|
Yellow Kayak
Last updated Thursday, June 24, 2021
Author: Nina Laden
Illustrator: Melissa Castrillon
Date of Publication: 2018
ISBN: 1534401946
Grade Level: 2nd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jun. 2021
Synopsis:
A child and his beloved best friend go on a grand sea adventure. You just never know what a new day will hold if you are brave enough to find out. On one quiet afternoon, a boy and his special friend's unexpected adventure bring joy and excitement and sights never imagined. And the best part of any adventure is returning home with stories to tell and you best friend at your side.
| Note to readers: |
| • |
The text of this book is more poetic than narrative. You’ll spend more time discussing the beautiful illustrations and introducing new vocabulary.
|
| • |
You can explain that the words are only part of the story. Encourage them to tell the story themselves.
|
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
| • |
Have you ever seen or been in a kayak?
|
| • |
Do you like the idea of being in a boat? Does it sound fun? Scary?
|
| • |
Do you have a best friend? Do they help you when you’re worried?
Vocabulary
|
| • |
Kayak: a narrow boat, like a canoe, that fits just one or two people
|
| • |
Loon: a water bird, similar to a duck
|
| • |
Recedes: gets farther away
|
| • |
Squall: a sudden storm of wind and rain on an ocean or lake
|
| • |
Sea wall: a strong barrier to keep the ocean from taking over the shore
|
| • |
Bail: use a bucket to remove water from a boat
|
| • |
Lapping: water making a light splashing sound against something
|
| • |
Dart: to move swiftly and suddenly
|
| • |
Hulking: huge
|
| • |
Orcas: killer whales (mammals)
|
| • |
Shunning: avoid, keep away from
|
| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
| • |
Is the giraffe the boy’s friend? Do you think he’s real? Why or why not?
|
| • |
How can you tell how much time goes by? (note bright sun, sunset colors, moon, sunrise)
|
| • |
How did the friends feel in the beginning, during the storm, and after?
|
| • |
Meanwhile, what’s happening under the water?
|
| • |
How did the friends help each other?
|
| • |
How did the whales help?
|
| Craft ideas: |
| • |
Make a paper boat! All they need is a regular piece of paper. You can ask them to get one as they start gathering for the reading club. Watch this tutorial and practice in advance, so you can explain the directions clearly and have examples: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3N7EUi3-PG8
|
| • |
Draw a line across the middle of a paper. Draw what’s above and below the water.
|
| • |
It's Father's Day later this month! (June 20th) Using the whiteboard, draw a Father's Day Card. Or, draw a Father's Day card for you grandfather, father, uncle, or someone who has been like a father to you.
|
| • |
Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/june-2021-friendship-fun/
|
| Special activities: |
| • |
Think of different words for some that are new to you. When kids don’t know words like “squall,” they can think of other ways to describe a storm, for example. They learn some vocabulary and practice synonyms
|
*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!
|
