Read Pax by Sara Pennypacker / Activity Analysis

Art

• The child can create drawings or paintings inspired by the illustrations in Pax.
• They can experiment with different art techniques and materials to depict the characters or scenes from the story.
• They can also explore the theme of friendship and create artwork that represents the bond between Pax and Peter.

English Language Arts

• The child can write a book review or summary of Pax, expressing their thoughts and feelings about the story.
• They can practice descriptive writing by describing the setting or characters in the book.
• They can also write a new ending to the story, imagining what could have happened if Pax and Peter made different choices.

History

• The child can research and learn about different wars or conflicts that have impacted animals and their habitats.
• They can explore the history of animal conservation efforts and organizations, and how they help protect wildlife.
• They can also investigate the role of animals in wartime, such as messenger pigeons or military working dogs.

Math

• The child can create a timeline of major events in Pax, using dates and durations mentioned in the book.
• They can practice measurement by constructing a model of Pax's den or Peter's treehouse, using appropriate scale and dimensions.
• They can also calculate distances traveled by Pax and Peter, based on the information provided in the story.

Science

• The child can research different animal species mentioned in Pax, such as foxes or birds, and learn about their habitats, characteristics, and behaviors.
• They can explore the concept of animal adaptation and how animals like Pax have evolved to survive in their environments.
• They can also investigate the impact of human activities on wildlife and discuss ways to protect animals and their habitats.

Social Studies

• The child can learn about different countries or regions mentioned in Pax and explore their cultures, traditions, and geography.
• They can discuss the concept of refugees and explore the challenges faced by people who are forced to leave their homes, drawing parallels to the experiences of Pax and Peter.
• They can also research peacebuilding efforts and organizations, and discuss the importance of empathy, understanding, and conflict resolution.

For continued development related to the activity, encourage the child to engage in further discussions about the themes and lessons from the book. Encourage them to express their opinions and emotions, and ask open-ended questions to stimulate critical thinking. You can also suggest additional creative projects, such as creating a diorama of a scene from the book, writing a letter from Pax to Peter, or even acting out a short play based on the story.

Book Recommendations

• The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate: A heartwarming story of a gorilla named Ivan who learns about friendship, freedom, and the importance of home.
• The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo: Follow the adventures of Edward Tulane, a china rabbit, as he learns about love, loss, and the true meaning of belonging.
• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White: Join Wilbur the pig and his friend Charlotte the spider in this timeless tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of words.