Tag: Educational Activities

Educational Activities: Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos OH MY! by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue

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Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos OH MY!
Authors: John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue
15 August 2020
Sleeping Bear Press
32 pages

I was intrigued by the idea of using kid artists for a picture book. What a fun idea, right?

Book description from Sir Read a Lot: “Ten African animals, including lions, zebras, giraffes, and elephants, are brought to life in colorful artwork, accompanied by fun nature facts. With text written by John Platt and Moira Rose Donohue, each animal portrait in Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos OH MY! is painted by a student from the How to Draw a Lion program. Established in 2018 by New York artist Platt, How to Draw a Lion is a nonprofit art education program that provides art classes for children in sub-​Saharan Africa.”

Educational Activities inspired by Platt and Donohue’s Lions & Cheetahs & Rhinos OH MY!:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Why does the title include “OH MY!”?
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What do you already know about lions? About cheetahs? About rhinos?
    • What other animals do you imagine might be in this book?
    • Are the kid artists on the back cover younger, older, or the same age that you imagined?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What is the main message of this book?
    • Which animal fact surprised you most?
    • Which of the kid-​created images did you like the most? Why?
    • What other picture books does this book remind you of?
    • What feedback would you give to the authors?
  • Drawing–This project is based on the work of John Platt’s How to Draw a Lion program. While the book’s back matter has a step-​by-​step method for drawing a lion, here are videos that demonstrate how to draw some of the other African animals you saw in this book: 
  • Crafting–Try your hand at one or more of the following crafts. Get an animal- or art-​loving adult to help: 
    • Easy Elephant–I’m always a fan of 3D animals that can stand on their own.
    • Handprint Zebra–It requires using a computer printer and scissors, so be sure to have an adult help!
    • Lion Painting–This one uses footprints and forks. How much fun (and how messy) is that?
    • Paper Bag Hippo–Googly eyes makes this one really stand out.
    • Rolling Pin Print Leopard–Yep, it really uses a rolling pin (which won’t be ruined) to make the spots. Fun!
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about African wildlife have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

 

Educational Activities: The True Story of Zippy Chippy by Artie Bennett

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The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t
Author: Artie Bennett
Illustrator: Dave Szalay
25 February 2020
NorthSouth Books
40 pages

This book has sat on my MAYBE/​PROBABLY pile for some time, and this month, Zippy Chippy is the little horse that could.

Book description: “A true story about the famed racehorse who lost every race but won everyone’s heart.

The bell rings and they’re off! Zippy the racehorse—descended from legends—is destined for glory, but when the other horses bolt from the gate … Zippy stands still. When people try to pet him … he bites their hats and escapes from his stall. What’s an owner to do? Keep on trying! After all, Zippy has become part of Felix’s family—and a close friend of his little daughter. And after 100 straight losses, Zippy shows everyone that—win, lose, or draw—it takes guts to compete and that you can lose and lose and still be a winner.”

Need some reviews of The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t?

And as a bonus, here’s an interview with the author, courtesy of Good Reads with Ronna.

Educational Activities inspired by Artie Bennett’s The True Story of Zippy Chippy: The Little Horse That Couldn’t:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when does this story seem to take place?
    • What do you know about horses and horse racing?
    • Why do you make of the subtitle “the little horse that couldn’t”?
    • What’s do you think is happening on the back cover?
    • If you could ask the author any one question before you read the book, what would it be?
    • Why do you think the title emphasizes that this is a TRUE story?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What problem(s) did Zippy Chippy face?
    • What were the most important events in the story?
    • If this book has a lesson, what do you think it is?
    • Which of Zippy Chippy’s actions did you find most amusing? Grabbing people’s hats? Standing still during a race? Dangling Felix by his shirt? Something else?
    • If you were Felix, what would you have tried to get Zippy Chippy to behave?
    • What other story does The True Story of Zippy Chippy remind you of?
    • Though Zippy Chippy lost all 100 races, the book says he won in the end. Do you agree? Why/​why not?
  • Writing–Now that Zippy Chippy has retired from racing with an impressive 0–100 record, what’s next for this amazing horse? Write that story in whatever way you imagine it. Consider the following questions to help make your story come alive on the page: 
    • Where does Zippy Chippy live now?
    • Is Felix still a part of Zippy Chippy’s life?
    • What does Zippy Chippy dream of doing?
    • What does Zippy Chippy worry about?
    • What does Zippy Chippy see/​smell/​taste/​touch?
    • Would drawing pictures improve your story?
  • Activities–With the help of an adult, try some of the following horse-​themed crafts: 
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about horses have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

Educational Activities: Flibbertigibbety Words by Donna Guthrie

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Flibbertigibbety Words: Young Shakespeare Chases Inspiration
Author: Donna Guthrie
Illustrator: Åsa Gilland
1 September 2020
Page Street Kids
40 pages

I’m a big Shakespeare fan, so when I saw this book, I knew I had to include it in OPB in some way.

