Tag: Educational Activities

Educational Activities: Eggasaurus by Jennifer Wagh

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Eggasaurus
Authors: Jennifer Wagh
Illustrator: Hallie Bateman
26 April 2022
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “In this funny and winsome epistolary picture book, a young boy who orders a dinosaur egg ends up with more than he—or his dad—bargained for!

All Maximus wants is a pet dinosaur—is that really too much to ask? But when his dad tells him he must send the egg back to where it came from, a mysterious company called Eggasaurus, Inc, a hiccup in communication leads to Max getting more…and more…and MORE eggs! Can he and his dad find a compromise before the eggs hatch and the baby dinosaurs take over their home?”

Educational Activities inspired by Jennifer Wagh’s Eggasaurus:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • What do you think this story will be about?
    • What is the child doing on the front cover?
    • What emotion is that child feeling?
    • Who is the other person with that child?
    • What is the child doing on the back cover?
    • How are the two images of the child the same? How are they different?
    • Does what’s inside the box really look fragile?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • The story is told entirely through an exchange of letters. Which letter and its accompanying illustration did you like the best? Why?
    • Have you ever had to ask for a refund before? Did it work out?
    • What actions did Maximus take to show responsibility for the eggs and the dinosaurs in the story?
    • How did the dad’s feelings about the eggs and the dinosaurs change throughout the book?
    • In the final letter, there’s a special delivery mentioned. What do you think it’ll be?
  • Writing–The story is told through an exchange of letters between Maximus and the company Eggasaurus, Inc. The book ends with a letter from Eggasaurus, Inc. that provides him with a certificate to run an official Dinosaur Day Care. Help out Maximus by writing a letter that’s his reply to Eggasaurus, Inc. Consider using colored pencils or crayons to create pictures of the Dinosaur Day Care to go with your letter.
  • Crafting–Since dinosaurs hatch, chomp, and romp throughout the story, let’s create some fun dino crafts. Ask an adult for help, just to be on the safe side: 
    • Dino Feet: Have an adult help with the scissors and then get ready to do some stomping!
    • Edible Dino Eggs: All this crafting makes dinosaurs hungry, so stir up a batch of these yummy dino eggs!
    • Paper Dinosaur Hat: Every good dino needs spikes down its back, so work with an adult to cut out triangles, or design your own style spikes for this cool dinosaur hat.
    • Papier-​Mâché Dinosaur Eggs: Decorate your egg however you want since every dino egg is unique!
    • Pterodactyl Eggs in a Nest: Make certain no one has food allergies before making this edible craft (it has peanut butter)!
  • Imagining–Many dinosaurs have long, interesting names. Here’s a short classroom-​friendly video that shares the names of many popular dinosaurs. Now use your imagination to invent your own dinosaur name by filling in the blanks below: 
    • If I could create any type of dinosaur, I would create a (herbivore, carnivore, or omnivore) _____________.
    • My dinosaur looks like _______________.
    • For fun, my dinosaur likes to_______________.
    • So, I would name my dinosaur ______________.
  • Further Reading–Are you enjoying spending time with dinosaurs? Learn more about real and imaginary dinosaurs by reading these exciting books. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Joshua Walls is a children’s author and travel writer who isn’t afraid to fuse, challenge, or deconstruct genres in the pursuit of creating compelling stories. Currently, he lives in Sarasota, FL where he’s pursuing a BFA in Creative Writing at Ringling College of Art and Design. He’s also the co-​founder and co-​host of the Fluff It podcast.

 

Educational Activities: The Struggle Bus by Julie Koon

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The Struggle Bus
Authors: Julie Koon
Illustrator: Julie Koon
8 March 2022
Kind World Publishing
36 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Sometimes things are really tough. It’s just too hard, you’ve had enough. Grumble, rumble, bump, and roar, The Struggle Bus is at your door. Strap in and hold on tight! Through all the ups and downs, you have what it takes to do hard things.

