Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the main themes of "Paddle to the Sea," including the journey of the little wooden canoe, the importance of water routes, and the impact of nature on the environment. The student will also engage in creative activities that reinforce these concepts.

Materials and Prep

• A copy of "Paddle to the Sea" by Holling C. Holling (or access to a summary if the book is unavailable)
• Paper and colored pencils or crayons
• A small container of water (like a bowl)
• A small toy boat (optional)

Before the lesson, familiarize yourself with the story of "Paddle to the Sea" and think about the Great Lakes and waterways in your area. Prepare a small area for the water activity.

Activities

• Story Reading and Discussion:

  Read "Paddle to the Sea" together. Discuss the main character, Paddle, and what he experiences as he travels through different waterways. Ask the student questions about what Paddle sees and how he feels.

• Art Activity - Create Your Own Paddle:

  Have the student draw their own version of Paddle, adding unique features or decorations. Encourage them to think about where Paddle might travel and what he might see along the way.

• Water Journey Experiment:

  Using the small container of water, let the student place their toy boat (or a paper boat) in the water. Discuss how water flows and how Paddle would move through rivers and lakes. You can even create small obstacles to see how Paddle would navigate!

Talking Points

• "What do you think Paddle felt when he started his journey? Do you think he was excited or scared?"
• "Why do you think water is so important for Paddle? What do rivers and lakes provide for people and animals?"
• "Can you name some places Paddle might visit on his journey? What would he see there?"
• "How do you think Paddle’s journey teaches us about nature? What can we learn from him?"
• "If you were Paddle, what would you want to see the most? Why?"