Embedded Files
Students finishing 3rd grade in June of 2019 will read Preaching to the Chickens by Jabari Asim over the summer for the Common Read.
Students finishing 3rd grade in June of 2019 will read Preaching to the Chickens by Jabari Asim over the summer for the Common Read.
*Starred Reviewed* A glimpse into the childhood whimsy of an important African-American congressman who has become famous for his words.Long before John Lewis spoke to thousands during the civil rights movement, he honed his elocution skills by preaching to his 60 farmyard chickens. Knowing each one by name and habits, John protected his chickens from those who wanted to trade for them, rescued them when they fell into the well, and even once brought a nearly drowned chick back to life. Bringing a message of peace when the chickens bickered over food, John earned the nickname "Preacher" from his siblings. Illustrator Lewis' signature watercolors paint a lively picture of John Lewis' life growing up on a farm with a close and hardworking Christian family. The liveliness of the chickens as well as John's concern and care for them shine in the light-dappled images. Given the seriousness of what Lewis faced on the march from Selma to Montgomery and the gravity of the issues he has dealt with throughout his career, this joy-inducing back story reveals an entertaining facet to the congressman's life that young readers will appreciate. After absorbing this must-read bit of personal history about John Lewis, young readers will never see this serious-faced congressman in quite the same way.(Picture book/biography. 5-8) Copyright Kirkus 2016 Kirkus/BPI Communications. All rights reserved.
Learning Opportunities
Learning Opportunities
StoryWalk®*
StoryWalk®*
Bring the story outside! StoryWalk® opportunities will be located throughout the summer outside around Allen Brook School and at the Charlotte Central School Garden. Open to students, families and members of the Champlain Valley School District communities.
Puzzle Pieces
Puzzle Pieces
Puzzle pieces included in your welcome packets may be dropped off before September 3 . Collection boxes will be available during the summer months at Charlotte Central School, Hinesburg Community School, and Williston Central School. You may drop off at any of these locations.
Book Poster Social (HCS Students Only)
Book Poster Social (HCS Students Only)
August 26th , 4:00-4:30 (While students visit classrooms, prior to ice cream social).
4th, 6th and 8th graders can drop by the Hinesburg Community School Library to add thoughts and drawings about the Common Read book they read to a large poster. Talk with other students and/or Ms. Stanley, the librarian, about the book you read. An opportunity to share about each of the Common Read titles.
Related Resources
Related Resources
Radio Boston segment on Preaching to the Chickens
Radio Boston segment on Preaching to the Chickens
Preaching to the Chickens Flipgrid
Preaching to the Chickens Flipgrid
Share your questions, reactions, and thoughts about the book on this Flipgrid.
Identify an example from the book that connects to something happening today. What do you wonder?
- Please keep in mind all that you know about being a safe, kind, and responsible digital citizen in your response here and to others. Responses will be monitored by teachers. Make us proud!
- If you are not comfortable using a camera for video, it is okay to cover it. We value your voice.
- You will need to use your @cvsdvt.org email address to access the Flipgrid. (Select Login with Google)
Related Reads
Related Reads
The Youngest Marcher: The Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist - Cynthia Levinson
Separate Is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez and Her Familys Fight for Desegregation - Donald Tonatluh
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins - Carole Boston Weatherford
If You Were a Kid During the Civil Rights Movement - Gwendolyn Hooks
Let the Children March - Monica Clark Robinson
Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down - Andrea Davis Pinkney
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. - Doreen Rappaport
Compiled by more than 60 State and National Teachers of the Year and Finalists, this list offers additional titles to explore and is organized into sections according to interest level.
*"The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson."
Report abuse