Exploring Books: A Pre-K Adventure into Covers, Spines, and Title Pages!

English Language Arts Grades Pre-K 2:54 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

This lesson introduces Pre-K students to the different parts of a book using a fun, engaging video. Students will learn about the front cover, back cover, title page, and spine and what information each part provides.

Video Resource

Parts of a Book | Jack Hartmann

Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel

Duration: 2:54
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Front Cover: Includes a picture and the title of the book.
  • Back Cover: Protects the back and may have a summary of the book.
  • Title Page: Shows the title, author, and illustrator.
  • Spine: Holds the pages of the book together.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to identify the front cover, back cover, title page, and spine of a book.
  • Students will be able to describe what information can be found on the front cover, back cover, and title page.
  • Students will understand the function of the spine of a book.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about books. Ask: 'What is your favorite book?' 'What do you see on the outside of a book?' Introduce the idea that books have different parts, just like our bodies have different parts.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the 'Parts of a Book | Jack Hartmann' video. Encourage students to sing along and point to the different parts of the book as they are mentioned in the song.
  • Discussion and Exploration (10 mins)
    After the video, gather students in a circle with a large picture book. Review the parts of the book, pointing to each part as you name it. Ask questions to reinforce understanding (see discussion questions below).
  • Activity: Book Part Scavenger Hunt (10 mins)
    Give each student a book. Guide them to find the front cover, back cover, title page, and spine. Have them point to each part and say its name. Help them identify the author, illustrator, and title on the front cover and title page.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the parts of a book one last time. Ask students what their favorite part of a book is and why.

Interactive Exercises

  • Book Part Matching Game
    Create simple picture cards with the names and images of each book part (front cover, back cover, title page, spine). Have students match the words to the correct book part on a real book.
  • Design a Cover
    Give each student a blank piece of paper and have them design their own front cover for their favorite story. Encourage them to include a picture, the title, and their name as the 'author'.

Discussion Questions

  • What do you see on the front cover of a book?
  • What do you think the back cover does?
  • Where can we find the title of the book?
  • What part of the book holds all the pages together?

Skills Developed

  • Listening Comprehension
  • Vocabulary Development
  • Book Handling Skills
  • Visual Discrimination

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which part of the book has a picture on the front?

Correct Answer: The front cover

Question 2:

Which part tells you what the book is called?

Correct Answer: The front cover

Question 3:

Which part holds all the pages together?

Correct Answer: The spine

Question 4:

Where might you find a short story about the book?

Correct Answer: The back cover

Question 5:

Which part might have the author's name on it?

Correct Answer: The title page

Question 6:

The front cover shows you what?

Correct Answer: A picture about the book

Question 7:

What does the back cover protect?

Correct Answer: The back of the book

Question 8:

Where does the title page show the title again?

Correct Answer: On the title page

Question 9:

Which part helps you turn the pages?

Correct Answer: The spine

Question 10:

Who makes the pictures for a book?

Correct Answer: The illustrator

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The ________ cover has a picture on the front.

Correct Answer: front

Question 2:

The ________ protects the back of the book.

Correct Answer: back cover

Question 3:

The title ________ shows the title again.

Correct Answer: page

Question 4:

The ________ of the book holds all the pages together.

Correct Answer: spine

Question 5:

The ________ cover shows a picture about the book.

Correct Answer: front

Question 6:

We can find the author's name on the _____ page.

Correct Answer: title

Question 7:

The words about the book may be on the _____ cover.

Correct Answer: back

Question 8:

The _________ makes the pictures for the book.

Correct Answer: illustrator

Question 9:

You turn _______ to read the story.

Correct Answer: pages

Question 10:

The _______ shows who wrote the book.

Correct Answer: author

Educational Standards

PK.2.PC.2:Students will demonstrate correct book orientation and identify the front and back covers of a book. PK.3.R.1:Students will describe the roles of an author and illustrator with prompting. PK.1.L.1:Students will actively listen using agreed-upon rules with prompting. PK.2.F.2:Students will chorally recite familiar texts (e.g., rhymes, songs, poetry, etc.).

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans