Hello, friends! How are you today? Did you have fun at school? I hope you got to play outside! Today, we’re going to read a special book called “Elsie with a Great Smile: A First Look at Williams Syndrome” by Kristen Kagadas. Let’s dive in!
Hi there! I’m Elsie, and I’m just like you in many ways. But I also have some special things that make me unique. Let’s find out more about me!
Our bodies are made of tiny things called genes. They decide how we look and grow. My genes gave me something called Williams syndrome and a big, bright smile. I had this syndrome even before I was born!
Williams syndrome affects how I learn, grow, and hear. Sometimes, sounds can be really loud for me. Even a whisper can feel like a big noise! When I hear sudden sounds, I might cover my ears or even cry a little.
Doing things with my fingers, like buttoning a shirt or tying shoes, can be tricky. Painting and writing my name take a lot of effort. I also need more time to get ready because my brain works hard to help me move.
My body has lots of calcium, so I drink less milk and eat fewer ice cream cones. My heart works really hard, and sometimes I need to see doctors to keep it strong. They help me stay healthy and happy!
My brain takes a bit longer to figure things out. Subjects like reading and math can be tough, and I might need extra help from teachers. But with hard work, I can learn just like you!
Even though I have challenges, I also have amazing talents! I remember stories and songs really well. I love music and singing, just like you love your favorite toy. I’m friendly, love to give hugs, and enjoy laughing at silly sounds.
I’m known for my beautiful smile, and I love making new friends. Even though we’re different, I hope you’ll include me in your games. I have lots of ideas and a unique point of view to share. Williams syndrome is part of what makes me, me!
Wasn’t that a wonderful story? If you liked it, you can find a copy of the book to read again. Thank you for joining us today! Remember to take care of yourself and keep reading lots of books. Bye for now!
Sound Exploration: Just like Elsie experiences sounds differently, let’s explore the world of sounds around us. Find a quiet place and close your eyes. Ask a friend or family member to make different sounds, like whispering, clapping, or tapping a pencil. Can you guess what each sound is? How do they make you feel? Discuss how Elsie might feel when she hears these sounds.
Buttoning Challenge: Elsie finds buttoning a shirt tricky. Let’s see how it feels! Find a shirt with buttons and try buttoning it with your eyes closed or using only one hand. How does it feel? Is it easy or hard? Talk about how Elsie might feel when she faces challenges and how we can help each other when things are difficult.
Super Talents Sharing: Elsie has amazing talents like remembering stories and songs. Think about something you are really good at or something you love to do. Share your talent with a friend or family member. How does it feel to share something special about yourself? Discuss how everyone has unique talents and how we can celebrate them together.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the YouTube transcript:
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Hi everyone! Welcome back to the Storytime Family. How’s everyone doing today? Did you enjoy school? I hope you got to play outside! Thank you for sitting down and reading with us today. We have a book called “Elsie with a Great Smile: A First Look at Williams Syndrome” by Kristen Kagadas. Let’s take a look!
“Elsie with a Great Smile”
Hi there, new friend! This book is all about me, a kid just like you, and my name’s Elsie. We’re so much alike, but I’ll give you a peek at what makes me special and truly unique.
Our bodies are made up of small things called genes. They’re tiny but work hard like little machines. Our genes determine our looks, height, and style. Mine gave me Williams syndrome and a great smile. In my mom’s belly, some genes formed, so I had my syndrome before I was born.
But what is a syndrome, and what does it do? It shapes how I learn, grow, and move. My hearing is fragile; all sounds can seem loud. A whisper feels like standing in front of a crowd. When noises are sudden, I cover my ears, and if I’m surprised, I may shed a few tears.
Tasks with my fingers can be quite hard to do, like closing a button or tying my shoe. Painting with brushes takes all of my might, and sometimes my name is a struggle to write. I work hard to jump and balance really steady. I may need more time than you to get ready. It takes lots of planning; my brain works hard to move my whole body and use my strength.
Our bodies need calcium to use and store, but my body has what it needs plus some more. I drink much less milk and eat fewer ice cream cones because so much calcium is inside my bones. Another health thing that you cannot quite see is how hard my heart is beating inside of me. If it’s struggling to pump and keep going strong, heart surgery is needed to keep it along.
I see doctors often, or so it may seem. They care for my health and are part of my team. With all their help, I’ve been able to grow into this amazing young girl you now know.
I’ve talked about my body and told you about my heart, but how my mind works is another big part. My brain needs more time to help figure things out. My thoughts move along a more zigzag route. Subjects like reading and math can be tough because sorting the letters and numbers is rough. I may need more help from a teacher or aide to keep up with kids in my same grade. It takes lots of hard work and effort to do all the things that come easy for you.
My syndrome is unique, and there are some hard things, but wait until you hear about all the talents it brings! I always remember a story or song, so if you start singing, I might sing along. I love hearing music; it brings me great joy, just like you feel with your favorite toy. I love to give hugs and dance around. I laugh and giggle at fun, silly sounds. I really am friendly, and I’ll talk for hours. Kindness and love are my magical powers.
I’m known all around for my beautiful smile. You’ll see it appear if we play for a while. So though we are different, I hope in the end you take time to know me and make me your friend. Include me in games and the things that you do. I have thoughts to share and a new point of view. Williams syndrome plays an important role in making my happy and beautiful soul. I’m perfectly made just the way I should be. I love all the parts that make me, Elsie.
Wasn’t that a beautiful story? If you’d like to own a copy of this book, the links to purchase it are in the description below. Thank you so much for joining us! We would appreciate a like if you enjoyed this book, and do subscribe if you haven’t. Click on the bell for more stories. Until we see you again, take care of yourself and your family, and enjoy reading lots of books. Bye!
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This version removes any unnecessary filler words and maintains the essence of the original transcript.
