During which part did they have the most vivid visualiztion? Then, they draw! To make it extra fun, I ask students to draw on blue construction paper using white chalk. One optional activity I've done in the past is to ask students to choose the most detailed portion of the reading.

We share out and oftentimes will make an anchor chart of the details the students heard. At the end of the first reading, students take note on the sensory details. I also ask them to listen for sensory details. I ask students to close their eyes and allow Jane Yolen's words to create the pictures for them in their minds. During the Readingįor the first read, I do not show the illustrations. If you and your students have already worked with simile, metaphor, and personification, take a few minutes to go over these terms and remind students of how authors work them into a story and which key words to listen for. This is also a great time to review some figurative language. A question such as: 'What do you know about owling?' helps generate any ideas the students might have but it also prepares them for when they hear the word later on while listening to the book. With Owl Moon, I will only show the cover to the students - no flipping through the pages!ĭiscussion questions help get the students thinking about the plot or themes they will encounter in the book. Whether a picture book or a novel, I like to use a pre-reading probe and have students discuss a few different questions that relate to the book. My Owl Moon literature study typically takes 5-8 days. Told using a combination of figuative language and sensory details, along with visually stunning illustrations, readers are transported to a brisk winter night as the duo seek a Great Horned Owl. A young child heads out in the middle of the night to go owling with their pa. Yolen brings the reader through a unique encounter during the dead of winter. There are some excellent examples of simile, metaphor, and personificaiton in this picture book. However, some brilliant literature presented in a picture book format can lead your students to a deeper understanding of the elements of literature. Some may consider picture books too simple for upper elementary classrooms. It is an excellent resource to help teach students many facets of author's craft specifically figurative language! I have used Owl Moon (the 1987 Caldecott winner by Jane Yolen) in my classroom the past few years.

Owl and moon story