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 Wind Flyers. 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 story of a young girl’s first chance to go owling with her father. The girl learns that to go owling you must be very quiet, make your own heat, and be brave, but most of all you must have hope. Her own hope is rewarded with the sighting of a Great Horned Owl.
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:
Have you ever flown in a plane before?
What colors are painted on the plane? Is there a design?
Have you ever heard of the Tuskegee Airmen?
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 telling the story?
Who is the story about?
What was the only thing that the Uncle ever wanted to do in his whole life?
What did the Uncle compare the clouds to?
Where did he fly?
How did he feel when the ride was finished? How do you know this?
Did his Uncle ever fly again?
What kind of wind flyer was Uncle called in the war?
Why did the Air Force not want him at first?
Explain what Uncle meant when he said, “… we never lost a plane we protected.”