Rainy Day Read Aloud Guide
Pre-K • 4 Year Olds Oral Language & Connection
Rainy Day Read Aloud Guide
Text-to-Self Connection Focus
Book Focus: Rain, Rain, Go Away explores weather, wanting to play, and finding joy on wet days. Connection Goal: Invite children to link story events to their own sensory memories—splashing in rubber boots, hearing drops on windows, and curling up indoors.
1
Before Reading
Finger-Play Rain Warm-Up:
"Let's tap one finger on our knees... pitter-patter. Now two fingers... now clap like thunder! Boom!"
Activation Question
"Look at the cover! What does the sky look like when you need an umbrella?"
2
During Reading
Interactive Pause Points:
- • Page with child looking out: "Look at their face. How do they feel about the rain? Why?"
- • Chant Together: Invite all children to shake their hands gently: "Rain, rain, go away!"
Observation Check
Notice who mimics rain sounds or points to rain gear in the illustrations.
3
After Reading
Make a Connection Turn & Talk:
Pair children knee-to-knee with a rug buddy. Prompt them:
Sentence Starter
"When it rains at my house, I like to..."
Listen for: jumping in puddles, sleeping cozy, playing with cars, watching drops.
Kinesthetic Vocabulary Words (Teach with Gestures)
Puddle
A small pool of water on the ground.
Gesture: Stomp feet softly!
Drizzle
Tiny, gentle drops of light rain.
Gesture: Wiggle fingers slowly downward.
Cozy
Warm, snug, and comfortable inside.
Gesture: Wrap arms in a warm hug.
Splash
Water flying up into the air.
Gesture: Open palms burst outward wide!
Pre-K Connection Prompts
- • Sensory: "What does rain sound like when you are sleeping in your bed?"
- • Emotions: "Do you smile or feel sad when you see grey clouds outside?"
- • Gear: "Do you have rainboots or an umbrella? What color are they?"
Teacher Scribing Tips
When transitioning children to the Puddle Play Response Sheet, ask: "Tell me about your picture!"
Write down their exact words verbatim in the prompt box (e.g., "I jump high in the big water with mommy!") so they see their spoken language become print.
Prep: Have rain sounds audio clip ready for rug time. Lesson Guide • Page 1 of 1
Puddle Play Response Sheet
Reader's Response • Make a Connection
When It Rains, I Like To...
Name:
1. Circle how YOU feel when it rains outside:
Pick the face that matches you!
😊
Happy
Ready to play!
😌
Cozy
Warm inside
🥺
Sad
Stuck indoors
2. Draw what YOU do on a rainy day:
What makes your rainy day fun or cozy?
Need an idea? 💦 Jump in puddles 📚 Read a story 🏰 Build a blanket fort 🥾 Wear rubber boots
Tell Your Teacher • Child's Spoken Story Adult Dictation Note
Teacher or helper writes the child's exact words:
"When it rains, I
Child's description / oral connection notes Scribed by: ____________________
Cloud Jumpers Extension Guide
Extension & Centers Pre-K • Hands-On Play
Cloud Jumpers Extension Guide
Active & Sensory Play
Extend the Connection: After reading and completing their response sheet, give children physical and sensory ways to relive rainy-day experiences through gross-motor jumping, sensory science, and dramatic play.
Puddle Jumping
Gross Motor Circle Play
Tape blue construction paper "puddles" onto the rug. Call out action cards:
- • "Jump into the puddle with 2 feet!"
- • "Tip-toe around without splashing!"
- • "Frog-hop across three puddles!"
💬 "Do you jump in puddles at home?"
Cloud in a Jar
Sensory Weather Science
Fill a clear plastic jar with water. Top with shaving cream (the cloud).
- • Children squeeze blue water via pipettes.
- • Watch drops push through the cloud.
- • Rain falls down into the clear water!
💬 "Clouds get heavy and let rain go!"
Cozy Nook Fort
Dramatic Play & Literacy
Drape blue/grey blankets over chairs to make an indoor "rain shelter."
- • Add play umbrellas and raincoats.
- • Flashlights for cozy story reading.
- • Stuffed animals stay dry inside!
💬 "What makes you feel cozy?"
Circle Time "Rainy Day Talk Tokens"
Cut along dotted lines to pass around during rug discussions
🥾
Rainy Boots
"What color boots would you wear to jump in puddles?"
🧸
Cozy Friend
"Who or what do you cuddle with when it storms?"
🌧️
Rain Sounds
"Can you tap your hands to make gentle rain sounds?"
🌈
After the Rain
"What happens when the clouds go away and the sun comes out?"
Family Connection: Send the response sheet home to spark bedtime conversations about favorite weather activities! Extension Guide • Page 1 of 1
