This picture book was one I felt I could read to my kids, but also use in the classroom. On the front cover, your eyes are drawn to an abnormal shaped kite. Everyone know kites are known to be a diamond/rhombus shape, so to see a hexagon as the shape was intriguing.
The kite’s designs are so fun to look at and pop in the blue sky!
The kite’s are having a contest and of course, there is one kite who believes himself better than the others, mainly because he is a diamond shape like the regular kites are. He is not the only diamond one, but he usually does win. However, there is a “new kid” in town.
In the writing, you can infer the kite is not only young, but nervous around the others. Having INFERENCING opportunities is an IMPORTANT component when I read a book to the class. He braves reaching out to make friends and is shot down. Kids can relate to this situation. Kids can learn from this about not giving up on their dreams
In the contest, the wind picks up too hard and Tahj is carried away. He has his own special adventure. After finding safety and ending the contest, Tahj has learned that he doesn’t need to try to fit in with the kites he admired, but instead could make his own group of friends.
This is a lesson I have learned in my life. I had stressed fitting in until I realized, I didn’t need to be apart of the group I thought I had wanted to be in. Instead, I made a small group of friends that I could be comfortable and happy around. I loved making this connection with Tahj.
To add this cute shape book to your collection you can get it digitally or hard copy!!
Here are some fun ideas to use this book in the CLASSROOM:
-Talk about and name 2D shapes. You could go into the depths of 2D vs 3D shapes as kites and do some exploring as to why a kite needs to be 3D. STEM!!
-Going with the STEM idea: Students could engineer their own kite. They can experiment with the 2D shapes of a kite and decide which shape is the best for flying due. They can decorate their kites and add hanging string to see if the string makes a difference in it’s flying ability. Younger students or not as much time, just give out plain kites and let the kids have fun designing their kites.
-The 2nd to last week of the school, I like to do some kite fun! I will add reading this book into that plan! It will be a great reading lesson and with connecting shapes. After designing our kites, we go “fly” them outside. The students love it!
If you would like to follow me on TeachersPayTeachers for more classroom lessons, work and other items: Jessica Sheffield
Love it
Me too! It’s a great story!