There's an a in the Middle: A Phonics Verse for the Season

There’s an a in the middle.

You can hear it in bat.

b-a-t, bat

zooming through the park.

There’s an a in the middle.

You can hear it in cat.

c-a-t, cat

stalking in the dark.

Tap, tap, tap--

You can hear it in tap.

Tap, tap, tap--

You can hear it in tap.

 T-a-p, tap

Someone's coming down the street

T-a-p, tap

(pause...)

Trick or treat! Trick or treat!

Ideas for parents and teachers:

• Write out each a word with an orange or black marker. 
• Small type is to be read softly. Read louder as the type gets larger.
• Read the verse several times and pause to let children supply the predictable words. 
• Encourage children to find words from the verse in a Halloween picture book or to make up a story using the words.
• Help children print the letter a.
• Find a pattern for making a paper plate bat online or in a craft book from the library.
• Tell children to stalk around the room as cats.
• Make cat paper bag puppets or masks. 
• Invite children to create a play for their puppets or masks.