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S is for Sunflower: a Kansas Alphabet
Scillian, Devin. S is for Sunflower: A Kansas Alphabet.
Chelsea , MI , Sleeping Bear Press, 2004.
Hardback ISBN: 1585360619
Paperback: No
Other formats: No
Grade level: 3-5
Author Information:
Synopsis:
Each letter represents people, places, objects or ideas unique to Kansas and uses rhymes to convey the information.
General Review:
This book will be a valuable addition to all Kansas libraries. Teachers can incorporate it right into their Kansas Day lessons. The rhymes are perfect for any age including younger children while facts are placed in the margin for older students.
Themes: Kansas, English language alphabet
Discussion Questions:
1. Why is Kansas called the “World’s Breadbasket?”
2. Dwight D. Eisenhower created the Interstate Highway System. How important is that to America?
3. Why did Kansas choose the sunflower as its state flower?
4. Name something new about Kansas that you didn’t know until you read this book.
Activity suggestions:
1. Begin your lesson on Kansas by assessing your student’s prior knowledge using a K-W-L chart. List on a chart the facts that you students already know about Kansas. Next ask them to tell you what they want to know. After reading the book, have students tell you what they have learned. (Standard 1, Benchmark 3)
2. Interview your mom, dad, or grandparents and see what stories they have about coming to Kansas. You might want to record the interview(s) on cassette or videotape. (Standard 7, Benchmark 1)
3. As a class project, publish a “little book” of facts about Kansas. (Standard 3, Benchmark 2)
4. Arrange to have a senior citizen visit the classroom to talk with the students after they have read the book. Have the students decide on some questions they would like to ask. (Standard 7, Benchmark 1
