There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell is a wacky new Christmas version of the classic that my students absolutely love. Every year, this time sneaks up on me, and I never have a moment to spare! One minute we’re wrapping up Thanksgiving, and the next I’m planning Christmas lessons, packing away fall decor, and making sure everything is ready for when we return from break. {Deep breaths!}

One thing that always helps? A fun story paired with meaningful, hands-on learning. And this one delivers amazing results with my young learners.
(You can find this title here on Amazon.)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=BoaxxmVL9TU%3Ffeature%3Doembed

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There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell Book Integration

Written by Lucille Colandro and illustrated by Jared Lee, this hungry old lady tale is part of the beloved old lady series. If you’re familiar with Lee’s other Old Lady books, you already know how engaging they are. The funny illustrations, lively rhythm, and predictable pattern make this a favorite among young readers.

This lively version of a classic song keeps students hooked from the very first turn of the page. With references to the hungry holidays, Santa Claus, and a festive candy cane twist, it’s the perfect seasonal read-aloud for December.

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Whole Group Reading & Listening Comprehension

We always start by reading There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell several times as a whole group. My students also enjoy listening to it at a listen-to-reading station. Over the years, and especially through my Science of Reading learning, I’ve seen how critical listening comprehension is for building understanding.

This step is powerful for optimal experience in literacy, and it’s one I never skip. Listening supports comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence, especially for emerging readers.

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Sequencing the Story

Next, we move into sequencing. After retelling the story together, students work to put the events in order using sequencing cards from my There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell book companion.

Here on TpT, Here on SK Online

Sequencing this story is no small task — there are many events! But that challenge makes it perfect for reinforcing ordinal numbers, story structure, and retelling skills. Students use the book for prompting and support, making this activity ideal for small groups, guided instruction, or literacy centers.

You can grab the full sequencing and activity pack here:
Here on TpT, Here on SK Online

This resource is a wonderful companion to the book and works beautifully in kindergarten, 2nd grade, and everything in between.

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Reading Comprehension Game (Student Favorite!)

My students RUN to the reading comprehension game that goes along with There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell. Truly. It’s one of those activities that feels like play but delivers serious learning.

The game uses comprehension questions from the story to move pieces along the board. Students stay engaged, competitive, and focused — and I get meaningful data points for MTSS folders without pulling teeth.

This activity works perfectly during small groups, literacy centers, or even as a review before assessments like IXL Learning skills practice.

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Why This Old Lady Book Works So Well

• Engaging picture books with humor and rhythm
• A familiar structure that supports comprehension
• Festive themes with Santa Claus and holiday fun
• Flexible for whole group, small groups, or independent work
• Available in formats that work for classroom libraries and even board book collections

From sequencing to comprehension, this old lady swallows another holiday hit that students beg to read again and again.

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If you’re looking for a December read-aloud that pairs beautifully with standards-aligned activities, There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell, plus this book companion, is a must-have for your classroom.

Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell Printables on TPT

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Bell Printables on SK Online