
What is a Book Companion?
This Love Monster and the Last Chocolate book companion provides resources that connect a read-aloud to essential reading skills. If you’ve ever struggled, like I have, with how to turn a fun read-aloud into a lesson that reinforces comprehension then this is exactly what you need! Sequencing, following directions, cutting, gluing, and working on reading skills are included in this week-long lesson. This is such a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in your classroom! For an even more in-depth look on how to transform your teaching using a book companion in your classroom, check out this Book Companion Blog!

Do I Need To Purchase the Love Monster Book?
I know this is always a big concern with purchasing a book companion. The answer is NO! You don’t need to buy the exact book. Check out this great book read-aloud on YouTube. Sometimes, using technology when teaching is actually more engaging for our special education students. Watching this five-minute read-aloud pairs perfectly with the Love Monster book companion hands on resources. I use the projector for the read-aloud in whole group. You could also be play this on a computer or iPad in a small group setting.
If you DO want to purchase the Love Monster book- you can find it here. (affiliate link)
Activities included in a Book Companion
Planning Guide
This planning guide is a perfect way to split up the lesson for the whole week. The suggested schedule can be changed to fit your classroom needs, but it also serves as a great guide in how to split up the activities. I love the idea of starting in whole group to read or listen to the story, build the story map together, and split into small groups to reinforce learning by doing the story map again. Activities are also differentiated by varying degrees of levels. A suggested material list is also included. This will list all of the craft materials you might need.
Story Map
The story map activities include an introduction to the words like title and setting, along with picture icons. There are different levels of this worksheet, some include pictures and some include space to write in the answers. Theoretically, you could cut these out, review the answers in whole group, and when using them in small group, have the students actually glue the answers in.
Sequence
This is a great way to not only work on sequencing but also comprehension. Sequencing comes with picture support or space to write in. Again, this is perfect for review and then independent work for reinforcement of what was taught.
Another great way to work on sequencing and following directions is this activity that can be paired with the included craft. This would be perfect to review in whole group and then have the students complete the craft in a small group or independently.
Craft
This simple craft is included along with a material list of items needed. Students can help you find the materials and check them off as you go. This craft included a heart to cut out and a sentence strip. Students can use just the picture or the traceable word when making the sentence for the craft. The items needed are simple and can be fit to the items you have on hand. If you don’t have shape stamps, simple grab a few sponges from Dollar Tree and cut shapes out. If you are unable to find ink pads, simply use paint!
Review Craft
There is also a review page included for the craft that was made. It is kind of nice to have something students can fill out after the craft for review. This takes a simple craft just one step further, which will require students to think and answer questions.
Vocabulary
Different levels of learning vocabulary are also included in the Love Monster book companion. You can use close-pins (which also work on fine motor skill) or paper clips for students to answer as to which vocabulary word they see. For students that might require more simple work, there are cut and paste vocabulary words. Students will need to find the matching picture and glue.
Comprehension
One of the final activities that are included in this book companion is the review page. This will help when collecting data on reading comprehension. This worksheet is also perfect, because it comes in different levels. There are picture supported answers that come with either two or three picture options per question. Other comprehension pages that are included provide room for written answers. This is perfect for supporting each student in your classroom based on needs.
This is a perfect activity for the week of Valentine’s Day, while still supporting the learning needs of your special education students, regardless of their needs.
Get the Love Monster Book Companion
Find the Book on Amazon (affiliate link)