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Song for a Whale
Last updated Monday, November 4, 2024
Author: Lynne Kelly
Date of Publication: 2019
ISBN: 152477023X
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2024
Synopsis:
From fixing the class computer to repairing old radios, twelve-year-old Iris is a tech genius. But she's the only deaf person in her school, so people often treat her like she's not very smart. If you've ever felt like no one was listening to you, then you know how hard that can be.
When she learns about Blue 55, a real whale who is unable to speak to other whales, Iris understands how he must feel. Then she has an idea: she should invent a way to "sing" to him! But he's three thousand miles away. How will she play her song for him?
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Iris is a 12-year-old who was born deaf. She is still grieving the death of a much loved grandfather. She is only deaf child at her school and while she has a helper, Mr. Charles, to do sign language for her, she has trouble communicating with students, staff and faculty. She feels isolated.
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Are there other students in your school who need special assistance? Do you know them? How are they integrating with the other students?
Vocabulary
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rhyme: a composition in verse where one or more words make a corresponding sound.
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hertz: a unit of frequency of one cycle per second.
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frequency: the number of times a function repeats itself within a given time.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Iris has a talent for repairing electronic things like radios and computers even though she is deaf. Do
you have any hobbies like her? What are they? How did you get started?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw a picture of a whale or another sea creature you have seen.
For Thanksgiving:
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Make a hand print turkey. Spread your hand out on a piece of paper and trace around your fingers and thumb. The fingers are feathers, your palm the body and your thumb the head. Color in the feathers and body. Don’t forget to add a face to the head.
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Make place cards for Thanksgiving dinner.
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Take a piece of plain paper or construction paper. Fold in half and then in half again. It will make a tent like object that will stand on its own. Write the name of a person on it on one side. Decorate the other side with Thanksgiving like things (i.e., turkey, squash, pumpkin).
READERS: WRITE THE WORD “THANKSGIVING” ON THE WHITE BOARD OR A PIECE OF PAPER SO THE KIDS KNOW HOW TO SPELL IT.
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November is also reading to Kids College Spirit month! Have the kids create their own college logos based on the college logo you volunteer(s) share on something you are wearing. They can even create their own imaginary college logo!
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Do one or both of the word searches.
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*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!
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