One of my favourite read-aloud books is The Iron Man by Ted Hughes. The influence of poetry is obvious in this compelling modern fairy tale that begins as it might end.
When I introduce this book to children, I conceal it so they cannot see from which part of it I am reading. I tell them the title of the book and ask them to tell me whether I am reading from the beginning, the middle or the end of the book.
I then read, mostly without interruption though I do explain that ‘brink’ is the very edge, the first two pages that describe the Iron Man and how he stepped off the top of a cliff into nothingness and crashed into pieces on the rocks below.
The children listen in awe, fascinated by the size of the Iron Man, incredulous that he would step off the cliff, mesmerised by the telling of each part breaking off and crashing, bumping, clanging to lie scattered on the rocky beach.
They invariably tell me it is the end of the story. How could it be otherwise? When I tell them it is just the beginning, they are amazed and excitedly discuss how the story might continue. This could lead to writing if the children are keen, but there are other opportunities further into the story.
When this initial discussion has run its course, I go back to the beginning and read it again, stopping to encourage further discussion and to spark the children’s imaginations.
allow their imaginations to contemplate possibilities
Continue reading: Reading the Iron Man to spark imagination, inspire writing and motivate making – Readilearn
Norah Colvin 
What a clever way to engage readers in a different book. My guess was the beginning, because I knew things had to get better. Great idea! You are so good with students!
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You did well to guess the beginning, Patricia. You know a lot about books. It is a great one to read aloud.
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I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this book. Well, I taught K-8 technology so I probably missed it if the teachers used it. Wish I hadn’t. I can see a lot of tie-ins to tech. Thank you for this.
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I think there are lots of tie-ins with tech. I’d love to know what you think and, if you use it, how. 🙂
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I love that you don’t tell them what part of the book you’re reading from! There’s so much more than we realize, and you show kids exactly that with this exercise 💕
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Thank you, Christy. I’m pleased you like my suggestions. It is a great story.
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Hello Norah! I just read your entire post on how you work with this book. I can’t tell you how delighted I am to hear that this great story is still going strong – and I love your teaching process with it. I’m always delighted though when I pop by to see what you are up to on Readilearn.
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Thank you, Pauline. I’m pleased, and not surprised, that The Iron Man is one of your favourites too. Now I am delighted that you like my suggestions for using it. You’ve made my day. Thank you. 🙂
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