Why I Picked It Up:
I came across a picture of this book online. I don’t remember if it was on a blog or on Amazon, but I was captivated by the cover, so I immediately ordered this book.
Why I Finished It:
Admittedly, I didn’t realize what the book was. Maybe I didn’t read the whole title (This might be the impulsivity that my husband complains about?) Each page has a drawing similar to the cover art that is mesmerizing. I kept touching the pages, expecting there to be texture. By no stretch of the imagination am I an artist, so I had no idea how the pictures were done. Sometimes I thought watercolor, next it looked like fabric collages, next pencil drawings. Regardless of how they were created, they are stunning. When I visited Anna Wright’s webpage, I realized that she is an artist first. She has these beautiful drawings on cards and framed pictures. Pictures aside, I finished this book, because I was learning. Yes, perhaps I should have known all of these collective nouns associated with animals, but alas, I did not. Do you know what a group of penguins are called? A group of monkeys or peacocks? I feel a little smarter after finishing the book.
Who I Would Give It To:
From my experience teaching all grades between first and eighth, I’m going to go out on a limb and say all kids are
intrigued and interested in animals. This book would be a great addition to any classroom library, even the art room library.
Integration Ideas:
Research – Science
One thing about newer nonfiction picture books is that they beg for students to conduct further inquiry. Either at the end or in the beginning of the books, the author tends to provide more information or ways to extend learning. These pages are great to hook students into learning more. Research is constantly talking about how education is squashing the natural wonderment children have, so let’s bring it back. In the beginning of this book, Wright discusses the definition of collective noun and how animals have “varied social lives, family systems, and living situations.” This is begs for students to research and to find out more about animals. Have students choose a favorite animal and research their social lives, family systems, living situation, and of course what a group of that animal is called. Here are some helpful websites:
- San Diego Zoo Website
- PBS Kids
- A-Z Animals
- Soft Schools
- Science Facts
- Kids Planet
- Ranger Rick
- Animal Facts
- National Geographic
- How Animals Use Smells (Found by Becca – a future teacher. *Thanks*)
Students can combine their research into a class book. Have the art teacher work with the class to include artwork for the book.
If you are having your students research, contemplate creating a Google custom search engine. Research is so important but sometimes overlooked since it can become unwieldy. Sherry and I have great ideas and ways to integrate research successfully in the classroom that we share in workshops and conference sessions.
Main Idea and Supporting Details
This book is definitely a good way to introduce main idea and supporting details since the text is short. The main idea will be clear, even to a struggling student. Each page’s main idea is the collective noun of the animal. Have students turn and share one fact they learned on each page. This would be great for younger students. For older students, this would be a great time to introduce note-taking skills. Teach students how to outline, using the main idea and supporting details.
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