Children listen to and discuss the book Moonbear’s Shadow, by Frank Asch, and act out scenes from the story.
Read Moonbear’s Shadow and pause to discuss the art and the shadow science.
Where is the sun? Where is Moonbear’s shadow?
Materials
- Moonbear’s Shadow, by Frank Asch
- Blue construction paper
- Flashlight
- Small toy bear
Preparation
- Familiarize yourself with the book Moonbear’s Shadow and try out the activity below.
Directions: Lessons 11, 12
Circle Time: Introduction
- Read the book Moonbear’s Shadow aloud to the class. Pause to discuss the shadow science embedded in the art and the story. Possible discussion ideas:
- Where is the sun? Is it in front of Moonbear or behind him?
- Where is Moonbear’s shadow? Why do you think the shadow is (in front of/behind/under/next to) him?
- Let’s look at Moonbear’s shadow on this page and on an earlier page. How has Moonbear’s shadow changed? Why do you think his shadow is (shorter/taller) now?
- After you’ve read and talked about the story, bring out a small toy bear, a piece of blue paper, and a flashlight. Place the blue paper in front of the bear. Explain: This is Moonbear. And this is a pond. Tell children that you are going to pretend that the flashlight is the sun.
- Remind children that in the beginning of the story, Moonbear’s shadow was on the pond and it frightened the fish away. Where should we hold the flashlight so that Moonbear’s shadow appears on the pond? After the class offers suggestions, turn the flashlight ON and try the suggestion out. Does the bear’s shadow appear on the pond? If not, let a child demonstrate how to correct this.
- Remind children that at the end of the story, Moonbear’s shadow did not fall on the pond. It fell behind him. Where should we hold the flashlight so Moonbear’s shadow is behind him? Have the class offer suggestions, then let a volunteer use the flashlight to try the suggestion out.
