Book Activities
The Canyon's Edge
After reading the book, the teacher can design a makeshift canyon. For example, stacking two rows of boxes across from each other or creating two rows of tape on the floor.
Then, students will roll a dice deciding how many steps they take through the "canyon."
As an extra part of this activity, you could have an extra stack of cards at the beginning telling students how to get to their spot. For example, "hop to the spot." "Skip to the spot," or "crawl to the spot."
Wherever the student lands, there will be a question to answer about the book. For example, if the student rolls a two, they can take two steps into the canyon and pick up the card on spot two. The question might be "Why do you think Nora always keeps a rope beside her bed?"
After the student gives an answer, they stay in that spot and the next student gets a turn.
If the next student rolls a three, they go ahead of the previous student and answers the question, "Why was it hard for Nora's dad to climb down the Canyon this time?"
Half of the questions on the path should be about part one and the other half should be about part two.
To get students to engage in this activity, there could be a reward for the first team to have all their members through the canyon.
There should be monitoring at each canyon to make sure students are giving true or meaningful responses that prove they read the book.
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
Aven Green, the main character of the book, was born without arms.
To get a sense of what it would be like to not have arms to use in daily life, put on a hoodie, but do not put your arms in the sleeves. Instead, keep your arms next to your body inside the sweatshirt. Now try a few everyday activities like the following:
o Pull the hood over your head.
o Tie shoelaces.
o Push your hair back from your forehead.
o Write your name.
o Unwrap a piece of candy.
Sometimes people face other types of challenges.
o Vision: (NOTE: Before starting this activity, make sure you have the following items: dishwashing detergent that removes grease well, a soft drying cloth, a pair of glasses or sunglasses, and petroleum jelly.)
o On a pair of glasses or sunglasses, rub a thin film of petroleum jelly on the outside of the lenses only. Wipe any excess from the rims, and wash your hands well in warm, soapy water to clean them right away. Now put the glasses on and try to reread these directions.
o Walking:
Place some dry corn kernels or tiny pebbles inside your shoes. Now put the shoes back on your feet and walk across the room. Sometimes people walk slowly because they have pain in their feet. How does this make walking a challenge?
Using the stationery provided or your computer, write a letter to the author, Ms. Dusti Bowling, about what it was like to briefly experience daily activities as Aven must. Describe to Ms. Bowling how you felt and how you were able to complete the activity without using your arms. Also explain anything additional that you have learned from reading Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus.
