Introducing a read aloud book about celebrating differences, making friends, and sharing what makes you special, featured in this week’s MaiStoryBook Library Collection:

“Bitsy Bat, School Star” by Kaz Windness

Book Synopsis and Review

Bitsy, a little bat with big star dreams, hopes to make friends at her new school. But things don’t go as planned, and she feels like she doesn’t fit in. When she tries to do things her way, others criticize her, leading to a meltdown. Feeling like a small star, Bitsy becomes hesitant about going back to school. However, with support from her family, she gathers her courage, devises a new plan, and learns that being a good friend is just one of the many ways she shines brightly!

This relatable back to school story also includes Autism representation. Bitsy learns to cope with her sensory sensitivity, and uses strategies to help with overstimulation. The backmatter even includes a More About Autism Facts Page. I also love this story because it’s not just about Bitsy boosting her own self confidence- she also uplifts all her friends and classmates along the way.

Themes/Main Idea

• Everyone is special and unique.
• It’s ok to take a break when you feel overstimulated or overwhelmed.

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

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

*~Check it Out~*

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*I am a School Star* Bat Craft

Encourage students and little learners to create their own Bat Star Crafts to celebrate their differences and share what makes them special! This is a fun way to build classroom community, and boost self-esteem and confidence. Enjoy making your Bat Star crafts to share what is unique about you!

Materials

• *I am a School Star* Downloadable Craft Template
• Pen/Pencil
• Colors/markers
• Tape/ Glue
• Scissors

Directions

COVER TEMPLATE

• Choose Your Cover Template: Black & White or Color Templates . There are 2 different versions • Version 1: ______, School Star
• This version pairs with response templates Versions 1-3: Share different ways that you are special using prompts from the book
• Version 2: _____ is special
• This version pairs with response template versions 4-6: Share something that makes youspecial
• Fill in the blank rectangle with your name for a personalized craft.
• Cut out the Cover Template. Color if you chose Black-and-White

BAT RESPONSE TEMPLATE

• Choose a Response Template. There are 9 Differentiated options
  • Versions 1-3: write/draw about different things that make your special. Answer the prompts that are inspired by the story.
  • Versions 4-6: write/ draw about something that makes you special
  • Versions 7-9: Blank templates for your own free response with picture responses, written + picture response, written response only
• Print and Cut out the Bat Response Template. Color if you chose Black and White.

TO CONNECT:

• To attach the Cover Template to the Response Template, Glue the Star Cover on top of the Bat Response Template. (Put Glue where it says glue on the gray area on the Response Template, at the tip of the star)
• Line up the Star Cover edges to the edges on the star on the Response-Template and glue it down.
• The Cover Flap should completely cover your responses. The Craft should look like Bitsy Bat holding the Star. Lift the Cover Flap to reveal your responses underneath.

Enjoy Your *I am a School Star* Craftivity

• Share your Bat craft with family or friends to share how you are special and unique.
• Share your Bat craft with family and friends and ask them to share what they are proud of and what makes them special.
• Use your craft as a reading buddy as you re-read the story and celebrate what makes your special with Bitsy!
• Hang up your craft to remind you that you all are special in your own way!

Check out More BACK TO SCHOOL Crafts and Read Aloud Videos Here

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*~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 *Facing My Fears* 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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