Book: Hello Ocean
Grades: Second and up
Time Required: One to three class periods
Materials/Preparation: A copy of the book

Conducting the Activity:
1) Before reading the book aloud, discuss the author's ability to let the reader experience the ocean through each of the five senses. Identify the five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste) with the class. Ask the students to predict ways in which the author may describe the ocean by using sensory writing.
2) Read the book to the class.
3) With the class, examine the ways in which the author used sensory details to make the reader feel as if they were standing at the ocean.
4) Brainstorm a list of other places the author could have used as the setting for this text.
5) Allow each student to select a place to describe as they practice writing through the five senses. Encourage students to select a place they feel they know a lot about.
6) Provide writing time.
7) Encourage students to share their piece.

Book: Animals Black and White
Grades: Second through sixth
Time Required: One to two class periods
Materials/Preparation: A copy of the book
Chart paper and marker

Conducting the Activity:
1) Discuss the author's ability to use descriptive and accurate details in each riddle that creates a picture of the animal in the reader's mind. Although the text is simple, the words were carefully chosen for each of the animal riddles. Ask the students to identify particular words or phrases in each riddle that provide important clues.
2) Read the book to the class.
3) For younger students, discuss the descriptive words or phrases in a whole group setting. Consider writing the striking words and phrases on a large chart paper. Older students can break into small groups to identify the helpful words/phrases from a particular riddle (It would be necessary to have multiple copies of the book or the individual riddles written out on paper).
Allow groups to share their discoveries.
4) For an additional challenge to this activity, allow students to write their own riddles that contain accurate, specific, and descriptive words. These riddles could tie into any part of your curriculum.
5) Allow students to share their riddles.