Rolling, rollicking rhymes take readers on a journey of perseverance, where challenges are faced and mountains are climbed.”

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Educational Activities inspired by Julie Koon’s The Struggle Bus:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What do you think this story will be about?
    • What is the child doing on the front cover?
    • What emotion is being felt by that child?
    • If that child spoke, what do you think would be said?
    • How do you think this story will end?
    • From looking at this cover, what other books does this remind you of?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • How did you feel when the child stepped about the struggle bus?
    • Did the struggle bus look like you imagined it would?
    • How did you react to the repeating line “grumble, rumble, bump and roar”? 
      • Did you notice that the last word in that repeated line changed a number of times?
    • How surprised were you when the struggle bus SOARED?
    • Which picture/​scene did you like the most? Why?
    • What was the most interesting part of the back matter?
  • Writing–Think about a time where you rode your own struggle bus. What struggles were you facing? What were you feeling? How did things change for you? Write about that time in whatever way you choose–a poem, a story, a rant, song, or something else! Use pencils, crayons, or markers to add pictures or decorate it, if you want. Consider sharing your writing with an adult and explaining your creative choices.
  • Playing–With a couple of friends or family members, play “Simon Says Feelings.” For example, say: “Simon says…look mad!” Feel free to discuss those feelings or ask questions about them between rounds or after the game is over.
  • Crafting–Making crafts is a fantastic way to explore, share, and engage with your feelings. Here are a few of our favorites: 
    • Emotion Faces–These conversation starters are easy to make.
    • Emotion Masks–A little more involved than some of the other crafts, but it’s not too challenging for kids to create.
    • Emotion Painting–This is designed for a classroom teacher, but it’s easily adapted to a family setting, as well.
    • Emotions Wheel–This printable craft has three different version that range in levels of complexity.
    • Feeling Spinner–This paper plate craft can help young people identify and talk about emotions.
  • Further Reading–Enjoy a few more picture books about feelings. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: Climb On! by Baptiste Paul

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Climb On!
Authors: Baptiste Paul
Illustrator: Jacqueline Alcántara
8 March 2022
NorthSouth Books
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “When a young child reminds her dad about the hike they planned, her father is hesitant —To the tippy top? It’s a great day to watch futbol (soccer). But as the two climb on, her enthusiasm is contagious. Filled with setbacks, surprises, and stunning views, this warm and humorous story highlights in vivid colors the bonding power of a shared experience. A list of creatures at the end prompts a second look for keen-​eyed readers to make discoveries of their own.

Baptiste Paul and Jacqueline Alcántara (co-​creators of The Field) have teamed up again! Baptiste’s humorous and tender text, with a sprinkling of Creole words straight from the Pitons, and Jacqueline Alcántara’s vibrant and evocative illustrations capture the wonder and emotions experienced on the trail and the special relationship between a parent and a child.”

Need some reviews of Climb On!?

As a bonus, please enjoy this short interview about the book with author Baptiste Paul.

Educational Activities inspired by Baptiste Paul’s Climb On!:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What do you think this story will be about?
    • What is the child doing on the front cover?
    • What emotion is the child on the cover feeling?
    • Who is the other person behind that child?
    • From looking at this cover, what other books does this remind you of?
    • What do the images on the back cover make you think about?
    • How do you think this story will end?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What did you think would happen with the child wanted to got for a walk and Daddy said it was a “great day for watching futbol”?
    • If you were going on a long hike, would you have taken anything beyond what they put in their backpacks?
    • How easy was it to figure out what the Creole words meant? (They were always in italics.)
    • What creatures were causing trouble when you read “Buzz, buzz, buzz. Smack, smack, smack!”? Would you have turned back then?
    • What other animals and creatures did you see in this story?
    • What would you have done if you got to the top of the summit and realized you’d forgotten a camera? What did you think of their solution?
  • Writing–Think about a time you took a walk with a loved one. Or, if you prefer, imagine a walk you might one day take with a friend or family member. Write that story. Think about scenery, weather, plants, animals, and nature. If you want, create accompanying pictures with crayons, colored pencils, or markers. Stories are best when shared, so consider sharing yours with a friend or family member.
  • Planning–It’s always a good idea to plan before starting any journey. Answer the following about a future hike:
    • I’d like to hike to/​at _______________.
    • Someone I’d like to hike with me is _______________.
    • The three most important things to bring with me on the hike are _​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​, _​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​_​, and _____________.
    • Something I expect to see on my hike is _____________.
    • The best part about hiking is  _____________.
  • Activities–There are a lot of things to do while taking a hike. Here are a few of our favorites: 
  • Further Reading–Enjoy more picture books about taking a hike. Which of these have you already read? Which of the others would you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers by Lina Alhathloul & Uma Mishra-Newbery

