It can be difficult to find an engaging read aloud that can also be used to teach a wide range of skills. This week we are spotting Owl Babies by Martin Waddell. We love this book not only because of the sweet storyline, but because it lends itself to instruction of so many important skills, especially reading skills. Additionally, a fantasy book like Owl Babies can be paired with nonfiction books on Owls to create a unit and further extend students’ learning. The possibilities are endless with this book. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
One night, three baby owls, Percy, Sarah, and Bill wake up to find their mother is not there. Feeling nervous at first, the baby owls decide their mother must be out hunting. However, the longer they wait the more scared they feel. The three owl babies wait outside their home on a branch looking for their mother. It is dark in the woods and the owls sit together trying to be brave. Finally, Owl Mother swoops down and comes home to her babies. They are relieved to have her home. Students will love this sweet story about the three baby owls.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Owl Babies lends itself to instruction across all subject areas. The book allows students to use their prior knowledge of owls to infer and make connections while also gaining experience working with new strategies. Use this read aloud to incorporate grammar and writing lessons as well as the importance of empathy.
- Students can learn to use or practice their inferencing skills throughout the story will help students use their prior knowledge and draw conclusions.
- Analyzing the detailed illustrations in Owl Babies will get young readers thinking about how pictures can be used to help tell the story.
- Research and science can be integrated into Owl Babies by having students write nonfiction information about owls.
- Grammar mini-lessons can be taught on the different types of sentences, homophones and contractions.
- Owl Babies is a great text to use to teach feelings and the crucial skill of empathy to students.
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
It also includes lesson ideas for teaching grammar skills and leading students in discussions on feelings and empathy.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn
- Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes
- Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
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!
