Summary: If You Decide to Go to the Moon by Faith McNulty
and Steven Kellogg is considered a children’s science fiction intended for
children in grades Kindergarten -Fifth. In this book, readers accompany a boy
on a trip to the moon. It’s a wonderful combination of poetry and science: the
boy must prepare properly, spend two and a half days in a ship, contemplate the
immensity of space, bounce around the moon’s airless, waterless grey surface,
and find a way to get home.
Art Style: I believe that through the
illustrations, children can imagine what outer space looks like. This book will
encourage their fascination with the moon, Earth, and everything in between.
The illustrations in the book give children the opportunity to engage with the
text.
Personal Thoughts: I believe that this is a great science
fiction story for kids in 4th-5th Grade! It is a great picture book with vast
amounts of detail to get students interested in space and scientific content! I
would use this in my classroom as an introduction to a lesson about the moon
and its relationship with earth. It could be a great read aloud to peak
student's interest since it is a story that involves real facts!
Discussion Questions:
What would you pack if you went to the moon?
When you see the moon in the sky, do you see the whole
moon? Why or why not?
What do you think we will need to do before we go? What
will we need to take with us? How will we get there?
Motivational Activities:
When I was younger, I loved the whole “if you were stranded
on an island and could only have one thing what would it be and why?” So, for
my first activity, I would ask the students, if they were to go to the moon and
could only bring three things with them what would they be? I would have them
write their essay based off of these questions.
Another way to incorporate this into the classroom would be
to have them read this story, and then utilize a writing activity by having
them discuss and reflect on three things they took away from the story!
If you enjoyed this book, check out some other books
written by Faith McNulty and/or Steven Kellogg!
Some Examples:
The Lady and the Spider
Endangered Animals
When I lived with Bats
Resources:
McNulty, F., & Kellogg, S. (2014). If you decide to go
to the moon. New York, NY: Scholastic.
I enjoyed your suggestions on motivational activities for this book!
ReplyDeleteSomething else you could try is having students talk in groups about one place they have always wanted to go wether its space, the jungle, an island etc. Have them tell each other why they have always wanted to go there and what they would bring with them. Then have the students share aloud their thoughts and compare the places and things they would bring along. See how many students have similar ideas.