Chicks and Salsa



Last updated Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Author: Aaron Reynolds
Illustrator: Paulette Bogan
Date of Publication: 2007
ISBN: 1439574189
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Mar. 2015

Synopsis: What happens at Nuthatcher Farm when the chickens get tired of the same old chicken feed? The rooster hatches a plan! With a pinch of genius, a dash of resourcefulness, and a little pilfering from the farmer's garden, the chickens whip up a scrumptious snack of chips and salsa. When the rest of the barnyard gets a whiff of the spicy smells and want to join in, it can mean only one thing...FIESTA! But when the big day arrives, all their spicy southwestern supplies are gone! Could Mr. and Mrs. Nuthatcher have caught on to the flavor craze?

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What is your favorite food?
•  Do you like to cook? Who cooks in your family? Do you ever help?

Vocabulary:
•  tang - a strong, sharp taste
•  aroma - a noticeable and usually pleasant smell
•  slop - soft, wet, often unappealing food that is fed to animals
•  cuisine - a style of cooking
•  sumptuous - very rich or impressive
•  savory - pleasing to the taste or smell
•  fiesta - a festive celebration
•  crêpes - a very thin pancake

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you ever get tired of eating the same old foods?
•  What is salsa? Guacamole? Nachos? Crêpes? Which is your favorite?
•  How did the farm animals work together to prepare a fiesta?
•  Have you ever been to a fiesta? What was it like?

Craft ideas:
•  Cut a sombrero out of construction paper; see https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/cinco-de-mayo-craftivity-printables-240749 for an example. OR make a sombrero using a paper plate and a cup (see http://mommyapolis.com/2012/05/04/cinco-de-mayo-craft-or-centerpiece/).
•  Make a chicken hat. For instructions, see the following: http://www.makinglearningfun.com/Activities/Chickens/ChickenHatPatterning.gif OR http://www.oneperfectdayblog.net/2012/04/04/easy-easter-craft-for-kids-bunny-and-chicken-easter-party-hats/.
•  St. Patrick's Day crafts: http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/49728/st-patricks-day-crafts-activities-add/.

https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids

Special activities:
•  Throw a fiesta! Play Mexican music and dance with the kids. Try to learn the Mexican hat dance.
For step-by-step instructions, see: http://www.janbrett.com/piggybacks/mexican_hat_dance_activity_page_quicktime.htm.
You can also watch this video & dance along: http://vimeo.com/41099855.

*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!