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Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers: A Story Inspired by Loujain Alhathloul
Authors: Lina Alhathloul & Uma Mishra-​Newbery
Illustrator: Rebecca Green
1 March 2022
mineditionUS
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Loujain watches her beloved baba attach his feather wings and fly each morning, but her own dreams of flying face a big obstacle: only boys, not girls, are allowed to fly in her country. Yet despite the taunts of her classmates, she is determined that some day, she too will learn to do it–especially because Loujain loves colors, and only by flying will she be able to see the color-​filled field of sunflowers her baba has told her about. Eventually, he agrees to teach her, and Loujain’s impossible dream becomes reality–inspiring other girls to dare to learn to fly. Inspired by co-​author Lina al-​Hathloul’s sister, formerly imprisoned Saudi women’s rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Loujain al-​Hathloul, who led the successful campaign to lift Saudi Arabia’s ban on women driving. This gorgeously illustrated story is lyrical and moving.”

Need some reviews of Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers?

As a bonus, please enjoy a Sneak Peek of this book:

Educational Activities inspired by Lina Alhathloul & Uma Mishra-Newberry’s Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What do you think this story will be about?
    • What emotion is the child on the cover feeling?
    • What do sunflowers make you think of?
    • What is the child on the back cover up to?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • How did you react to the initial question: Do you believe you can fly?
    • Why wasn’t Loujain allowed to fly?
    • How did you feel when the kids at school heard about Loujain’s dream of flying?
    • What was “the carpet of million sunflowers”?
    • What else might the idea of flying represent?
    • How did you react to the story’s final question: Do you believe you can fly?
  • Writing–Now that Loujain has achieved her dream, what do you imagine she’ll do next? Write that story. If you want, create accompanying pictures with crayons, colored pencils, or markers. Stories are best when shared, so consider sharing yours with a friend or family member.
  • Dreaming–Since this story is about Loujain following her dream, answer the following about YOU and your own dreams:
    • Something I do that makes me feel good about myself is _______________.
    • Something I do that makes others feel good is ____________.
    • Something I’ve always wanted to do is________________.
    • My BIGGEST dream is to _____________.
  • Crafting–Sunflowers play a key role in this story, so let’s create some of our own! Get an adult to help, just to be on the safe side: 
  • Further Reading–Enjoy more picture books about following your dreams. Which of these have you already read? Which do you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson

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The Year We Learned to Fly
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: Rafael López
4 January 2022
Nancy Paulsen Books
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “On a dreary, stuck-​inside kind of day, a brother and sister heed their grandmother’s advice: ‘Use those beautiful and brilliant minds of yours. Lift your arms, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and believe in a thing. Somebody somewhere at some point was just as bored you are now.’ And before they know it, their imaginations lift them up and out of their boredom. Then, on a day full of quarrels, it’s time for a trip outside their minds again, and they are able to leave their anger behind. This precious skill, their grandmother tells them, hearkens back to the days long before they were born, when their ancestors showed the world the strength and resilience of their beautiful and brilliant minds. Jacqueline Woodson’s lyrical text and Rafael López’s dazzling art celebrate the extraordinary ability to lift ourselves up and imagine a better world.”

