this picture?
What do you think might happen in this story?
What challenges did the witch face in the story?
Who helped the witch in the story?
Who did the witch help in the story?
How did the witch assist her newfound friends?
What ultimately happened to the broom?
Who came to the witch's rescue when confronted by the dragon?
Even though it was dangerous, why do you think the characters were willing to help the witch?
Why do you think it is important to be kind and helpful?
What does the witch create in her cauldron at the end of the story?
Emphasize the story's theme of kindness and helpfulness. Encourage your child to participate in one or all of the activities designed around these values.
Make a witches brew to share:
Begin by recalling the end of the story when the cat, dog, bird, and frog each contribute a special item to the witch's cauldron. Work together to create your own witches' brew recipe. The base of our brew was a mix of Honey Chex cereal and pretzels. We also selected exciting treats to include, such as chocolate chips, marshmallows, chocolate-covered nuts, gummy worms, and M&M’s.
Work together to shop for all the ingredients. Don't forget to pick up brown paper bags and a potato; we'll use them later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for your witches' brew. You'll likely notice an abundance of snacks and fewer people to consume them. Propose the idea of sharing your witches' brew with friends and loved ones to your child, emphasizing the kindness exemplified by the witch and the animals in the story.
Use potatoes to create Halloween-themed stamps. Apply paint to the shapes and stamp them onto the brown paper bags. Allow them to dry before filling them with snacks. We wrote a little note and delivered them to cousins, neighbors, and friends as an act of kindness.
Following your service-filled adventure, snuggle up with your child and enjoy a cup of witches' brew while watching the movie version of "Room on the Broom." It's approximately 30 minutes long and wonderfully follows the story.
Room on the Broom Challenge:
Consider an alternative activity where you plan a group playdate with friends. Invite everyone to bring a treat or snack to contribute to the witches' brew. Read the story together and share the snacks.
Connect this activity to the idea of making "room on the broom" for friends and loved ones in your lives. Invite others to engage in enjoyable activities together, such as creating a witches' brew, attending a fall festival, or simply spending time at the park. Let's make room on the broom this holiday season by welcoming others to join us in festive experiences.
