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 Little Creek That Could. 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):
Based on true events, The Little Creek That Could tells a remarkable and inspiring story of how a severely damaged stream was brought back to life. A young teacher, whose love for rivers goes back to his childhood, sadly finds that a stream close to his new school is polluted and lifeless. But after meeting an older gentleman who had lived nearby for many years, he hears about how beautiful the creek once was.
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:
What is a creek? Which is larger a river or a creek?
How are creeks formed?
Who has seen a creek? Do you see or visit the same creek often?
Has the creek stayed the same every time you see it?
What types of weather are there?
What kinds of animals do you think lives in or near a creek?
What sounds would you expect to hear around a creek?
What else would you see near a creak?
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:
What is a creek?
What kinds of animals live in or around a creek?
Why do animals call creek their “home?”
What happened around the creek that made the animals move away?
What did the people do to make the creek healthy again?