The Mitten by Jan Brett

Adapted by Alicia Burnham

You can download a .zip file that contains a title page, 12 story pages, and 2 activity pages for the story, The Mitten by Jan Brett. All of the files are created in Boardmaker for Windows (PC version).

download The Mitten Adapted Book help me with downloading

The format of the book is structured so that each sentence in the story is augmented by picture symbols so that more advanced readers can "read" the sentence using pictures. The 2 large pictures in the square above the sentance are for lower readers in which only the key words are highlighted. The purpose of highlighting these key words is to build sight word vocabulary using picture to word correspondance, provide those children with a means of reading without extra visual distractions, and to teach in a simple structured way concepts. (ie.bear, sneezed) Using the Maryland School of the Blind texture symbols, I velcro objects/textures that represent the word/picture. This is slightly different from using props because it is a fixed symbol meant to help children with visual impairments learn to read using touch in preparation for braille.

Props used in conjunction with the story are:

Rabbit - single switch toy, (available through Flaghouse, Crestwood Communication Aids)
Beanie baby Bear
Mouse
fox
Owl - with feathers attached

Tips:

1. Using batting used in quilt making, make a large mitten. This material is good because they can see the animals through the fabric, it is soft so it is good sensory experience, and stretches. (this material can be found at Minnesota Fabrics, G Street Fabrics, and Jo-ann's crafts)
2. The book that you will download is in black and white. I use the colored pictures for my book. This was valuable for my children because I was able to match the color of the mittens on the picture with an actual pair of mittens!
3. If you use a hot water bottle and fill it with ice water you can enhance the sensory experience of the book. I velcro the boardmaker picture of the word "cold" to help them to further associate their feelings with language.

To Mitten Ideas                              

This page was last updated on February 10, 1999
Please send comments to bastiani@umd5.umd.edu