Lesson 1 - Get to Know
the Book
The Grown-Up Scoop
These first lessons are all about discovering this amazing book. Use this time to not only read it, but to start diving into the themes and details of the story! We highly recommend adapting questions, readings, discussions, activities, and materials to the child’s needs, abilities, and environment. Extended resources are always included to save research time on behalf of the role model.
Below are links to download the Book Pack Plan and Study Guide for Last Stop on Market Street. Feel free to use these to explore the book on your own, or as a guide to follow along with as you travel through the sections.
Before You Read
To get started, share this short story summary with your child(ren):
GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE: Gerald, a giraffe in Africa, joins his friends at the annual Jungle Dance. All the other animals, however, begin to make fun of Gerald’s dance moves. Feeling left out and alone, Gerald searches for his own dance moves. Taking the advice of an encouraging cricket, he soon learns— “We all can dance, when we find music that we love!”
Are You Ready?
Begin each lesson with an African A-GO and A-MAY exercise to bring child(ren) to attention.
A-GO: Means “Are you ready to listen in silence?” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
A-MAY: Means “Yes, I am ready to listen in silence and you may begin.” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
Before Reading Questions:
No Need to Judge a Book by Its Cover----JUST EMBRACE IT!!
Sitting comfortably with the child, share the book cover and back only. Ask questions to stimulate the child’s thinking, encourage the child to read and create wonder.
Here are some suggestions:
✓ Have you ever seen a real giraffe? Where?
✓ What time is it on the cover? How can you tell?
✓ Do you like to dance? What song /kind of music makes you want to dance?
✓ Can you name some different ways of dancing?
✓ How are the animals dancing on the back cover of the book?
✓ Show the location of Africa on the map or globe. Can you tell me something about Africa?
✓ Have you ever done something different and been called weird ?
Read the Book
When you are ready, read the book with your child(ren). Remember to have fun with it!
After You Read
After reading, review the story and its details by asking more questions to your child/children.