Book description from Goodreads: “With quotes and sly references to the famous works of William Shakespeare and the words he invented, this adventurous ode to language will delight readers young and old.

It all starts one morning when words fly into William’s window. He wants to catch them, but they are flibbertigibbety and quick and slip right through his fingers. Soon whole lines of verse are leading him on a wild goose chase as they tumble, dip, flip and skip all through town, past a host of colorful characters the observant reader may find as familiar as the quotes. William remains persistent, and with time and the proper tools he finds a way to keep the words with him.”

Need some reviews of Flibbertigibbety Words?

Educational Activities inspired by Donna Guthrie’s Flibbertigibbety Words:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • What does the word “flibbertigibbety” make you think of?
    • Where and when do you think this story takes place?
    • What do you already know about William Shakespeare?
    • What emotion does the boy on the back cover seem to be feeling?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What is the main message of this book?
    • Why does young Shakespeare want to chase down and catch  strange words?
    • If you wanted to go outside and catch words, what might you try to do?
    • The book is full of fun new words. What are some of your favorites? Zany? Madcap? Frivolous? Coax?
    • What other story does Flibbertigibbety Words remind you of?
    • What happens–or should happen–after the ending?
    • What feedback would you give to the author?
  • Writing–Shakespeare is known for writing amazing poems. Try your hand at writing a poem of your own. Here are some specific prompts to help you along: 
  • Performing–While you can certainly listen to or read a poem, there are more things you might try as well. Consider singing, dancing, or acting out any of the following poems. Perhaps get a friend or adult to help out? 
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about Shakespeare have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

Educational Activities: Saving Eli’s Library by Ruth Horowitz

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Saving Eli’s Library
Author: Ruth Horowitz
Illustrator: Brittany Jackson
1 October 2020
Albert Whitman & Company
32 pages

As with most writers, I’m a book fan. In fact, some of the stacks of books in my office have now grown taller than me. I suspect Eli would appreciate that fact.

Book description from Goodreads: “Eli loves going to the library for Story Circle, but, one stormy day, the nearby river threatens to flood it. Eli and his dad must brave the storm to help save the books, and, when the storm is over, the whole town must come together to rebuild the library. Inspired by the residents of Lincoln, Vermont, who rebuilt their library on three separate occasions, Saving Eli’s Library showcases one community’s bigheartedness, and the power of water and nature.”

Need some reviews of Saving Eli’s Library?

Educational Activities inspired by Ruth Horowitz’s Saving Eli’s Library:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • What do you think of when you think of libraries?
    • Where and when does this story seem to take place?
    • What’s going on outside the window?
    • Where did Eli just come from?
    • If you could ask the author any one question before you read the book, what would it be?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What kind of person is Eli?
    • Why did the library need saving?
    • Can you think of another way the library might have been saved?
    • Could this situation really happen?
    • If you marched with Eli in the book parade, would you wear a special costume?
    • Is there something you don’t understand about the story?
    • What other story does Saving Eli’s Library remind you of?
  • Writing–Now that Eli has saved his library, what happens next for him?  Imagine whatever you want, and then write down what you think of in as much detail as you choose. 
    • What new challenge does Eli–or the library–face?
      • Perhaps the library needs a fundraiser to buy new books? Or there’s a book-​eating alien that arrives? Or…
    • How does Eli overcome the challenge?
    • What does Eli see/​smell/​taste/​touch? Details help make a story come to life!
    • Feel free to draw pictures to accompany your continuation of Eli’s story.
    • Perhaps share your results with a friend or adult?
  • Activities–Try some of the following book-​themed crafts. Get a library-​loving adult to help: 
    • The Cat in the Hat Printable Hat–Yep. It’s wearable. Feel free to draw on the stripes versus use strips of craft paper.
    • Class Pancake Book–This requires a few other youngsters to make it work, so invite friends, family, or classmates to help out!
    • Funny Face Flipbook–This will stop the “I’m bored!” complaints. So much fun!
    • Paper Plate Caterpillar–For fans of Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This one’s really easy to make, folks!
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about libraries have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

 

Educational Activities: Feast of Peas by Kashmira Sheth

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Feast of Peas
Author: Kashmira Sheth
Illustrator: Jeffrey Ebbeler
Peachtree Publishing Company
1 March 2020
32 pages

Book description from Goodreads: “Hard-​working Jiva might not be the only one anticipating a delicious feast of peas from his garden. Every morning, Jiva works in his garden until the sun turns as red as a bride’s sari. He plants peas and beans, potatoes and tomatoes, eggplants and okra in his vegetable patch. When his friend Ruvji admires his plants, Jiva sings,

Plump peas, sweet peas,
Lined- up-​in-​the-​shell peas.
Peas to munch, peas to crunch
A feast of peas for lunch.

