ClassX Video Lessons Grade Grade 2 Jonathan James and the What If Monster by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt | READ ALOUD
Hello there! I’m Ryan, and I’m Craig Toby. We’re so happy you’re joining us for Story Time with Ryan and Craig! You can visit minecraft.com to find more fun stories we read aloud, check out cool stuff, or even send us a special message.
Today, we’re reading a book called “Jonathan James and the What If Monster” by Michelle Nelson Schmidt. Let’s dive into the story!
Have you ever had a what-if monster in your head? These little monsters like to make us worry and feel unsure. They are sneaky and quick, and they whisper things that can make us feel scared. Jonathan James knows all about these what-if monsters.
They ask questions like: What if you fall? What if it’s windy? What if you slip and hurt your knee? What if you climb a tree and everyone laughs at you? What if you try something new and it doesn’t go well?
Sometimes, these what-ifs can make us feel like we shouldn’t try anything at all. But Jonathan James has a different idea. He wonders, what if the what-ifs are wrong?
Jonathan starts to think: What if I climb that tree and don’t fall? What if I jump into the pool and everyone thinks I’m cool? What if playing baseball is super fun and I hit a home run? What if my drawing is the best one and everyone loves it?
What if I try new food and it’s delicious? What if I run a race and have a great time, no matter what place I finish? What if I have a wonderful dream and the monsters are friendly? What if trying something new helps me find a new friend?
Jonathan realizes that for every scary what-if, there’s a happy what-if too. He decides to be brave and try new things. He wants to go outside, eat yummy food, play with friends, and have fun. Because, what if everything turns out great?
That’s the story of “Jonathan James and the What If Monster” by Michelle Nelson Schmidt. Remember, it’s okay to have what-ifs, but don’t let them stop you from having fun and trying new things!
What-If Monster Craft: Create your own What-If Monster using craft materials like paper, markers, and glue. Think about a what-if that sometimes makes you feel worried. Draw your monster and write down the what-if question it whispers to you. Then, on the other side of the paper, draw a happy what-if that could happen instead. Share your creations with the class and talk about how thinking positively can help us feel brave.
What-If Scenarios Game: In a circle, take turns sharing a what-if scenario. For example, “What if I try to ride a bike and fall?” The next person should respond with a positive what-if, like “What if you ride the bike and have lots of fun?” This game helps us practice turning our worries into positive thoughts. See how many happy what-ifs you can come up with!
What-If Adventure Walk: Go on a short walk around your school or neighborhood. As you walk, think about different what-if questions. For example, “What if I see a butterfly?” or “What if I find a cool rock?” Talk about how these what-ifs make you feel excited and curious. This activity helps us see that what-ifs can be fun and lead to new discoveries.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Hey, I’m Ryan, and I’m Craig Toby. Welcome to Story Time with Ryan and Craig! Remember to visit minecraft.com to explore our full library of amazing read-alouds, check out our awesome merchandise, book us for a captivating video chat, or send us a unique message.
I have a message, Ryan. Please! This is for Tinkerbell: Why have you not responded to my request for fairy dust? All I want to do is fly! Hit me back, Tink!
Today’s book is “Jonathan James and the What If Monster” by Michelle Nelson Schmidt. Let’s get started! You know, you just need to have a happy thought, right? The dust helps, but it’s really the happy thought where the flight takes place.
Some what-if monsters like to hang out and fill our heads with worry and doubt. They are sneaky and quiet and quick as a blink. The words they whisper can change how we think. Jonathan James heard those words full of dread, and all those what-ifs got stuck in his head.
What if you tumble? What if there’s wind? What if you slip and skin your knee? Oh man, you’re climbing in a tree—that could totally happen! You could get your knees skinned.
What if they giggle? What if it’s chilly? What if you jump and look really silly? What if it’s hard? What if you’re bad? What if they laugh and make you feel sad? What if it’s ugly? What if it stinks? What if that’s what everyone thinks? What if it’s yucky? What if it’s icky? What if mom yells because you’re too picky?
Whoa, did not see that one coming! Craig, I’ve never thought like this before, but what if… I mean, it’s hard enough to eat food and not get sticky, but then I didn’t even think about the impact on mom! Or what if it could be sticky and icky? Normally, I’m like sticky fun, but now it could be icky.
What if it’s dark? What if it’s scary? What if there’s something giant and hairy? What if you lose? What if you’re last? What if you’re slow and never get fast? What if she laughs? What if she runs? What if she thinks you’re not any fun?
Okay, I’ve had enough. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I can do anything anymore. I think the option is to stay home, stay away from girls, stay away from sports, stay away from food, stay away from bed, stay away from trees, and stay away from friends. Should we even finish the book? What if it gets better?
What if… I mean, there’s a small chance, but you know…
Now wait just a minute! I have something to say. After hearing all those what-ifs throughout the day, I hear all your worries and claims, but what if you’re wrong? asked Jonathan James.
What if I climb to the top of that tree and I never slip or skin my knee? What if I jump right into that pool and everyone thinks I look really cool? What if baseball is nothing but fun and I end up hitting a triple home run? What if my drawing goes up on the wall and everyone thinks it’s the best one of all? What if I taste some of that food and it puts my mouth in a really good mood? What if I run in a really big race and have a great time no matter what place? What if I sleep and have the best dream, and monsters are sweeter than they all seem? What if the chance I take in the end is just how I find my very best friend?
Oh, what-ifs can go both ways, Craig. There’s a positive and a negative what-if for every situation. I am gonna go outside, I am gonna eat that pasta, I am gonna see my friends, I am gonna slide into home base, and I’m gonna shoot some hoops with someone. Because you know what? What if…
“Jonathan James and the What If Monster” by Michelle Nelson Schmidt.
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This version removes any informal language and maintains a more polished tone while preserving the essence of the original transcript.
