Mike Fink is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
"Mike Fink" by Steven Kellogg is a lively and humorous tale inspired by the legendary American frontiersman. The book follows the adventures of larger-than-life character Mike Fink, known for his strength and skill as a riverboat captain. From challenging steamboats to outsmarting bears, Mike Fink's bold and daring feats captivate readers of all ages. With vivid illustrations and engaging storytelling, the book brings to life the spirit of the American frontier and the legend of Mike Fink. Alongside the action-packed narrative, the book also explores themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of staying true to oneself. "Mike Fink" is an entertaining and inspiring read that celebrates the folklore and excitement of the American West.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Practice comparing and contrasting after you read the book.
- Identifying the theme, message, or moral is an important skill that takes a lot of practice. Use this story as an opportunity to help your students with this reading strategy.
- Practice making predictions throughout the book. Encourage students to check and see if their predictions were correct.
- Introduce the purpose of adverbs and practice using them.
- Practice identifying the base of a word.
- Discuss what it means to persevere and why it is important.
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
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Goldilocks and The Three Bears by Natasha Yim
- Grasshopper and the Ants by Jerry Pinkney
- Hansel and Gretel by James Marshall
- Johnny Appleseed by Steven Kellogg
- Paul Bunyan by Steven Kellogg
- John Henry by Julius Lester
- Pecos Bill by Steven Kellogg
- Red Riding Hood by James Marshall
- The Boy Who Cried Wolf by B.G. Hennessy
- The Lion and The Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
- The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Paul Galdone
- The Tortoise and The Hare by Janet Stevens
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!
