I think it is so important to teach students about people that might look different or have disabilities. Using read alouds is an easy and sensitive way to do this. Today we are spotlighting the book Rescue and Jessica. The book was written by Jessica Kensky, a woman who lost her leg when running the Boston Marathon. This book is a great way to teach students about people living with prosthetics and the power of service animals. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
Rescue and Jessica tells the story of a young girl who lost her leg in an accident. It was difficult for Jessica to have her leg amputated and she had to learn how to move with a prosthetic. While Jessica was learning about her new leg, a dog named Rescue was learning how to be a service dog. When Jessica applies for her own service dog, she learns that Rescue will be her new companion. The two make a great team and Rescue helps Jessica in her daily life. Quickly, Jessica and Rescue become great friends. He is even more important to her when the other leg must be amputated as well. The pair must start all over and learn how to work together. Students will love this heartwarming story about a service dog and his partner.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
This book is a must have for teachers when it comes to social emotional learning. However, it is important to incorporate a variety of subject areas into one read aloud. Not only does this increase student learning, but it helps teachers to fit more learning into their school day. Here are some ways teachers can use Rescue and Jessica in their classrooms.
- Discuss the illustrations throughout the book and how the pictures can be used to convey meaning.
- Considering the author is actually the main character, take time to discuss the author’s purpose for writing the story.
- Have students write how-to books about having a dog or service dog.
- Get reluctant writers excited by having students write lists related to the book.
- Teach a lesson on nouns using examples for the story.
- Explore the different uses for the comma.
- Discuss transitions and the importance of perseverance.
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
We hope this resource makes planning and teaching so much easier!
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayor
- The Rough Patch by Brian Lies
- Hooway For Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
- Madeline Finn and the Library Dog by Lisa Papp
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!
