Tacky and the Winter Games 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
Â
SUMMARY
"Tacky and the Winter Games" by Helen Lester is a delightful children's book that follows the lovable penguin Tacky as he participates in the winter games. Tacky and his fellow penguin friends are excited to compete against the sleek and skillful Emperor penguins. However, Tacky's unique and unconventional style sets him apart from the others. While his friends excel in traditional events, Tacky's unorthodox approach brings humor and surprises to the games. Despite not winning any medals, Tacky's enthusiasm, creativity, and ability to bring joy to those around him make him a true champion in the eyes of his friends. Through its playful text and charming illustrations, the book teaches young readers the importance of being true to oneself and embracing individuality. "Tacky and the Winter Games" is a heartwarming story that celebrates the spirit of participation, friendship, and celebrating our own unique qualities.
 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.
- Have students sequence the important events in the story. This is an important skill when it comes to retelling a story.
- Read the book to students without showing the pictures. Encourage them to close their eyes and visualize the story. Discuss their visualization as a class.
- Discuss the different adjectives used in the book.
- Explain to students the various ways to use a comma.
- Discuss the importance of teamwork and what a good teammate looks like.
- Lead a class discussion on the importance of individuality.
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
- 30Â 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.
- Owl Moon by Jane Yolen
- The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear
- A Loud Winter's Nap by Katy Hudson
- Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak
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!
