The Wild Robot



Last updated Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Author: Peter Brown
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 0316381993
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2019

Synopsis: When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is--but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a violent storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants.

Note to readers:
•  In Peter Brown's novel, The Wild Robot, readers are introduced to a robot struggling to fit in, in a new environment where grit and dedication aid in survival along with nurtured curiosity and the help of others.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Where do you think this robot is?
•  What would make a robot wild?
•  Why do you think there are no trees at the top of the mountain?

Vocabulary

•  methodically - (adverb) in an orderly or systematic manner
•  craggy - (adjective) of a landscape, having many crags; rough/rugged
•  marsupial - (noun) a mammal of an order whose members are born incompletely developed and are typically carried in a pouch on the mother's belly
•  celestial - (adjective) positioned in or relating to the sky or outer space
•  inoperative (adjective) - not working or taking effect

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why are new thing sometimes scary?
•  Have you ever "roughed it" in the wild outdoors, ie camping, nature walk?
•  Why is it important to pretend or practice something?
•  What observations does Roz make while exploring the island? What conditions help or hinder?
•  What type of designers have helped us to understand the world around us? Family, teachers, or other social groups?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw/design a robot using silver paper or foil. Define what purpose it will serve.
•  Create a booklet to log bird sightings.
•  Make paper bag or finger puppets of characters in this book, like Roz, ducks, otters, squirrels.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/april-2019-crafts/

Special activities:
•  Identify animals and plants around the school and what habitats help encourage stability.
•  Discuss sunlight and ask if anyone knows what time the sun rose and will set that day. Challenge them to note when this changes throughout the year and what impacts it makes.

*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!