Category: Educational Activities

Educational Activities: Are You Scared, Darth Vader? by Adam Rex

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Are You Scared, Darth Vader?
Author: Adam Rex
Illustrator: Adam Rex
Disney Lucasfilm Press
3 July 2018
48 pages

 

 

The latest picture book from  New York Times bestselling author/​illustrator Adam Rex reveals how everyone’s favorite Star Wars “villain”–Darth Vader–is challenged by a narrator who keeps trying to scare him.

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Educational Activities inspired by Adam Rex’s Are You Scared, Darth Vader?:

  • Before Reading–Ask students:
    • “What do you already know about Darth Vader?”
    • “Do you believe Darth Vader when he says on the cover that ‘I fear nothing’”?
    • “What do you notice about the front cover of this book? About the back cover?”
  • After Reading–How surprised were you with what scares Darth Vader? Why/​why not?
  • After Reading–If Adam Rex were to write an Are You Scared? book about YOU, what might be the one thing at the end that you’re scared of?
  • Drawing–If Darth Vader wanted a new uniform and helmet that made him a little less scary-​looking, what would that look like? Using colored pencils or crayons and paper, draw him a new uniform and helmet.
  • Crafts–With a parent’s help, make your own Star Wars-​themed craft. 
  • Further Reading–Darth Vader has appeared in other picture books before. Consider reading one or more of the following. In which one do you like Darth Vader the most? Do any of the Darth Vaders in these other books seem scared? Does Darth Vader seem like a good parent? A good friend?
    (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!) 
      

 

Educational Activities: Dear Substitute by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick

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Dear Substitute
Authors: Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Disney Hyperion
19 June 2018
40 pages

 

The latest picture book from the writing duo of Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick, Dear Substitute, tells the story of how one student bristles at the change of routine that occurs when a substitute teacher, Miss Pelly, comes to class.

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Educational Activities inspired by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick’s Dear Substitute:

  • Before Reading–Ask students:
    • “Have you ever had a substitute teacher before? How did that experience go?”
    • “Why do you think the title of this book is Dear Substitute?”
    • “What do you notice about the front cover of this book? About the back cover?”
  • After Reading–What does the main character mean at the end of the story by saying: “sometimes you’ve got to mix things up a little”?
  • After Reading–This entire story is written in letters. Why do you suppose the authors chose that option? What did you think when the main character wrote a letter to the pledge of allegiance, the library, and lunch?
  • Further Reading–One of the new things that Miss Pelly introduces to the main character is poetry. Even though the main character didn’t know much about poetry, “it turns out I really like poetry. Especially funny poetry. Especially funny poetry about pelicans. And crocodiles. And underwear.” Read one or more of the following poetry picture books.  Are any of these poems as funny as the “Dear Turtle” poem that Miss Pelly helped write?What do YOU think about poetry? What type of poems do you prefer?

    (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)        

  • Writing–Write your own “Dear _​_​_​_​_​” poem to a favorite teacher, a treasured toy, or something abstract (like love, hunger, or tiredness). Want some more poetry writing ideas? 
  • Writing–This story is primarily told through letters. Write a letter to one or both of the authors that shares what you liked most about this book. Consider sending the letter to the authors (with an adult’s help). Here’s one way to reach each authors. 

 

Educational Activities: Moon by Alison Oliver

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Moon
Author: Alison Oliver
Illustrator: Alison Oliver
Clarion Books
17 April 2018
40 pages

 

 

Alison Oliver’s debut picture book as an author/​illustrator, Moon, is a simply worded and evocatively illustrated story. Throughout her busy days, Moon wonders what it would be like to be wild and free until the day she meets a wolf and learns all about his wolfish ways. And she’s forever changed by the experience.

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Educational Activities inspired by Alison Oliver’s Moon:

  • Before Reading–Ask students:
    • “What do you think of when you hear the word ‘moon’?”
    • “From looking at the front cover, what do you think the relationship is between the girl and the wolf?”
    • “What do you notice about the girl?”
  • After Reading–What does the following line mean? “But she wasn’t the same Moon anymore.” Is there any evidence in the pictures that suggests/​proves she isn’t the same? WHY isn’t she the same Moon anymore? Do you think it’s a good change? Why/​why not?
  • Further Reading–A wolf plays a big role in this story. Read another book about wolves, such as one of those listed below, and then compare the wolf characters in the stories. What do they do differently? Which wolf (or wolves) do you like the most? Why? Which would you like to go on an adventure with, like Moon did? Which wolf would you like to read more about?
    (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)              
  • Activity–The wolf teaches Moon its “wolfy ways,” which includes howling, pouncing, and playing. In your best wolf fashion, try howling. Try pouncing. Try playing. How does it feel? What do you think about “wolfy ways”?
  • Crafts–Using crayons (or colored pencils) and paper, draw yourself in the Great Forest beneath an ocean of stars. What would it feel like to sit there in the dark with a wolf friend? To have the insects around you hush into quietness? To have the breeze blow through your hair?
  • Writing–This story follows Moon throughout. How would the story be different if the wolf were the main character? What lessons could the wolf learn from Moon? Write that version yourself.

