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A Day in the Salt Marsh



Last updated Monday, March 31, 2008

Author: Kevin Kurtz
Illustrator: Consie Powell
Date of Publication: 2007
ISBN: 0976882353
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2008

Synopsis: From School Library Journal: Through rhyming text, Kurtz introduces a salt marsh and its plant and animal inhabitants. Beginning at sunrise, the verses present an hour-by-hour look at the activities of various creatures and changes in the tide: "It's twelve o'clock in the salt marsh; the tide is rising fast. A grey fin breaks the water as a dolphin swims right past!" Each spread offers a background view of the marsh along with two smaller inset illustrations: a close-up of the flora and fauna being described and a bird's-eye representation of the scene. Activities and additional information for both students and teachers are appended. An inviting approach to an interesting ecosystem.

Note to readers:
•  Read information in the back before you begin reading to kids.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is a marsh?
•  Where does the salt come from? (Salt water from the sea)
•  What type of animals live by salt marshes?
•  What type of bird is on the cover?
•  Do we see these birds in LA?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Identify animals as you read along.
•  Answer multiple choice questions on sheet provided: http://www.sylvandellpublishing.com/documents/SaltMarsh_FCM.pdf

Craft ideas:
•  Draw and cut out animals and paste in a circle or in order of size (what eats what?)
•  Make an origami crane, crab, or frog.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!