In my 5th grade classes, we are studying informational text. We are reading about Meg Lowman’s study of the rainforest @canopymeg. The book is entitled, The Most Beautiful Roof in the World, by Kathryn Lasky. This book is about the work of scientist Meg Lowman and her sons as they study the brilliant and vivid world of the rainforest canopy and its myriad of exotic creatures, including spider monkeys, bats, and vipers. In the book, the author also discusses the People of the Rainforest.
Y’all know me, I also love bringing in picture books to connect to the mentor text. It is so important! I purchased, Zonia’s Rainforest, which is written by Juana Martinez-Neall @juanamartinezn . This beautiful and insightful book is about Zonia, a young Asháninka girl whose home is with those she loves in the Peruvian Amazon. She spends carefree time with her animal friends of the rain forest until one day she visits a place where the forest has been destroyed.
One of my students said, “that’s where my family is from” my heart bursted. She began to explain to the class about how the land used to be more vast, but it was smaller now because it’s been taken away—the kids listened intently while she explained. She discussed the animals from the book and shared what a river dolphin was! Which was her favorite animal.
We read the Author’s Note which gave us more information about the Asháninka People and the endangered Rainforests.
This is why I bring in diverse and inclusive books into my lessons! This right here is it! This is the bubble expansion experience! 🫧
I write about this even more in my book, Read Outside My Bubble: Expand Your Bookshelf, Expand Your World. Preorder it anywhere books are sold!
Love. Teach. Bless. 