Some authors can take big, important messages and create an inspiring and entertaining book for young readers. That is what Peter H. Reynolds did with the book The Word Collector and we are spotlighting it on the blog this week. This book has the power to inspire students to expand their vocabulary and realize the importance that their words hold. I loved using this book at the beginning of the year to launch my vocabulary lessons. My students were always so excited to learn new words after reading this book. It is also a great resource to encourage students to consider word choice in their own writing. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds is the story of a boy named Jerome who loves collecting words. Jerome collects all different kinds of words: big, small and words he sees or hears. He puts the words he collects into a scrapbook.
One day, Jerome decides to bring his collection of words to the top of a hill. He lets the words go and they float down to the world below. Children see the words and start picking them up. It leaves Jerome speechless to see how much joy his collection brings others.
This heartwarming book about Jerome’s collection is sure to inspire students to start collecting their own words and expanding their vocabulary.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
The Word Collector can be used for so much more than discussing vocabulary and word choice. It is also a story of kindness and sharing, which are both important skills to teach in the classroom. This is not just a book about words, it’s a story with a great plot that can be used to teach reading strategies such as author’s purpose and compare and contrast. Teachers can also inspire young writers by encouraging students to write poetry and creative stories.
- A lot changes for the main character, Jerome, during the story. Use this to teach students to compare and contrast a character’s changes.
- Teach students that authors like Peter Reynolds have a greater purpose for writing books. Discuss what Reynold’s purpose was and how he made it known.
- Encourage students to get creative with word choice as they write poetry.
- Push students to get creative as they write about different perspectives.
- Instruct students on the proper use of commas and prepositions.
- Lead discussions on kindness and the importance of sharing with others.
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 can be difficult to know where to start when planning instruction for a book with so many concepts. By using the Starts With a Story Book Companion all the planning is done for you! Best of all, it will prepare you to guide your students in discussions regarding kindness and sharing.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson
- Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
- Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller
- What Do You Do With a Problem by Kobi Yamada
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!
