Read Pax by Sara Pennypacker / Activity Analysis

Art

• The child can create illustrations inspired by the description of the nature scenes in the book.
• They can also design a new cover for the book using different art mediums.
• They can make puppets representing the main characters and use them to act out key scenes from the story.
• The child can create a diorama of the forest setting to bring the story to life.

English Language Arts

• The child can write a letter from the perspective of either Pax or Peter, expressing their emotions and thoughts throughout their journey.
• They can write a new ending or an additional chapter to the book, continuing the story in their own creative way.
• They can create a comic strip summarizing the key events of the book, emphasizing the main themes and character development.
• The child can write a book review, sharing their opinions on the story, characters, and overall message of Pax.

History

• The child can research and explore different historical conflicts that have forced people and animals to be separated, making connections to the separation of Pax and Peter.
• They can investigate the role of animals, particularly dogs, in various historical contexts and present their findings to the class.
• The child can learn about the historical significance of communication methods used during times of war and create a presentation on the topic.
• They can research the impact of wars on wildlife and their natural habitats, and discuss ways to protect animals during times of conflict.

Math

• The child can calculate the distance Pax and Peter traveled based on the given information and create a visual representation of their journey on a map.
• They can analyze the timelines presented in the book and create their own timeline, highlighting key events from Pax's perspective.
• The child can learn about the nutritional needs of animals like foxes and dogs, and create a meal plan for Pax based on his dietary requirements.
• They can compare the size and weight of different dog breeds, including foxes, and create a graph to visualize the differences.

Science

• The child can research and explore the natural habitat of foxes, their behaviors, and adaptations for survival.
• They can investigate the effects of human activities on wildlife and discuss ways to protect natural habitats.
• The child can learn about animal communication methods and compare them to human communication methods, noting similarities and differences.
• They can explore the concept of animal-human bonds and the psychological benefits of pets on human well-being.

Social Studies

• The child can research and compare different countries' perspectives on war and peace, exploring how cultural values influence these attitudes.
• They can learn about the experiences of child refugees and the challenges they face when separated from their families, connecting it to Peter's journey in the book.
• The child can explore the concept of empathy and discuss how Pax and Peter develop empathy towards each other throughout the story.
• They can research and discuss current conflicts around the world, highlighting the impact on both human and animal populations.

Encourage the child to further develop their creativity by organizing a book club with friends or classmates to discuss Pax. They can take turns presenting their favorite scenes, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and even creating their own artwork or book-related projects to share with the group. This collaborative approach will not only enhance their understanding of the story but also foster their communication and critical thinking skills.

Book Recommendations

• Pax and Blue by Lori Richmond: A heartwarming story of friendship between a boy and a small blue bird, exploring themes of empathy and understanding.
• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate: An inspiring tale of a gorilla named Ivan who finds hope and friendship in unexpected places. It addresses themes of captivity, empathy, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
• The Wild Robot by Peter Brown: A captivating story about a robot who finds herself alone on a remote island and learns to adapt and survive in the wild. It explores themes of nature, friendship, and the meaning of being alive.