Chicka Chicka Boom Boom



Last updated Thursday, February 27, 2014

Author: Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault
Date of Publication: 1989
ISBN: 067167949X
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2014

Synopsis: The 26 characters in this rhythmic, rhyming baby book are a lowercase alphabet with attitude. "A told b, and b told c, 'I'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree'"--which probably seemed like a good idea until the other 23 members of the gang decided to follow suit.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What kind of tree is on the cover?
•  What do you think this book will be about?
•  Have any of you ever climbed a tree?

Vocabulary:
•  tangled- a confused mass of something.
•  knotted -having knots or tied in a knot.
•  looped- anything shaped more or less like a loop.
•  stooped- to bend the head and shoulders forward.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why did all of the letters fall of the tree?
•  Which letter skinned its knee?
•  What happened to letter L?
•  Which letters do you want to stay on the tree?

Craft ideas:
•  Make palm tree with letters (see sample) Note: with Kindergartners it is helpful to pre-cut shapes for them and have them help with gluing and coloring.

Special activities:
•  Sing the alphabet!

*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!