|
|
 |
|
|
Growing With Kevin Henkes
Kevin Henkes' books are a
wonderful tool for discussing the various
character traits and developing positive self
esteem. His books focus on family relationships
and self introspection. Children gain insight into
themselves as they compare their actions with the
mice characters in these delightful stories.
Children will identify character traits, problems
and solutions and identify similarities and
differences in each book.
|
Literature Extension Ideas
These are lesson ideas that can
be used with all of his books. Ideas for specific
books are included at the end.
-
Identify what Life skill is being used in the
story.
-
Write a letter to the main character telling
them what you think of the way they handled
their problem or a way they could solve the
problem.
-
IF I Were...- Have the children finish the
phrase to tell what they would do if they were
the main character. {ex. "If I were Wemberly I
would..." "If I were Chrysanthemum I would..."}
-
Role play the story.
-
Acrostic poem for the character.
-
Important Writing- Use either the main
character or the story focus and write a "The
important thing about ...is" Here is an
examples.
-
Sentence Strip Summaries- Each child writes
what they linked best about the story.
-
Story Map- Make a class, team or individual
story map to show the beginning, middle events
and how the problem was solved in the end. I
like to use large sheets of white construction
paper. The children draw the story in the form
of a path. Here is a sample-
The following are some ideas to use
with a specific Kevin Henkes' book.
Jessica
*Before reading make a web with the word
friendship. List all the qualities that make a
good friend. *Write an acrostic poem for friend.
Before writing make a chart with the word
"friend" written so that each letter has its own
column. List everything that could go with each
letter in friend. Leave the chart/list up for
children to use as a reference. *Making
Words-make all the words they can with the word
friendship.
*An Imaginary Friend-Write about and
illustrate and imaginary friend they might have.
*Write a letter to Ruthie telling her
the best things about having a friend.
*Share a Paintbrush Picture-Have
partner teams take turns to create a picture
using watercolors.
Wemberly Worried
*Stuffed Animal Day-Each child brings in a favorite stuffed animal for the
day. Have a few extras just in case someone
forgets theirs or does not have one to share.
Write about why their stuffed animal is
special.
*Finish the prompt "When I'm worried
I..." Place these on a "Worry Not" bulletin
board.
*Write a letter to Wemberly telling
them the best things about school.
Lily's Purple Plastic Purse
Write a letter to Lily telling her what she should do if she brings something
to class to share. Give her advice about why
it isn't a good idea to disturb the class.
These can be written and posted on purple
cutouts that resemble a purse.
Lily's Purple Purse Here is an additional 5 lesson unit using this book.
Activities, puzzles & mazes for Lily
Chrysanthemum
The Power of Word:
Make a list of statements that makes
us "bloom" or "wilt." These are statements
that either make us feel great or make us
feel bad. Set up a bulletin board with 2
sides. One side says "I wilt when someone
tells me this." And the other side says,
"I bloom when someone tells me this!"
Place the list of statements under the
appropriate heading. The statement could
be written on strips of paper. The strips
are then placed in a box. Each child or
partners pick one of the statements, and
add an illustration.
Watch us Bloom!
Each child is given a flower pattern.
They draw their face in the center circle.
On the petals they write positive
statements about themselves.
It's in the Name
Use the letters in her name,
Chrysanthemum, to make other names or
words. This can be placed at a "making
words" center.
Story Strips
Each child will need six, blank index
cards. Any size works and lined cards work
fine. On each of the cards they
write/illustrate one of the following:
Title, Characters, Plot, Setting, Problem
& Solution. These are then assembled into
a vertically, or horizontally connected
strip to create a story chart.
Chester's Way
On a second reading, make a list or character web for each character recording
the things that they like. Use the list
or webs to compare the characters.
Friendship Creatures
Chester, Wilson and Lily worked
together to create an imaginary
creature. Instruct teams of 3-4 children
to work together to make an imaginary
creature of their own.
Encourage children to draw pictures of
themselves and a friend. They tell the
ways they and their friend are alike and
different.
Write a letter to Chester and Wilson
telling them why they should make
friends with Lilly.
As a class, make a list of activities
that would make a new student to the
classroom feel welcome.
Disguises
Lily gave Chester and Wilson disguises
to wear. Allow students to make
disguises of their own using a variety
of materials, craft items and clothing.
Take pictures of small groups. Put up on
a bulletin board and see if people can
determine who is wearing which disguise.
Enjoy Lilly's favorite snack:
1. Place a slice of bread or toast on
a plate.
2. Mix together some jam and peanut
butter, and spread them on the bread.
3. Add Cheerios?for a cheerful smile,
strawberries (or whatever is in season)
for eyes, and orange slices for nose and
ears. You have a happy face smiling back
at you.
Friendship Mobiles:
1. Using a coat hanger, place a folded
sheet of construction paper on it with
the word "Friendship" written on it.
2. Make four circles out of different
colors of construction paper.
3. On each circle, draw/write a
quality of friendship.
4. Using a hole punch and string,
attach the circles to the coat hanger.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
