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 Winter Lights. 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):
Through a collection of poems, author Anna Grossnickle Hines identifies how lightbulbs, stars, candles, and other objects that glow or twinkle, light up the darkest season of the year. She describes how some of these lights can be found in nature, and that some of these lights play an important role in helping different cultures celebrate holidays in winter.
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 do you notice about the artwork on the front and back cover?
What is a quilt? How are quilts made?
Does your family have any winter traditions or celebrate a holiday in the winter? What do you do?
Do any of your winter celebrations or traditions involve lights?
How would you describe winter? How does it compare to the other seasons?
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 are some of the holidays described in this book?
Where does light come from? Find places in the book where these light sources are mentioned or described.
What kinds of shapes do you see in each quilt? What larger picture do these shapes form?
How many candles are lit on the menorah quilt next to the “Small Miracles” poem?
What are the figures doing in the Kwanzaa quilt?
What color is used to scare Nian away on Chinese New Year?
Can you guess what farolitos are based on the image and description from the poem titled “Christmas Path”?