Teacher’s guide for
At Break of Day by Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by Paul Morin
Pre-reading:
What does it mean to create? How do you create things? Why, do you think, this is important to human beings?
Knowledge:
- What does this book describe?
- What happens first?
Comprehension:
- Describe how stars began in this story.
- Give examples as to how the Son pleased the Father.
Application:
- Create something that would make your father or mother happy.
- Choose your favorite page and explain why you picked it.
Analyze:
- Outline the steps in this creation story.
- Focus on the page that begins, “Five days had come and gone,” and read it aloud. How is the rhythm created in this page? How can you apply this to your own writing?
Synthesize:
- Imagine you got to see the whole world created. What would this be like?
- Design a world of your own on paper.
Evaluation:
- How would the world be different without day and night?
- How would it be different without the seasons and the years?
Multiple Intelligence Projects for
At Break of Day by Nikki Grimes
Illustrated by Paul Morin
Verbal/ Linguistic
Nikki Grimes uses verbs to capture the movement and current of energy coursing through the universe throughout the book. Write a poem that also focuses on an event- perhaps where many things are happening- and like Ms. Grimes, pay very close attention to your verbs! Revise them so that they become the focus of every image. Refuse to use a single linking or helping verb.
Logical/ Mathematical
Research the approximate size of every item mentioned in the book and make a comparison chart. (a seed, the sun, the moon, a human, etc) Could be divided as a cooperative learning project.
Visual/ Spatial
Morin uses a variety of media to create his fabulous collage for At Break of Day. Try your own hand at collage, inspired by the same words or your own.
Body/Kinesthetic
In pairs, create a reader’s theater presentation of the book. Share with various classes.
Musical/ Rhythmic
Find a piece of music that would be a great background piece to the reading of this book. (Be sure it doesn’t have any lyrics that would interfere with the words). Perform it for someone.
Interpersonal:
Working in pairs or small groups, choose one thing mentioned in the book and create a report with as much information you can learn about it. Write a pamphlet or poster and present your findings to the class.
Intrapersonal:
Write a letter to yourself about your own beliefs about how the world was created. Is it similar to the book? How is it different?