But each time Jiva is ready to pick the peas for his feast, they’re already gone. What has happened?”

Need some reviews of Feast of Peas?

Educational Activities inspired by Kashmira Sheth’s Feast of Peas:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where does this story seem to take place?
    • What do you think this book will be about?
    • Why are they having a feast?
    • What feast foods do you recognize?
    • What do you think of when you think of peas?
    • If you could ask the author any question before you read the book, what would it be?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the book: 
    • Who was the ghost? Who was the scarecrow? At what point in the story did you figure those things out?
    • Why do you think Ruvji took the peas?
    • How much did you enjoy the repeating song lyrics?
    • Which of the pictures did you appreciate the most? Why?
    • What other story does Feast of Peas remind you of?
  • Writing–The main story of Feast of Peas is the mystery of Jiva’s disappearing peas. Has anything of yours ever disappeared under mysterious circumstances? Write a story about it that offers an explanation–silly, serious, or something else entirely. (If you’ve never had something disappear in this way, make up that part of the story, as well.) Perhaps, too: 
    • Add your own artwork by using crayons, markers, or colored pencils? Or clipping images from a newspaper/​magazine, and gluing those to a printed-​out copy of your story?
    • Enlist friends or family members to act out the events in your story, with each person taking on a single role. Costumes and funny voices might be worth trying, too!
  • Recipes–With an adult’s help, try the following fun-​to-​make and fun-​to-​eat recipes: 
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about food have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)

Educational Activities: Papa Brings Me the World by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw

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Papa Brings Me the World
Author: Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Illustrator: Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
5 May 2020
Christy Ottaviano Books
40 pages

With Father’s Day just around the corner, this book about a cool dad (and his equally cool daughter) seemed like an especially good choice to feature in this month’s Education Activities.

Book description from Goodreads: “Most parents drive a car or ride a bus or train to work—but not Lulu’s papa. He navigates mountains, deserts, and oceans, each time returning home with pockets full of treasures. There’s an ancient calculator from China, a musical mbira from Zimbabwe, and a special game from Sumatra. But the best treasures are special stories Papa tells when he comes home—tales of playing peekaboo with rare birds in the Andes and befriending dragons in the Irish Sea.”

Need some reviews of Papa Brings Me the World?

And here’s a cool GIF of the cover from the publisher!

Educational Activities inspired by Jenny Sue Kostecki-​Shaw’s Papa Brings Me the World:

  • Before Reading–From looking at the front and back cover: 
    • Where and when does this story seem to take place?
    • How might Papa “bring me the world”?
    • What type of book are they looking at on the front cover?
    • What is the child and her cat making on the back cover?
    • If you could ask the author any one question before you read the book, what would it be?
  • After Reading–Now that you’ve read the story: 
    • What do you see as Lulu’s main problem/​challenge in this story?
    • What were the most important events in the story?
    • What is the main message of this book?
    • What other story does Papa Brings Me the World remind you of?
    • What seems like the most exciting part of Lulu’s Papa’s job (being a photojournalist)?
    • Which of the stories/​things that Papa brings her do you find most interesting? How people of Cameroon once bartered with potato mashers? The musical mbira from Zimbabwe? The ancient calculator from China? Something else?
  • Writing–Now that Lulu has her own travel journal and is exploring the world, where do you imagine she’ll go? And what will she see/​do? Write down a few of her adventures in as much detail as you choose. 
    • What does she see/​smell/​taste/​touch?
    • What are her favorite moments?
    • What treasures will she bring back?
    • Feel free to draw pictures to accompany your story.
    • Perhaps share your results with a friend or adult?
  • Activities–Try some of the following dad-​themed crafts. Any of these would make a terrific Father’s Day gift, whether you ask him or another adult for help making it: 
    • Dipped Golf Tees–Make dad the sportiest dad on the links. Paint + golf tees = great gift idea. Spell out words with them (“Love,” “Dad,” “Thanks,” etc.) for added WOW!
    • Fingerprint “Daddy & Me” Mug–Super simple to make and dads everywhere love this kind of present. (Trust me–I’m a dad, too!)
    • Origami Shirt and Tie–This one’s a bit trickier than some because, well, origami. But look at how awesome the results are! And all you need are two pieces of paper.
    • Paper Bag Dad Puppet–Who knew a brown paper lunch bag could be so much fun?
    • Thumbprint Heard Glass Magnets–Wow, these are great. They can easily become necklaces, keychains, or simple keepsakes.
  • Further Reading–Which of these other picture books about papas have you read? (Click on the book cover for more information on any of these titles!)