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You Belong Here



Last updated Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Author: M.H. Clark
Illustrator: Isabelle Arsenault
Date of Publication: 2016
ISBN: 1938298993
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2018

Synopsis: "The stars belong in the deep night sky, and the moon belongs there too, and the winds belong in each place they blow by, and I belong here with you." So begins this classic bedtime book, richly illustrated by award-winning artist Isabelle Arsenault. The verses describe the natural world (The whales and the fishes belong in the sea and the waves belong by the shore), while the chorus addresses children directly. The pages journey around the world, observing plants and animals, everywhere, and reminding children that they are right where they belong.

Note to readers:
•  A picture walk-through is ideal, lots of animals.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  Do you like animals?
•  Do you have any pets?
•  Have you been to the zoo?

Vocabulary

•  Whale: large marine mammals. Breathe air like us
•  Nest: homes for animals that they make out of twigs and leaves
•  Lake: large body of water surrounded by land
•  Cattail: tall plant with long, brown, fuzzy flower spikes
•  Canyon: a deep valley

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What's your favorite animal from the book?
•  Explain that hares are rabbits.
•  What sound do frogs make?
•  Does anyone have a pet fish?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a picture of a place you love to go to.
•  Draw a picture of a favorite animal
•  Draw a picture of a place you want to go to but have never been to.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/april-2018-animal-crafts/

Special activities:
•  Name animals and they guess where they belong (Polar bear = Arctic)
•  What groups do you belong to? (Classrooms, sports, after-school activities)

*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!