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!
Below are links to download the Book Pack Plan and Study Guide for Max Found Two Sticks. 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):
It was a day when Max didn’t feel like talking to anyone. He just sat on his front steps and watched the clouds gather in the sky. A strong breeze shook the tree in front of his house, and Max saw two heavy twigs fall to the ground. Max picks up the sticks and begins tapping out the rhythms of everything he sees and hears around him. And then, when a marching band rounds Max’s corner, something wonderful happens.
Now, sitting comfortably with your child(ren), show them the front and back covers of the book. Then ask questions, like the following, to stimulate their thinking, to encourage them to read, and to create wonder.
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:
Ask students what do you think Max dreams of becoming when he grows up? Why do you think that?
Ask students who has heard of a “marching band”? Show an example of a marching band with a video.
What instruments are in a marching band? Show a chart of instruments used in a marching band from the internet.
Bring drum sticks to show the students. Make various sounds with them as you explore hitting the sticks on different objects. Ask students if they notice any difference in the sounds.
Clap out some rhythms and have students repeat the rhythms.
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.
Post Reading Questions:
Who is the main character in the story?
What is the setting of this story?
What are items that Max used to make music?
Who did Max interact with throughout his day?
How do you think Max felt when he saw the marching band?
What did Max receive as a gift at the end of the story?
How did Max feel at the beginning of the story?
What caused the twigs to fall to the ground?
Name some of the rhythms Max imitated. (The sound of pigeons, light rain, marching band, etc.)