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):
The Black Book of Colors invites readers to imagine life without sight through raised illustrations and imagery-based description of colors. Accompanying each page is braille text, and found in the back pages is a full braille alphabet for readers to explore.
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:
Think of a color. What does that color smell like? What does it sound like? What does it feel like?
Can you name the five senses?
What does it mean to be blind? Which sense or body part is affected?
What is braille?
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 senses does Thomas use to understand colors?
Which color does Thomas describe as the “king of all the colors”? Why?
Pick a color mentioned in the book. How is it described? Do you agree?
Describe the textures you feel on each page. What images were being created?
Explore the braille alphabet in the back. Try reading the braille on previous pages, using the braille alphabet to help spell each word out.