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 The Black Book of Colors. 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):
When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth and poison her people’s water, one young water protector takes a stand to defend Earth’s most sacred source.
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:
✓ Describe what you see on the cover.
✓ What do you know about water? Why is it important?
✓ Think of all the ways you use water every day.
✓ What is pollution? How does it affect our environment?
✓ How can we protect our environment?
Read the Book
When you are ready, read the book with your child(ren) and give them a chance to feel the braille and illustrations on each page. 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:
✓ What is the black snake? What is it doing to the land and animals around it?
✓ Who must be protected from the black snake?
✓ How is water described in the book?
✓ How do the people fight against the black snake?
✓ When was it predicted that the black snake would come? Who made this prediction?
✓ How does water connect us all?