 

Educational Activities: Doll‑E 1.0 by Shanda McCloskey

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Doll‑E 1.0
Author: Shanda McCloskey
Illustrator: Shanda McCloskey
Little Brown Books for Young Readers
1 May 2018
40 pages

 

 

Shanda McCloskey’s debut picture book, Doll‑E 1.0, is a STEM-​friendly tale about a little girl and the doll that she upgrades to become her new friend. Perfect for readers who enjoyed Ashley Spires’ The Most Magnificent Thing and Andrea Beaty’s Rosie Revere, Engineer.

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Educational Activities inspired by Shanda McCloskey’s Doll‑E 1.0:

  • Before Reading–Ask students:
    • “What type of things do you suspect the little girl in blue on the front cover likes to do?”
    • “What does the title mean to you?”
    • “Look at the back cover. What do you think this book will be about?”
  • After Reading–Charlotte is able to help her parents with computer problems and TV issues. What type of problems are you able to help others with? What are you really, really good at?
  • Further Reading–In many ways, Doll‑E 1.0 is a book about a robot. Read another book on robots, such as one of those listed below, and then compare the robots in the stories. What do they do differently? Which robot(s) do you like the most? Why? Which would you like to play with? Which robot would you like to read more about?
    (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)      
  • Crafts–Using crayons (or colored pencils) and paper, draw a plan on how you’d like to upgrade one of your own dolls, action figures, or toys. Share that plan with an adult. Consider enlisting that adult in helping you make the planned upgrades!
  • Writing–This story is told from Charlotte’s point of view. What if the story were told from Doll‑E’s perspective? Write that version yourself.

 

Educational Activities: Write On, Irving Berlin! by Leslie Kimmelman and David C. Gardner

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Write On, Irving Berlin!
Author: Leslie Kimmelman
Illustrator: David C. Gardner
Sleeping Bear Press
15 May 2018
32 pages

 

 

From the author of Hot Dog! Eleanor Roosevelt Throws a Picnic and the illustrator of The Harvey Milk Story comes this vivid picture-​book biography that examines the life of Irving Berlin, the distinguished composer whose songs, including “God Bless America” and “White Christmas,”  continue to be popular today.

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Educational Activities inspired by Leslie Kimmelman’s Write On, Irving Berlin! 

  • Before Reading–Ask students:
    • “From looking at the cover, what do you think Berlin is writing about?”
    • “What are some of your favorite songs?”
    • “What traits make a good student?”
  • After Reading–Listen to three of Berlin’s most popular songs: “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “White Christmas,” and “God Bless America.” Discuss which you like most.
  • After Reading–The Berlin family fled Russia in the 1890s because they were persecuted for being Jewish. Have you ever heard of someone being treated poorly because of their religious beliefs? Or the color of their skin? Or for how they dress or act? How does that make you feel?
  • Music–Using a song you know well–perhaps one of Berlin’s or maybe a song like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” or “Row Row Row Your Boat”–write your own lyrics. Feel free to be serious or silly.
  • Crafts–Using crayons (or colored pencils) and paper, draw what you think of when you hear the phrase “God Bless America.” What are you thankful for? Listen to the song for inspiration.
  • Writing–Berlin wrote “God Bless America” to honor American soldiers. Write your own letter to American soldiers that thanks them for their service. Consider working with an organization like A Million Thanks to send the letters.

Educational Activities: After the Fall by Dan Santat

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After the Fall
Author: Dan Santat
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Roaring Brook Press
3  October  2017
32 pages

 

 

From the New York Times-bestselling creator of The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend comes the inspiring epilogue to the beloved classic nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpy.

Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after?

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Educational Activities inspired by Dan Santat’s After the Fall

  • Before Reading–Read the original Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme with students, then ask: 
    • “What was Humpty Dumpty doing on the wall?”
    • “Why did Humpty Dumpty fall?”
    • “Why couldn’t ‘all the king’s horses and all the king’s men’ put Humpty Dumpty back together again?”
    • “What would YOU have done to help Humpty Dumpty after his fall?”
  • After Reading–Read a nursery rhyme (other than “Humpty Dumpty”) aloud to students and then have them write/​tell/​draw the “what happened next?” sequel to the story. (Some suggestions: “Little Miss Muffet,” “Jack and Jill,” or “Incy Wincy Spider”)
  • After Reading–Have students write/​tell/​draw about a fear or worry in their own lives. Consider having them to write/​tell/​draw a way to overcome that fear or worry, as well.
  • Science–In many ways, After the Fall deals with the idea of flight. Create a paper airplane and learn about the four forces of aerodynamics that allow a plane (or a bird) to fly. 
  • Crafts–Create a Humpty Dumpty paper plate puppet. Allow students to decorate it as they choose or model their puppet after any of the egg characters in After the Fall.