Make Way For Ducklings Lesson Plan

Welcome to this month’s edition of the Poppins Book Nook, an online book club for kids.  The theme for May is Caldecott Medal Books.

The Caldecott Medal was first awarded in 1937, and was named after the an influential children’s books illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

The book I have chosen this month was the winner of the Caldecott Medal in 1942 entitled Make Way for Ducklings.

It was written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey.  Robert was the first person to receive the Cadecott Medal twice as his book Time of Wonder won the award in 1958.

Make Way for Ducklings is about two ducks (Mr. and Mrs. Mallard) raising their family of 8 ducklings in the busy city of Boston.  The parents have some challenges keeping their young safe but they do get some help from a friendly police officer.

It’s not by accident that Make Way for Ducklings has been loved by generation after generation and still remains a favourite childrens book of both parents and kids alike.  I have read it to my daughter countless times and I’m sure we will enjoy it many more times to come.

This picture book will have your kids attention from the first page.  The illustrations take up a large space on each page and tell a story all on their own.  The pictures are not in colour but in various shades of brown.  That does not diminish from their appeal, however, as they are detailed sketches with lots to look at.  I can foresee my daughter enjoying this book when she’s older as well by putting colour to each page.  It would be a fun art project and one I will save for when she’s a more advanced colorer.

LESSON IDEAS

One thing I enjoy about this book is that it presents numerous learning opportunities.  It would lead nicely to learning all about ducks, math, geography, english and moral or safety lessons.

DUCKS: moulting in ducks; predators; what ducks eat; yearly life cycle of a duck, and more.  I previously put together free printables with a unit study on ducks which is great for both preschoolers and elementary school aged children.   The variety of activities would be a great complement to this book.

MATH: My daughter likes to count all the ducklings on each page.  There are 8 ducklings, and 2 parents, a total of 10 ducks.  When the ducklings are with just their mother there are 9 (8+1) ducks.  Number bonds of 8 could also be practiced while reading the story.  On each 2 page spread, some ducklings could be on one page while others are on the other.  Or perhaps there are 4 ducklings on the mother ducks right side, and 4 ducklings on her left.  Or 7 on the island, and 1 on a rock.  No matter how they can be grouped, there are a lot of opportunities to practice number bonds of 8.

ENGLISH: There are a lot of -ck words which when pointed out can incorporate phonetics and rhyming.

GEOGRAPHY: The story takes place in Boston, where today statues of Mrs. Mallard and her 8 ducklings are a popular attraction for children.  Using google earth, you can bring the illustrations to life and follow the families trek through Boston and virtually visit the famous landmarks.

MORAL & SAFETY LESSONS: The importance of listening to parents, having good manners, and some of the dangers of a big city can be discussed.

Bring a Caldecott Honor Book to Life Giveaway!

Why not have some fun crafting your way through some pretty yarn fun crafts while bringing a Caldecott Honor Book to life this month in the Poppins Book Nook! Every month this group will be offering readers a chance to win a brand new storybook or product that ties in with our theme for the month. This month one lucky entrant will win the Bring a Caldecott Honor Book to Life Giveaway. The winner will enjoy two fun Caldecott Honor Book themed learning items. The two items that they will win is the Extra Yarn storybook by author Mac Barnett and a fun Yarn Craft kit by Alex Toys. So let’s all get to reading to Bring a Caldecott Honor Book to Life this month with the Poppins Book Nook!

Entrants must be 18 years or older and reside in a country that receives U.S. Postal mail. This giveaway is brought to you by the company Enchanted Homeschooling Mom who is owner and founder of the Poppins Book Nook. By entering this giveaway you are also acknowledging that you have read and agree to all of the PromoSimple terms & conditions as well as Enchanted Homeschooling Mom’s disclosures found here.  Just enter the PromoSimple below to win:

For more Poppins Book Nook fun, visit these co-hosts:

Enchanted Homeschooling Mom – 3 Dinosaurs – ABC Creative Learning – As We Walk Along the Road – Brain Power Boy – Chestnut Grove Academy – Embracing Destiny – Every Bed of Roses – Farm Fresh Adventures – Growing in God’s Grace – Kathys Cluttered Mind – My Bright Firefly – Peakle Pie – Preschool Powol Packets – Pray Species – SAHM I am – Stir The Wonder – Sunny Day Family – Sweet Silly Sara – Teach Beside Me – To the Moon and Back – Tots and Me – Tree Valley Academy – Witty Hoots

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