Choose any piece of children's literature and ask the students to retell the story using puppets. Depending on the age of the children, allow them to make simple puppets using paper plates or paper bags. For older children, invite them to create more complex puppets using simple sewing techniques. Ask students to retell the story by writing the puppet show script. Allow them to present their puppet show to the class.
Retelling is a strategy for improving reading comprehension. One way to do this is to create story board cutouts based on the book your students read. Have them first create main characters from the story. Use heavy paper or laminate the characters before cutting them out. Glue Velcro on the back of each item so the students can use them to retell the book using a felt story board.
Take any type of children's reading material and ask students to design a new cover for the book or magazine. The cover should reflect important details about the story, without giving away the plot to the book. Provide the students with paper large enough to wrap around the book or magazine and give them various art materials to complete the illustrations. Laminate the cover and use it in your classroom library. Each year, you can remove this craft and allow next year's class to make new covers.
Have students create their own literature binder. Take any size binder and allow the students to decorate the front and spine in any way they wish. Give the students a variety of art materials such as paints, glitter and permanent markers to decorate their binder. After they have completed the craft, the children can use this to create their own collection of children's literature. Encourage them to add poems and stories they discover throughout the school year.