More Fun: Activities, Videos, and Related Content
Cross- Curricular Activities
Math
Ask the children for an “estimation” of how many particular items may be in the story. Write their guesses on the board with their name. Then present the book to the group, counting aloud the item all through the story. Don’t forget the front and back covers! Count moon, Gerald, stars, cricket, rhino, chimp, etc. Be sure to point out some “hidden or scarce” pictures as well! (turtle, butterfly, bonfire, violin).
Extend the above activity using Graphs.
Science
Use the story to classify the six main groups: fishes, invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Ask the children about the cricket. The cricket being an insect, meaning invertebrates or vertebrates? Discuss the picture in the book. Why is it an insect? How many legs? Bones?
Social Studies
Talk about living in Africa - the people, the climate, etc. How is it like life in the United States or local neighborhood? How is it different?
Name the dances that need partners. Divide the children in pairs to write their own version of how the dances may have gotten its name. Discuss their ideas. Then discuss the real origins of the Cha Cha, Tango, Waltz, Rock “n” Roll, and Scottish Reel.
Language
Arrange to have another child or group of children read the same story. Assign Pen Pals to your child(ren) and have them share book reviews. Pen Pals include information about their own life and how they related to the story in their correspondence.
How Not to Be A Bully
It is difficult to know what is or is not bullying. Often, actions start out just being fun, but may at some point, turn into bullying.
When you are not sure whether something has become bullying stop and think! Ask yourself these questions:
Are my actions or words hurting someone else?
Are my actions or words hurting someone else physically?
Would I want someone else to do this to me?
Am I unfairly taking my anger out on someone?
Am I trying to control someone against his or her will?
Social Emotional
Discuss the sidebar to the right. Have your children come up with choices and consequences regarding bullying and teasing. What are some choices that you make when you see bullying taking place? What are the consequences of your choices?
Ask the children what they will do if someone labels or treats them “different, weird, foolish?”
How would they include someone they see around being left out of activities or discussions?