Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee



Last updated Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Author: Chris Van Dusen
Date of Publication: 2000
ISBN: 0811824993
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jul. 2016

Synopsis: With enough lunch for three, Mr. Magee and his dog Dee head out to the sea. But what begins as a fun day in the sun turns a bit bumpy when onel playful whale decides to say hello. Soon the crew that once was floating finds themselves flying! How will they get down? Who will come to their rescue? And when will they ever get to eat lunch? Down to the Sea with Mr. Magee is a great read-aloud, sure to provide fits of giggles.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do a picture walk and have the kids point out different things on the pages. Ask them if they have ever seen those items/things before?
•  Do you go to the beach during the summer? Which beach?
•  What kinds of things do you see at the beach?

Vocabulary

•  Motored- to move
•  Lighthouse- a tower with a powerful light that is built on or near the shore to guide ships away from danger
•  Pod- a group of ocean animals that are swimming together
•  Blowhole- a hole that is on the top of a whale
•  Perch- to sit on or be on something high
•  Downhearted- not happy, confident, or hopeful
•  Dislodged- to forcefully remove (something or someone)
•  Spectacular- causing wonder and admiration

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What do Mr. Magee and Dee see on the boat ride?
•  What kinds of things do whales eat?
•  What other sea animals could Mr. Magee or Dee meet if they stayed in the ocean?
•  What fun things would you do at the beach or on a boat?

Craft ideas:
•  Make a whale out of a paper plate. See Pinterest for an example.
•  Make a boat out of a paper plate. Cut the paper plate in half and glue, tape or staple the 2 pieces together along the curved edge. Decorate the boat and add a sail. See Pinterest for an example: https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2016/

Special activities:
•  Check out our July craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/july-2016/

*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!