MaiStoryBook Library

MaiStoryBook: Hot Dog + *When I Feel Overwhelmed* Dog Craft

by MaiStoryBook

Introducing the 2023 Caldecott Medal Winner~ featured in the MaiStoryBook Library Collection: 

“Hot Dog” by Doug Salati

*~Click here to purchase your own copy of “Hot Dog” to start on your own reading adventure!~*

Book Synopsis and Review

When summer in the city~ with its sizzling sidewalks, wailing sirens, and crowded streets~ OVERHWELMS this hot dog, a trip to the beach is just what he needs for a Breath of Fresh Air! With soft sand, soothing waves, and sunset skies~ here… a pup can run!

*Hot Dog* shows littles how to find their calm, replenish their energy, and appreciate the small joys in a day. And as the 2023 Caldecott Medal Winner, of course this book has the most stunning illustrations. Readers will feel the pounding heat and overwhelming nature of the bustling city, and will feel their own bodies relax as the landscape transforms into cool colors of soft sand, blue skies, and lulling waves.

Vocabulary

  • steamy (p. 1) hot
  • screech (p. 2) a loud high-pitched sound
  • whiff (p. 15) smell something for a short time
  • shimmers (p. 27) shines / shiny
  • rumble (p. 29) making a low grumbly sound

Themes/Main Idea

  • When you are overwhelmed, try taking a break, getting outside, and enjoying fresh air and space in nature.
  • Every place has its wonders and beauty. Take the time to appreciate the small wonders wherever you go.

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “Hot Dog” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

*~Check it Out~*

Subscribe: MaiStoryBook Youtube Channel for additional read aloud videos!

*When I Feel Overwhelmed* Hot Dog Craft

With all the rain recently this winter, it’s hard to believe that last summer was one of the most intense heat waves here in SoCal. At 8-9 months pregnant and living in a one bedroom apartment without AC, the heat, combined with anticipation for Baby, was definitely overwhelming. What helped me find my calm~ a dip in the pool. Thank goodness for the refreshing cool of water. Some days even called for multiple swim sessions~ luckily our apartment has a pretty nice solar heated pool, perfect for hot summers. Swimming is my calm and happy place ~ and one of my favorite ways to relax and get a breath of fresh air when I feel overwhelmed. Encourage your littles to think about and share what helps them calm down when they feel overwhelmed, and then record their ideas using this Hot Dog Craft. This craft can be a helpful resource for them to reference next time they are in need of a breath of fresh air!

Materials

Directions

  • COVER TEMPLATE
  • Choose Black-and-White or Color templates.
  • Print and cut out a Cover Template. There are 4 different versions.
  • Version 1: Plain // Version 2: When I Feel Overwhelmed // Version 3: When I Feel like a HOT DOG… // Version 4: Hot __(Name)__ – Put your name in the blank
  • If you chose Black and White, color it in.
  • Cut out the dog cover template. Cut it in half on the dotted line.
  • RESPONSE TEMPLATE
  • Choose a Response Template. There are 10 differentiated versions
  • Versions 1-4: Write/ Draw strategies for how you can calm down when you feel overwhelmed. (Version 2: write/ draw your ideas in the cloud bubbles)
  • Versions 5-7: Write/ Draw what you can do when you feel overwhelmed
  • Versions 8-10: Blank templates for writing/ drawing responses
  • Cut out the Response Template. KEEP THE SIDE TABS ON.
  • If you chose the black and white version, color it in
  • CONNECT THE CRAFT
  • To connect the response template to the dog cover template, tape the tabs to the back of the middle-insides. (SEE SAMPLE PHOTOS)
  • Fold the Cover template dog halves together so they touch to create a whole dog.
  • Crease to fold the response template flat underneath as well.
  • The Hot Dog should fold together to connect both halves, and then pull out to “Stretch” and reveal the writing prompt underneath.

Enjoy Your *When I Feel Overwhelmed* Hot Dog Craft

  • Share your craft with family and friends, and share strategies of how to cope and calm down when feeling overhwelmed
  • Next time you feel overwhelmed, use your Hot Dog craft to remind you of some of your favortie ways to calm down
  • Reread the story with your craft as a reading buddy to or to help you act out the story with your Hot Dog
  • Display your crafts for am SEL themed bulletin board display

*~Overall, as always, I hope you all are having exciting reading adventures! Tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary or FaceBook , find me on TikTok or contact me via email to share your own Hot Dog Crafts and your own reading adventures! I’d love to hear from you and learn more about you!~*

*~Until next time, Happy Reading~*

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