My Heart Fills with Happiness
by Monique Gray Smith
A warm, affirming story that highlights small, meaningful moments that bring joy and gratitude.
Reading Tips for Story Explorers
Find a comfortable space to read together
Slow down and enjoy the illustrations
Ask and answer questions together
Make reading part of your routine - bedtime is a great time for reading
Use these prompts to encourage deeper thinking with your children:
"Tell me more, why do you think that?"
"How do you know that?"
"Interesting, did you notice anything else?"
Phonemic Awareness
When introducing the book, share the title and notice these phonemic elements:
When introducing the book, share the title and notice these phonemic elements:
The word “Happiness” in the title begins with the letter Hh. This letter says /h/, like heart and hug. Point to the letter and say the sound together: /h/, /h/, /h/. Brainstorm other words that begin with the sound /h/ with your child (hands, hippo, hat).
Ask the children to say the word after you. Show them the cover of the book and have them read the word out loud with you as you point under each word.
Vocabulary
happiness: the fact or condition of being happy or glad
heart: the organ that pumps blood through the body of a human or animal; a person's truest feelings or personality
smell: to sense the odor by means of the nose
bannock: in British cookery, a flat cake made of oatmeal or wheat, baked on a griddle
Questions to Discuss
What are some things that make your heart feel happy?
Which part of the story would you like to try?
What smells make you feel cozy or happy?
Who do you like spending time with?
How can we help others feel happy?
What is your favorite family tradition?
Let's Play
Families decorate paper squares with drawings of things that make them happy. Put the squares together to create a family “happiness quilt.”
