Today, we’ll look at three very popular
books: An Egg is Quiet, A Seed is Sleepy, and A Butterfly is Patient all by Dianna
Hutts Aston (illus. by Sylvia Long) and published by Chronicle
Books.
The repetition in the main text of these books
results in a pleasing poetic quality. And while the language is simple, the
statements are sometimes surprising and can provoke a thoughtful discussion.
results in a pleasing poetic quality. And while the language is simple, the
statements are sometimes surprising and can provoke a thoughtful discussion.
For
example, in An Egg is Quiet, the main
text (which the younger child reads) on
one spread says, “An egg is clever.” Most children (and adults) have never
thought of an egg in this way before. It is only after the older child reads
the smaller, supporting text scattered across the page that the full meaning of
the main text becomes clear.
example, in An Egg is Quiet, the main
text (which the younger child reads) on
one spread says, “An egg is clever.” Most children (and adults) have never
thought of an egg in this way before. It is only after the older child reads
the smaller, supporting text scattered across the page that the full meaning of
the main text becomes clear.
After the Reading
Buddies finish the book, ask them to make a list of these unexpected words and
discuss why they think the author chose them. Then open a full-class discussion
of this topic. Do these “unexpected” descriptive words make students think
about eggs in new and different ways? This kind of conversation is sure to
address CCSS for ELA: Reading Informational Text #1 and #2.
Have
the students repeat the process for A
Butterfly is Patient and A Seed is
Sleepy. Depending on the time of year and your location, take your students
on an egg, butterfly, and seed hunt in your school yard.
the students repeat the process for A
Butterfly is Patient and A Seed is
Sleepy. Depending on the time of year and your location, take your students
on an egg, butterfly, and seed hunt in your school yard.
If they are careful
observers, they will undoubtedly spot some insect or spider eggs in spring.
They should be able to find some seeds in either spring or autumn. And if they
are lucky, they might spot a butterfly. If time permits, try to identify what
the children find.
observers, they will undoubtedly spot some insect or spider eggs in spring.
They should be able to find some seeds in either spring or autumn. And if they
are lucky, they might spot a butterfly. If time permits, try to identify what
the children find.
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Topics
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One Response
I love these books! And the idea of using them for Common Core work. Good ideas!