It's Moving Day



Last updated Thursday, January 8, 2009

Author: Pamela Hickman
Date of Publication: 2008
ISBN: 1554530741
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2009

Synopsis: Tucked away beneath a big tree on the edge of a field lies a home -- a small burrow -- for many. In every season, a different creature makes its home here and then moves on, making room for the next occupant. After a long winter's sleep, the woodchuck relocates to another burrow, but its former home is not left vacant for long. A cottontail rabbit raises her family there. After the kits have all hopped away, a salamander takes refuge in the same safe place. Through this engaging and informative introduction to woodland animals in their habitats, young readers will delight in learning about natural science as it is integrated into an inviting picture book.

Discussion topics:
•  What do you think a burrow is?
•  Why do animals move?
•  What is a salamander?
•  Where do snakes sleep for the winter?
•  What are the different animals in the book?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a tree with a burrow
•  Draw a burrow with a newborn animal
•  Draw a favorite animal from the book
•  Make a raccoon, rabbit, red fox or chipmunk mask
•  Draw and color a long snake curled up for the burrow. Take a piece of paper and draw the snake curled. Color the snake with bright colors, triangles, spots etc.... Cut the snake shape out.
•  Make a rabbit nose and rabbit ears. Cut two long strings. Cut out two long rabbit ears the same size. Color the ears. Fold the base of the ears over ½ inch. Use a glue stick over the folded edge and place the ears close together. Place the string inside the folded edge with the glue and secure. For the nose, cut a another triangle and color. Glue whiskers on the nose. Punch out two holes on each side of the base. Run the second string through the nose. Attach the rabbit ears and nose to the kids!

*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!