Friday Reconnect - Week 2!

By Oliver Perry & Chloe Grant, Read to Them Staff

It’s Friday, so it’s time for our second edition of the Friday Reconnect! That means we’re already more than half way through A Boy Called Bat, we can’t believe it. We hope you’re enjoying our program so far, and that you’ll continue reading with us through the summer!

Last Thursday was National Bring Your Child to Work Day, and while we couldn’t go to work with our parents this year, we still felt in the spirit by going to the vet with Bat. We loved being behind the scenes of Dr. Tam’s veterinary hospital, but thought maybe we’d be better off avoiding Lawrence’s soapy slip. We also met some new characters this week, like Mr. Grayson and Dr. Dragoo, one of which is a real person! Our team had the pleasure of working with Dr. Dragoo to give you the scoop on skunks. We also spotlighted Mr. Grayson because we think he’s an excellent teacher. Bat seems to think so too, and he can’t get enough of Mr. Grayson’s open-door Babycakes policy.

From avoiding Mrs. Martinez’s hair rumpling to Thor getting named, lots of big things happened in our reading this week! We finish our reading for today with a family dinner scene that includes baby Thor. Bat wears his tiny friend to dinner, which warmed all of our hearts. In last week’s interview with Elana K. Arnold she recommended readers try this out with their own imaginary kit. We challenge you to join us in creating your own kit sling! We’ve attached some instructions, but feel free to branch out and find another way to make your own. Don’t forget to share a photo of you snuggling the stuffed animal in your sling with us!

We’d also love for you to take some time this weekend to do some writing! Here are a few prompts to help get you started:

• Who is your favorite character so far in A Boy Called Bat, and why?

• In Chapter 14, Sleep Arrangements, Bat tries to convince his mom to let Thor sleep with him. What are your sleeping arrangements like? What is your nightly routine?

• Mr. Grayson is a super cool teacher who makes sure his students are comfortable. Who is your favorite teacher, and what do they do that is so cool? Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week - be sure to share your response with that teacher!

• In Chapter 16, A Correspondence, Bat sends an email to Dr. Jerry Dragoo. He wrote to him because Dr. Dragoo is a skunk expert, and he is someone that Bat admires. Write a letter to someone that you’ve never met, but admire. What would you ask or say to them?

• Bat wants to be a veterinarian just like his mom when he grows up. What do you want to be when you grow up?

We can’t wait to finish A Boy Called Bat with you next week. Have a great weekend. Remember to submit your photos & reader write ins, and we’ll see you next time!