Wednesday, November 5, 2008

"Planets Around the Sun"


Planets Around the Sun
Written by: Seymour Simon
Photographs by: Various
Published by: Sea Star Books in NY in 2002
ISBN: 1-58717-145-7
Genre(s): Picture Book, Informational Text
Reading Level: Grade 1
Activity Level: Grade 2

Summary: This book begins by talking about that which students know—Earth. Then, it broadens to let them know that we are one of nine (now eight) planets that revolve around the sun. It gives a brief synopsis of each planet in our solar system detailing about the size of the planets, the materials that make them, etc. Furthermore, this book also tells readers about asteroids and leaves them wondering if there are other planets like Earth out there that circle other stars. (There is a fact chart in the back of this book that shows each planet’s size relative to the others and gives statistics on each one such as its distance from the sun, orbital period, diameter, the length of its days, the average temperature, the number of moons it has, and whether it has rings.)

Response: I love how, even though this is a book for first graders, Seymour Simon is able to pact so much information into one text! I think this book will intrigue children because of its actual photographs of the planets and its amazing information.

As with all of Seymour Simon’s books, the photographs within are amazing! They are all spectacularly colored single- and double-page spread, both distance and close-up, of the planets in our solar system. In addition, they are all set on black backgrounds, which makes their vibrant colors leap off the page!


Teaching Connections: With second graders, a teacher could have her class pass this book around the room and everyone who volunteered to read could read a page or two. After the book has been read, the teacher could teach about the latest knowledge of Pluto not being a planet and then place students into eight groups. Each group would be charged with making a model of one of the planets described in the book out of materials in the classroom or those that they bring in. they would have to confer with one another so that they ensure the sizes of their planets are similar in proportion to that which they are supposed to be.

What Students Learn: From this book and the activity, students learn about the planets in our solar system and gain read-aloud and teamwork skills.

Image Retrieved From: http://www.highwaygold.com/books/subjects/children-s-books/educational/curriculum-supplements/science-nature-how-it-works/general/see-more-readers-planets-around-the-sun-level-1-1587171465.html.

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