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Educational Activities inspired by Jacqueline Woodson’s The Year We Learned to Fly:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What do you think this story will be about?
    • What emotion is the child on the cover feeling?
    • Why do you think there are butterflies on the back cover?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • Have you ever been as bored as the kids were at the start of the story? 
      • How did it feel?
      • What did YOU do about it?
    • Why weren’t the kids stuck in the apartment anymore once they closed their eyes?
    • How did you react to the kids fighting, frowning, and promising never to speak to each other again?
    • What is grandmother talking about when she says “cuffed in iron”?
    • Why does learning to fly come to mean here?
    • How did these two teach other kids to fly?
  • History–Grandmother mentions the perseverance of “the people who came before,” meaning Africans who were enslaved and brought to America. Here’s a short classroom-​friendly video to provide some context.
  • Imagining–Since the kids in this book learned to use their imagination, use YOUR imagination to fill in the blanks here:
    • A question I’d like to ask the illustrator is________________.
    • If I were a character in this book, I’d be_________________.
    • If this book had a sequel, I’d expect to see ________________.
  • Crafting–Since The Year We Learned to Fly is about kids who overcome boredom with creativity and imagination, let’s try some fun creative crafts to engage your creativity and imagination! Get an adult to help, just to be on the safe side: 
  • Further Reading–Enjoy more picture books about the power of the imagination. Which of these have you already read? Which do you want to read first? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)

Educational Activities: Aaron Slater, Illustrator by Andrea Beaty

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Aaron Slater, Illustrator
Author: Andrea Beaty
Illustrator: David Roberts
2 November 2021
Abrams Books for Young Readers
40 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “An uplifting story about the power of art, finding your voice, and telling your story even when you’re out of step with your peers from the #1 bestselling creators of Sofia Valdez, Future Prez and Ada Twist, Scientist!

Aaron Slater loves listening to stories and dreams of one day writing them himself. But when it comes to reading, the letters just look like squiggles to him, and it soon becomes clear he struggles more than his peers. When his teacher asks each child in the class to write a story, Aaron can’t get a single word down. He is sure his dream of being a storyteller is out of reach … until inspiration strikes, and Aaron finds a way to spin a tale in a way that is uniquely his.”

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Educational Activities inspired by Andrea Beaty’s Aaron Slater, Illustrator:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What do you already know about illustrators (or illustrating)?
    • What do you think this story will be about?
    • What emotion is being felt by the boy on the cover?
    • Have you read any of the other books in the Questioneers series?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What did you think when Aaron’s writing made words that were “just squiggles”?
    • Try as he might, Aaron couldn’t make progress with writing. Have you ever struggled to learn something, too? How did that feel? What did you do?
    • Why did Aaron try so hard just to blend in?
    • What “tangle of feelings” did he have inside?
    • What did YOU feel when Miss Greer knelt beside Aaron and said “Thank you!” for sharing his creative story?
    • What do you think about this book using a typeface specially designed for people with dyslexia?
  • Imagining–Use your imagination to fill in the blanks of the following three sentences:
    • A question I’d like to ask the author is______________.
    • One thing I’d change about this story is _____________.
    • In a sequel to this book, Aaron Slater would be doing __________.
  • Drawing–Since Aaron Slater drew his own story, let’s do the same. Using crayons, colored pencils, or paint, create your own “true story” about anything you want. Like Aaron, use visuals versus words to tell the story. When you’re finished, consider sharing it with a friend or family member.
  • Crafting–Since Aaron Slater, Illustrator is all about making art, let’s look at some options to make fun artsy crafts! Try your hand at one or more of the following projects (use recyclable materials when you can). Get an adult to help, just to be on the safe side: 
  • Further Reading–Want more picture books about art and art-​making? Here you go! Which have you already read? (Click on any book cover for more information on these titles!)