Following a reading and thorough discussion of books—Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott and The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons—scholars complete three activities. First, they use playdough or cookie dough to create the moon's phases. Next, they study the moon by following its phases in the night sky, reading a newspaper or a website, observing it in the daytime, and checking out the NASA website. Finally, learners write a folktale to explain something related to nature.

Concepts

reading, reading comprehension, reading comprehension strategies, folktales, astronomy, the moon

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Instructional Ideas

• Discuss packets at Back-to-School Night to offer information before sending the packets home
• Fill and have bags readily available

Classroom Considerations

• The packet is designed for use at home with an adult
• Requires two books—Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti by Gerald McDermott and The Moon Book by Gail Gibbons

Pros

• Builds a connection between school and home
• Meets a variety of learning styles

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.1.1 RL.1.10 RI.1.1 RI.1.10