Fiction Book Title: Selvakumar Knew Better
Author: Virginia Kroll
Illustrator: Xiaojun Li
Publication date: February 1, 2009
Publisher: Shen’s Books
Description
I thought this book would be a great resource for an interactive read-aloud in a Social Studies/English integration. It describes one family’s experience with the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, and how their dog- Selvakumar- helped save 7 year old Dinakaran’s life. This book is informative by showing what a proper response to a tsunami is, but also compares it to what an improper response by a scared child might be. It shows the importance of knowing what to do in disasters, but shows it from a real-life, relatable experience. It also does a great job of educating and sharing different cultures with the reader.
Excerpt from book
“The December day in south India dawned like any other, kissed by the golden sun. Papa came back with his boar full of fish. Mama made breakfast for seven-year-old Dinakaran and his two little brothers. That day seemed like any other day, but Selvakumar knew better.”
“…Suddenly, a strange roaring sound began. Mama half-heard, thinking that a thunderstorm was coming and wondering whether she should stop hanging the wash. Dinakaran and his brothers thought it was an extra-loud train. Papa said, “Is that a supersonic jet about to crash into the sea?” and ran to a nearby building’s roof to investigate.”
Core Subject Integration
I would integrate this into Social Studies and Reading studies by holding discussions not only about Tsunamis and the science behind them, but about the characters, their culture, and the choices they made. The students would listen as I read aloud and throughout we would discuss differences in our culture vs theirs, and why the characters made those specific choices. That utilizes the “Analyzing” level in Blooms Taxonomy.
Health Standards
NHES1: Core concepts Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health
S1.5.5 Identify ways to reduce risk of injuries in case of a fire (HBO 3, 4, 5, 6)
NHES HBO
HBO 3. Use safety equipment appropriately and correctly
HBO 4. Apply safety rules and procedures to avoid risky behaviors and injury
HBO 5. Avoid safety hazards in the home and community
HBO 6. Recognize and avoid dangerous surroundings
HBO 8. Support others to avoid risky behaviors and be safe
WA Standard- Describe safety rules to follow in a disaster. H1.Sa2.3a
WA Standard- Create emergency, fire, and safety plans for home. H1.Sa1.3b
ELA Standards
Recount stories, including fables, folktales, and myths from diverse cultures; determine the central message, lesson, or moral and explain how it is conveyed through key details in the text.
Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events
There are many other great fiction chapter book resources, depending on the student’s reading level. Some great examples include the Magic Tree House books (High Tide in Hawaii, Vacation under the Volcano, Twister on Tuesday, Earthquake in the Early Morning), and selected books by Peg Kehret (Escaping the Giant Wave, The Volcano Disaster, Earthquake Terror).
Non-Fiction Book Title: Extreme Weather: Surviving Tornadoes, Sandstorms, Hailstorms, Blizzards, Hurricanes, and More! (National Geographic Kids)
Author: Thomas M. Kostigen
Publication date: October 14, 2014
Publisher: National Geographic Children’s Books
Description-
National Geographic is well known for their quality scientific publications that are well-written and full of fascinating information and illustrations. This book describes different forms of extreme weather- the science and history behind them, as well as what you can do to be prepared and how to respond.
Core Subject Integration
This book would be easily integrated into the Science curriculum studying weather, as well as in English when working on reading informational texts. Students would study different forms of extreme weather, and then report back to the class how they could best be prepared for those weather situations.
Book Excerpt
Health Standards
NHES1: Core concepts Students will comprehend concepts related to health promotion and disease prevention to enhance health
S1.5.5 Identify ways to reduce risk of injuries in case of a fire (HBO 3, 4, 5, 6)
NHES HBO
HBO 3. Use safety equipment appropriately and correctly
HBO 4. Apply safety rules and procedures to avoid risky behaviors and injury
HBO 5. Avoid safety hazards in the home and community
HBO 6. Recognize and avoid dangerous surroundings
HBO 8. Support others to avoid risky behaviors and be safe
WA Standard- Describe safety rules to follow in a disaster. H1.Sa2.3a
WA Standard- Create emergency, fire, and safety plans for home. H1.Sa1.3b
Learning Objectives
S1.5.5 Identify ways to reduce risk of injuries in case of a fire
Describe the relationship between a series of historical events, scientific ideas or concepts, or steps in technical procedures in a text, using language that pertains to time, sequence, and cause/effect.
Next Generation Science Standards
ESS3.B: Natural Hazards A variety of natural hazards result from natural processes. Humans cannot eliminate natural hazards but can take steps to reduce their impacts. (3-ESS3-1)