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The Story of Jane Goodall: A Biography Book for New Readers
Last updated Friday, November 12, 2021
Author: Susan B. Katz
Date of Publication: 2021
ISBN: 1638788332
Grade Level: 3rd (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2021
Synopsis:
Jane Goodall is a celebrated scientist for her studies of chimpanzees in the forests of Africa. Before she observed chimps and helped save them from losing their home, Jane was a curious kid who loved learning about animals. She showed people that women could be scientists, just like men, and fought to follow her dream of working with wild chimps. Explore how Jane Goodall went from being a young nature lover in England to the most important chimpanzee expert in the world.
| Note to readers: |
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You may not have time get through this chapter book, so choose which chapters to read in advance (Ch 1, 7, and a couple in between).
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Be familiar with the content, so you can fill in any information you might be skipping.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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A biography is a story about a real person’s life. Jane Goodall is now a famous scientist 87 years old. This is a story about how she loved animals and spent her life learning about chimpanzees and now works on protecting all animals and the planet.
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What’s your favorite animal?
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Do you think about what you will be when you grow up?
Vocabulary: (This book has a handy glossary, pages 77-80.) If you don’t read the whole book, you won’t need to explain all of these words. Here are some likely ones:
Vocabulary:
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naturalist – a person who studies nature
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habitat – where an animal lives
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extinction – the end of a species or type of animal (there are no more living on earth)
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conservation – protecting the planet, animals and nature
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activist – a person who works to change something they really care about
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endangered – when something is in danger of extinction
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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Discussion questions for during/after reading: (There are convenient “Think Tank” questions throughout the book!)
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Would you like to live with animals? Which ones?
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Were you ever scared to do something, but then were glad you did (like first day of school?)
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What tool did the chimpanzees use? Does that make you think they are smart?
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What do chimpanzees have in common with people?
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Do you think it’s important to tell people about how to protect nature? Why?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Normally at the November reading clubs we give an item with a college logo to each kid. This November have the kids create their own college logos based on the college logo you volunteer(s) share on something you are wearing or otherwise display on Zoom.
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Kids can draw their favorite animals and talk about them.
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| Special activities: |
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Show a video of the real Jane Goodall with the chimpanzees. Here’s a good example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06M7hggEz7k/
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If the teacher has a globe or map, you can point out where Jane and the chimpanzees lived.
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Ask the kids to talk about what they want to be when they grow up? Why? How will they learn how to do that?
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Tell the teacher about Goodall’s youth program Roots & Shoots: https://www.rootsandshoots.org/
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Normally at the November reading clubs we give an item with a college logo to each kid. This November have the kids create their own college logos based on the college logo you volunteer(s) share on something you are wearing or otherwise display on Zoom. Talk about what college is – Do they know about any school in particular?
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Check this website for more suggestions: http://readingtokids.org/ReadingClubs/CraftTips.php
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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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