Safe Crossing

By Kari Percival

Informational Resources:

Author Information:

Kari Percival’s Website

https://karipercival.com/

Activities & Resources:

NASA Citizen Scientist

https://science.nasa.gov/citizen-science/

Journey North: Tracking Migration

https://journeynorth.org/

What is an amphibian? (8:14)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gN0cpZytGos

How Wildlife Crossings Protect Both Animals and People (6:58)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzUIbvYMSDI

Science Safety for Kids (2:41)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RgSaqpQa8E

The Frog Life Cycle for Kids

https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/science/nature/frog-life-cycle/

Amphibian Migration Data Form

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lhK5-MgpB-c2aR8aitr6NPTOZkHiklTe/view?usp=sharing

Kids Learn How to Care for Lizards and Amphibians (4:19)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6rseCwXd1M

What are Salamanders?

https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/salamander/390150

Creative Lemonade Stand Ideas for Kids

https://lemonadeday.org/blog/lemonade-stand-ideas

MakerSpace Activities:

STEM Engineering - Build a Wildlife Bridge

https://jdaniel4smom.com/2015/10/stem-engineering-bridge-building.html

Make an Origami Frog that Jumps!

https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/origami-jumping-frogs-easy-folding-instructions.html

Streams and Roads Printable Board Game

https://www.shaverscreek.org/public-programs-and-events/nature-activities-to-go/amphibian-life-cycle-adventures/

Sculpt a Frog using Crayola Model Magic (11:14)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMqQtSRSflI

Discussion Questions:

What is an amphibian and how many amphibians can you name?

What does it mean for animals to migrate? What are they doing?

What motivates the Amphibian Migration Team to do their job in this story?

Why do the members of the Amphibian Migration Team rinse their hands in cold water before they pick up the animals?

When is the Spring Equinox each year?

Why does the Amphibian Migration Team use wet leaves to carry the animals across the road?

Why do the amphibians need to cross the road each Spring?

How do the amphibians know it is the Spring Equinox and it is time to cross the road?

What is Tallulah worried about when their team is not by the road to help the amphibians?

Why is it important for the Amphibian Migration Team to count the number of amphibians that cross the road?

How can Tallulah and her family create a safe passage for the amphibians so they are not in danger crossing the road?

The little girl presenting her idea for the animal crossing at the hearing says her “belly feels like it is full of jumping frogs”. What does she mean by this?

Can you describe some ways the Amphibian Migration Team can raise money for their project? Explain.

After their grant is approved, more people are helping the team. What characteristics would you use to describe the team members?

The story talks about some of the frogs and salamanders that burrow in the ground or “freeze” in the winter. What do you call the process that organisms do when they “sleep” in the winter?

After the tunnel is completed, why do you think some of the amphibians are still crossing the road instead of using the tunnel?

Describe how Tallulah and her family feel about their project and what they accomplished?

Can you describe the life cycle of a frog or other amphibian? Explain.

Which salamander in the story can live the longest? How long can they live?

Tallulah and her sister’s parents helped them on the amphibian migration team. Why do you think it was important their parents encouraged them to be a big part of this team and project instead of doing everything for them?

Book Talk Teasers:

Read the reader’s theater for Safe Crossing by Kari Percival

Watch the book trailer on the Texas Bluebonnet Award website.

Read Alikes: 

Edwards Richmond, Susan. Night Owl Night. Joining her scientist mother in the woods to capture, measure and release saw-whet owls, Sova learns about the patience, persistence and excitement that comes with conservation efforts and scientific research. (NoveList Plus)

Farber, Katy. Salamander Sky. On a rainy April day, a young girl hopes that she and her mother can help the spotted salamanders cross the road while sharing why these elusive creatures are so important to the environment. (NoveList Plus)

Reynolds, Emma. Amara and the Bats. When she moves to a new town, Amara, who loves bats, decides to take action after learning that bats no longer hang out nearby because so many trees have been cut down. (NoveList Plus)

Trapani, Iza. Born Inside a Nest So Small: Conversation With a Hummingbird. A young child observes and admires a friendly ruby-throated hummingbird in this poetic love letter to the smallest birds in the world. (NoveList Plus)

Valerio, Geraldo. My Book of Frogs and Toads. Paint and paper collage illustrations introduce young ones to a range of frogs and toads worldwide, including the frog that can grow to the size of a small house cat and the toad who spends its life in an underground burrow. (NoveList Plus)