Woofs and Wonders: A Reading by Doing Workshop Adventure at Grant Ranch Elementary
Reading by Doing Workshop
Grant Ranch Elementary in Denver, Colorado, hosted a fun and unforgettable program called Woofs and Wonders, presented by Stories and Beyond. This “reading-by-doing workshop” was designed to ignite a love for stories and reading among the young learners of elementary schools across Denver. The core idea is simple yet powerful: immerse children in the world of stories through interactive activities that bring the tales to life. With a focus on dogs for this particular workshop—the event was a delightful blend of storytelling, creativity, and hands-on fun.
Read Aloud Session at the start of the program
The program kicked off with a read-aloud session, where the children gathered around to hear two hilarious and heartwarming dog-themed books: Be More Dog and Walter the Farting Dog. The kids were instantly captivated by the playful illustrations and engaging narratives.
Be More Dog by Caroline Crowe, illustrated by Carlos Vélez, is a heartwarming and humorous picture book that encourages readers to embrace life with the enthusiasm and curiosity of a dog. Through playful rhymes and vibrant illustrations, the book delivers a powerful message about living life to the fullest, finding joy in the little things, and adopting a “can-do” attitude, being open-minded, playful, and, well, more dog!
Walter the Farting Dog by William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray, illustrated by Audrey Colman, is a hilarious and heartwarming tale about Walter, a lovable but gassy dog whose uncontrollable flatulence causes chaos in his household. Despite his peculiar problem, Walter’s family adores him—until his constant farting becomes too much to handle. Just as they consider finding him a new home, Walter’s unique talent saves the day when burglars break into the house. His powerful farts scare off the intruders, proving that even the quirkiest traits can be heroic. This laugh-out-loud story combines humor, love, and acceptance, showing that everyone (and every dog) has something special to offer.
One of the highlights is making Woof Bracelets. These colorful, handmade accessories become cherished keepsakes that the children proudly wear, a tangible reminder of the stories they heard and the fun they had.
The kids also decorated Woof Bones, using markers and stickers to transform plain wooden cutouts into vibrant, personalized keepsakes. Some bones featured paw prints, while others had the names of their favorite storybook dogs.
These keepsakes served as bookish memories and reminders of the fun they had and the stories they had heard, making reading a memorable and tactile experience.
Here’s to many more woofs, wonders, and magical moments in the world of early childhood education! At Grant Ranch Elementary, Woofs and Wonders was a resounding success, proving that when stories come to life, they leave a lasting pawprint on young hearts and minds. Here’s to many more tail-wagging adventures in the world of books!
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Participating in a “Reading by Doing” workshop offers kids the unique opportunity to create a tangible memory linked to the story they’ve just read. As they engage in hands-on activities related to the book, they form a deeper connection with the characters and themes. The bookish goodies they take home, whether it’s a craft, a small token, or a personalized memento, act as a cherished reminder of the learning and fun moments experienced. These tangible keepsakes not only help reinforce the lessons and excitement of the book but also ignite a hunger for more reading adventures. This physical connection to the story makes the experience memorable, encouraging kids to dive into more books with eagerness and enthusiasm.
