This week we are spotlighting a book that is probably already in your classroom library: Stellaluna. If it’s not already in your classroom library, you’re going to want to add this favorite story. We chose this book not only because of its popularity among teachers, but because there is so much you can teach with it! We love using it for vocabulary instruction, reading comprehension, writing, grammar and social emotional learning. You could even integrate it into a science unit on bats or a nonfiction book unit. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon, is the heartwarming story of a young bat. One night when flying with her mother, an owl attacks and Stellaluna falls from her mother’s grasp. When she can’t find Mother Bat, Stellaluna joins a family of baby birds. Stellaluna tries her best to fit in with the bird family, even though she doesn’t like eating bugs and misses sleeping upside down.
One afternoon, as the young birds and Stellaluna practice flying, Stellaluna gets separated as the sun begins to set. As she sits on a tree to rest, a curious bat approaches her. He can’t seem to understand why she isn’t acting like a bat. As more bats gather around and Stellaluna tells her story, one bat is particularly amazed! It is Stellaluna’s mother! The two are happy to reunite and Stellaluna learns all about being a bat.
Students will love this sweet story of the young bat’s journey to find out who she really is.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Stellaluna is a great resource to teach a variety of reading strategies because it lends itself to such engaging group discussions. It is also an opportunity to teach students new vocabulary and expand on their knowledge of words. Don’t forget about grammar and writing! Stellaluna has so much that teachers can use to teach writing skills and introduce new grammar concepts.
- Stop and make predictions throughout the text.
- After reading, practice story sequencing with students.
- Integrate informational writing by having students learn about bats.
- Have students practice writing poetry.
- Examine how authors use interjections and adverbs.
- Practice writing different kinds of sentences.
- Discuss the importance of perseverance.
- Talk about friendship with your class.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
If you are looking for resources to use Stellaluna in your classroom, the book companion has everything you’ll need!
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
- Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
- A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
