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Rain Reign



Last updated Monday, February 1, 2016

Author: Ann M. Martin
Date of Publication: 2014
ISBN: 0312643004
Grade Level: 5th    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2016

Synopsis: Rose Howard is obsessed with homonyms. She's thrilled that her own name is a homonym, and she purposely gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose's rules of homonyms, is very special. Not everyone understands Rose's obsessions, her rules, and the other things that make her different – not her teachers, not other kids, and not her single father. When a storm hits their rural town, rivers overflow, the roads are flooded, and Rain goes missing. Rose's father shouldn't have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.

Note to readers:
•  Homonyms- a word that is spelled and pronounced like another word but is different in meaning (noun-bear, verb-bear).
•  Homophones- a word that is pronounced like another word but is different in meaning or spelling (to, too, two).

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you know what words that are spelled differently, but pronounced the same, are called? Homophones)
•  What are the meanings of the two words on the cover? (Reign- the period of time during which someone is in charge of a group or organization)
•  Can you think of any homophones?

Vocabulary

•  Autism- a condition or disorder that begins in childhood and that causes problems in forming relationships and in communicating with other people
•  purebred- having parents that are of the same breed
•  diagnosis- the act of identifying a disease, illness, or problem by examining someone or something
•  overwhelmed- to cause (someone) to have too many things to deal with
•  trio- a set or group of three people or things
•  quartet- a group of four people playing music or singing together

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What has Rose been diagnosed with?
•  Who does Rose live with? Who else spends time with Rose?
•  What are Rose's rules for homonyms?
•  How did Rose get Rain?
•  Why doesn't Rose ride the bus?

Craft ideas:
•  Have kids think of one set of homophones or homonyms. Fold a piece of construction paper in half and write one word on each side. Have them draw a picture of the words. Examples on Pinterest.
•  Make a dog, like Rain. Templates/examples on Pinterest.
•  Make a Valentine's Day card for someone.
•  Check out our February craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/february-2016-crafts/

Special activities:
•  Come up with a list of homophones and homonyms as a group.

*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!