Tag: Reading Activities

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.