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Time of Wonder



Last updated Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Author: Robert McCloskey
Date of Publication:
ISBN: 0670715123
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Apr. 2006

Synopsis: This beautiful picture book follows the activities of two children spending their summer vacation on an island off the coast of Maine. First published in 1957, this book is a timeless classic that shows everyone what swimming and sailing would have been like in one special summer.

Note to readers:
•  This is a long book to read to kindergartners. Read to page 20. From pages 20-61, have students tell you what is going on in the pictures. Finish the book by reading pages 58-62.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What do you over the summer?
•  Have you ever been to the beach? What do you like doing there?
•  What would you need to pack if you were going away somewhere for the summer?

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  What is happening on each page?
•  What words are repeated on each page?
•  Would you want to spend your summer in the places described in the book?
•  How are the beaches in the photo the same or different from the ones you've seen or visited?

Craft ideas:
•  Make big sunflowers by cutting yellow circles and pasting them around a large brown circle.
•  Make a sailboat out of a plastic lid, drinking straw, and playdough. Bring ahead option: lids ,straws, and playdough or clay.
•  Identify the colors on one of the pages and have the students use those colors to draw a picture.

*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!