Not Norman: A Goldfish Story Literacy Activities

I adore book activities that promote a love of reading.  Each year Jumpstart to Reading hosts Read for the Record Day.

Jumpstart to Reading is, “a global campaign that generates public support for high-quality early learning and highlights the importance of building children’s vocabulary and love for reading.”

The 2015 book was Not Norman: A Goldfish Story.  

I thought I would share a few literacy activities that you can do with the book at home, in the classroom or at your own Read for the Record Day party.

Not Norman Book and Activities

Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Not Norman Books

Not Norman: A Goldfish Story by Kelly Bennett  is the tale of a boy who is less than thrilled to have a fish for a pet.  He thinks he would prefer a much more exciting pet and is all set to trade Norman in when the pet store reopens.  What he discovers is that unexpected discoveries can change your preconceived ideas.  In the process, a wonderful friendship begins.

Also, check out the newest Norman book- Norman, One Amazing Goldfish!

Not Norman Activities

Alphabet Go Fish

Use 26 index cards (3 x 5) and write 13 uppercase letters and the matching 13 lowercase letters on the cards.  You want one letter per card.  Use a crayon or pencil so that you can’t see the letter through the card.  This is your card deck.

This game is for two players.  Player one passes out 5 cards to each player. Place the remaining cards in a stack.  Player two looks at the cards in his/her hand and asks the other player for a letter match.  If player one has the card, he/she gives the card to player two.  Player two lays the match down.  If player one does not have the corresponding card, he/she says “Go Fish” and the player two selects a card for the middle pile.  Play continues until one player gets 5 matching sets.

Letter Sound Variation: Instead of players asking for a card by letter name, they can ask for a card by saying the letter sound.

Letter Dot Fish

I created a FREE printable called Letter Dot Fish that can be used to help children identify letters.  Write a few letters that your child needs to practice on each dot.  Then, use Dot markers and have your child stamp the letters.  You might say, “Dot all the letters “f” with an orange dot.  You will end up with a colorful fish!—>Letter Dot Fish

Storytelling Art

Tell your child that they get to design a dream aquarium for a new fish.  What special features will the fish tank have for the new pet?  Have your child orally brainstorm features of the home.  You can cover the finished art piece with a piece of plastic wrap for a special effect.  When the design is complete, encourage your child to explain each unique component of the home.

Glug Glug Sight Word Spelling

Use this cute FREE fish printable and write down a sight word on each fish that your child needs to practice.  On dot stickers write each letter of each word.

Your child is ready to spell each word using the dot stickers as bubbles coming from each fish mouth to spell the word on the fish.   Glug, glug!—>Fish Printable

Happy reading and playing.