Fictional Stories in Science
Using Fictional Stories as a Pathway to Science Content
Tuesday Morning Reads for January 30, 2018
Today’s selection from the “B” section of the children’s book area of the library had many books that I want to make as a separate post. Either as a featured book, featured strategy, or to feature along side an upcoming lesson idea. Others included these finds:
If Frogs Made Weather by Marion Dane Bauer. Illustrated by Dorothy Donohue: This story takes you through the perspective of different animals and what they would do if they made the weather. Basing their weather decisions on their own habitat needs or preferences, the text has repetition and a great use of verbs. There is also some rhyme that is highlighted, but it isn’t consistently found on each page. This story could be part of a weather unit, as an ending writing prompt, or be part of an animal unit, focusing on habitats.
The Polar Bear Paddle by David Bedford. Illustrated by Karen Sapp: I wish I had had this cute story about a polar bear learning to swim in the ocean and trust himself, a couple of weeks ago when my kindergarteners were studying bears. The students would have delighted in the illustrations and the great action words. As a bonus, I love how the story shares about how the path to learning is through trying, seeking advice from knowledgeable others, and observation.
Big Snow by Jonathan Bean: If you live in a place that has “big snow” then this story will delight your young readers, because of their ability to connect to the reality and the excitement. If you don’t live in a place that has “big snow”, this story helps to demonstrate how snow can accumulate. It also helps to describe the different features of snow, like “white and fine”, or “white and fluffy”, each description connecting to a inside activity, like seeing the flour while making cookies. I love that juxtaposition! As a bonus, I love how it shows this young boy helping his mom bake, clean, and make the bed.
Twister by Darleen Bailey Beard. Illustrations by Nancy Carpenter: While I have never yet been in area where a tornado is whipping wide and strong, I can imagine that it can quickly come upon you, like it does for these siblings. One morning they are enjoying a swing on the porch, and soon, their mom is calling them quick to seek shelter. Potentially a play on words, this story has a twist, as their mom leaves to help a neighbor and the two young siblings wait in darkness for her return. The illustrator and author paint that portion well, as well as the look on their faces, and strain on their bodies as the twister is overhead.
Doctor Ted by Andrea Beaty. Illustrations by Pascal Lemaitre: I was on the fence about whether or not this was a fictional story in science. For the most part, I lean toward no, but my holdback is the use of medical tools and vocabulary that would be wonderful for a PreK-1 audience, especially if studying community helpers, or science careers. Doctor Ted does make some misdiagnosis, so it also offers a way to discuss those misconceptions.
Fictional Stories in Science 