About this book
Overview
Subject Area: Science, Social Studies
Book Summary
This beginning chapter book featuring Clifford the Big Red Dog will expand children's knowledge of whales and the concept of endangered species.
Objective
Children will read the book together, reviewing each chapter to show that they have understood the text by retelling, summarizing, and discussing it with their classmates.
Before Reading
Show the children the book Clifford Saves the Whale. Ask the group to share what they know about whales. Have they ever seen a whale? Then engage the children in a discussion about endangered species. Do they know that some whales are endangered?
Teaching Plan
Clifford's Chapter Recall and Review
Ask the following questions after reading each chapter:
A Big Red Dog
- Where does the opening chapter take place?
- Where are the children going?
- Why was this chapter titled "A Big Red Dog"?
Clink and Clank
- Summarize what happens in this chapter.
- How did the ride on Clifford differ from riding the school bus?
- Describe Birdwell Island. How is it different or similar to your community?
"Sorry, Boy"
- How did Clifford feel when the boat sailed off with out him?
- What do you predict Clifford will do now?
From the Ferry
- What is a ferry?
- Why did Birdwell Island and Clifford become smaller and smaller to Emily Elizabeth?
- Describe the different things the children did while on the ferry?
A Good Swimmer
- Summarize what happened in this chapter.
Not a Fish
- How do whales differ from fish?
- How are whales like humans?
- Which whale is as large as 20 elephants?
- Describe several facts about humpback whales.
There She Blows
- Describe the children's first whale sighting.
Watching Whales
- How does a whale prepare for dinner?
- How did the whales get their names?
Trapped
- Summarize what happened in this chapter.
- How do you think the children felt as they watched the trapped whale?
- Do you think the fishermen were concerned about the trapped whale?
- What would you have done if you were in this situation?
A Red Speck
- Which senses did Clifford use to find the trapped whale?
- How does the story end?
- Describe the main idea of the story.
A True Story
- Do you think the fishermen would have cut the whale's net if the whale-watching boat had not been there?
- What do you think the author wanted children to learn from story?
- Why must we make sure that we keep endangered species safe?
Read the chapters "About Whales" and "Where the Whales Are." Create a language experience chart with the class, listing information they have learned about whales from the story. Provide them with writing and drawing materials and invite them to create whale drawings and stories based on these whale fact. Create a classroom whale display.
Other Clifford Books for Beginning Readers
Clifford Makes a Friend (Hello Reader! Series) by Norman Bridwell
Beginning readers will love this easy-to-read and engaging tale about Clifford.
The Stormy Day Rescue by Kimberly Weinberger
Clifford saves the day when a storm threatens the town's library.
Show-and-Tell Surprises by Teddy Margules
Thanks to Clifford, Emily Elizabeth has something exciting to share for show-and-tell.
Other Books by Josephine Page
Tummy Trouble
Big Leaf Pile
Teaching plan written by Risa Young.
- Subjects:Environmental Conservation and Preservation, Guided Reading, Independent Reading, Literature, Reading Comprehension, Literature Appreciation, Creative Writing, Arts and Creativity, Endangered Animals and Welfare, Fish and Marine Life, Early Science, Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, Science through Literature
- Skills:Reading Comprehension, Writing
