Should I Share My Ice Cream? A Circle Time Activity
"Should I Share My Ice Cream?" by Mo Willems is a great circle time read-aloud. It's short and funny, and it gets kids talking about sharing and kindness. This follow-up activity gives every child a turn to actually share something and say the words that go with it.
What You'll Need
"Should I Share My Ice Cream?" by Mo Willems, a piece of construction paper, and a ball of yarn or a large pom-pom.
How to Do the Activity
Read the book together at circle time.
After reading, roll a piece of construction paper into a cone. That's your ice cream cone. Put a ball of yarn or a large pom-pom on top for the scoop.
Hold the cone and start it off: "I'm going to share my ice cream with [child's name]." Then pass the cone to that child.
That child passes it to the next child and says the same sentence with that child's name.
Keep going around the circle until everyone has had a turn.
Why This Activity Works
Passing the cone ties the words about sharing to something kids physically do. Young children remember an idea better when they say it and do it at the same time, more than when you only talk about it.
The repeated sentence also helps quieter kids. Everyone says the same thing, so nobody has to come up with their own words. Shy children are usually much more comfortable joining in when they have a script.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if a child doesn't want to pass the cone?
That's fine. Let them pass it without saying the sentence, or hold it for a minute before passing. Don't force participation in social-emotional activities.
Can we do this without the book?
Yes, though the book sets it up well. If you don't have a copy, start by talking about a time someone shared something with them, then go into the activity.
How many kids can do this at once?
Any circle size works, from 5 to 25 children. A bigger group just means more practice with the sharing sentence.