Book Companion Club

“A book is a door; when we open it for a child, we give them the key to worlds they might never have imagined.” – Unknown

Today, I'm here to talk about my brand new and completely FREE Book Companion Club!

Each week, I’ll deliver a brand-new book companion straight to your inbox — designed especially for special education teachers and homeschool parents who want to make reading more engaging, accessible, and fun for their learners.

What’s in a Weekly Book Companion?

Every book companion is carefully designed to support learners who count on visual cues, repetition, structure, and hands-on interaction. Each set include visuals and content for the following:

• Title, Author, and Illustrator — to help learners connect with and identify key story information.

• Vocabulary Words — pre-teaching essential words to boost comprehension and understanding.

• Characters & Setting — encouraging students to recognize and describe the “who” and “where” of the story.

• Retelling/Sequencing Images — visual supports to help learners recall events in order.

• Problem & Solution — guiding students to think critically about story structure.

• 4 Comprehension Questions — reinforcing understanding through direct, simple questions.

• Opinion Prompt — gives your learners the opportunity to voice their opinion (visually) on the book.

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You’ll receive two formats each week:

• Foam Board Version – sturdy, durable, and perfect for group activities.

• File Folder Version – compact, portable, and great for one-on-one instruction.

Both versions are designed to be printed, laminated, cut, and used with Velcro for maximum reusability and durability.

Why Book Companions Are Powerful in Special Education

Students in special education often benefit from instruction that is highly structured, visually supported, and repeated in a variety of ways. Book companions bring all of these elements together in one ready-to-use resource.

Here’s why they work so well:

1. They Make Abstract Concepts Concrete

Stories often involve abstract ideas — feelings, motivations, cause and effect — that can be hard for some learners to grasp. By providing visuals for characters, settings, problems, and solutions, book companions turn those abstract ideas into concrete, visible pieces that students can manipulate and explore.

2. They Support Visual Learners

Many exceptional learners process information more effectively when it’s paired with visuals. The images in sequencing activities, character cards, and vocabulary supports allow students to connect words with meaning — helping them remember and use new language more effectively.

3. They Encourage Active Participation

Simply listening to a story can be passive for some learners. Book companions transform reading into an interactive experience: learners can match pictures, arrange sequence cards, and physically move Velcro-backed pieces. This movement engages their senses and increases focus.

4. They Reinforce Key Skills Through Repetition

Repetition is critical for skill mastery in special education. Because book companions are reusable, students can revisit the same story multiple times (read each day of the week) and each time building confidence and understanding. This repetition is built in without feeling boring — the activities still feel like play.

5. They Offer Built-In Differentiation

Not all learners are ready for the same level of comprehension questions or vocabulary. Book companions can be easily adapted — you might use just the sequencing cards with one student, while another might be ready for full comprehension discussions. One resource can meet multiple needs in the same setting.

6. They Promote Independence

As learners become familiar with the format, they begin to complete parts of the activity on their own. This fosters independence, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment — essential life skills alongside literacy growth.

7. They Strengthen Communication Skills

Whether a learner uses verbal speech, a communication device, or sign language, book companions provide a natural way to practice expressing ideas. Students can point to, label, or describe story elements, giving them repeated opportunities to build expressive and receptive language.

How to Prepare and Store Your Book Companions

To get the most out of your book companions:

1. Print in Color – Visual clarity is important, especially for vocabulary and sequencing images.

2. Laminate for Durability – This keeps your pieces looking great year after year.

3. Cut Carefully – Use a paper cutter or sharp scissors for clean edges.

4. Add Velcro – Place the soft (loop) side on the base board or folder, and the rough (hook) side on the moveable pieces (this will especially help if you are using the optional pieces to attach to a felt board).

5. Store in Zip Bags or Envelopes – Keep pieces together by story so they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice.

6. Organize by Theme or Month – Whether in a crate, binder, or file box, keeping companions in seasonal order makes planning easier.

   
   

How Book Companions Fit Seamlessly Into Your Day

In the Classroom:

• Morning meeting literacy warm-ups

• Small group reading centers

• Speech therapy sessions

• One-on-one intervention time

• Daily story time for whole group instruction

  
  

In the Homeschool Setting:

• Dedicated literacy block

• Family read-aloud time with follow-up activities

• Independent work for siblings at different grade levels

  
  

Because they’re ready to print and use, book companions save you hours of prep time — while still delivering high-quality, engaging instruction.

How to Join the Free Book Companion Club

Want to join the book club and get weekly companions for your setting? It’s simple — just subscribe to our email list and you’ll get weekly updates with each new book companion as it’s released. That’s 52 free, ready-to-use companions — all themed to match the seasons, holidays, and exciting topics your learners love.

Join now and start receiving your first book companion this week! Join Here ➜

Let's work together to make reading an inclusive, interactive part of your instruction every day.

-LeCha with Reaching Exceptional Learners