Chalk (K-2 Readers)

Image taken from Bill Thomson Illustration Blogspot

Book Information:

Title: Chalk

Author: Bill Thomson

Publisher:Marshall Cavendish

Publication date: 2010

Pages: 40

Summary: This wordless picture book is about three kids who discover a bag of chalk while walking in the park on a rainy day. As they begin drawing with the chalk, they discover it’s magical chalk as their pictures come to life!

Grade Level: The book is listed for first grade and up. It can be used for any age as the activities that can be used with this book are endless.

Ideas for using Chalk:

• This book allows students to use their imagination. It would be an exciting story for students to continue after the book is over.
• Students can tell and write a story that goes along with each page.
• Writing prompts such as: What would you draw if you found magical chalk?
• Many fun activities can be used with the lessons in Creative Writing Through Wordless Picture Books by Laurie Henry. The lessons are different and target all types of learners as they allow students to work as a class, small group, with a partner, and individually.

Website with more Chalk activities:

• Educational Activities for a Lesson Plan for Chalk by Bill Thomson includes reading comprehension ideas.
• Chalk: A Simple Activity for Kids with Big Imagination gives directions on how to make your own chalk. It also suggests using The Chalk Box Kids by Clyde Robert Bulla for older kids.

Why I recommend this book

Wordless picture books can be used for students of all ages and all levels because anyone can use their imagination. I think using wordless picture books would be very beneficial to at-risk readers because they can let the pictures guide them versus struggling to read the words.  I also think students will become motivated as they become the author to a story. The book supports reading and writing as students are encouraged to use their imagination to write their own words to the story.  Here is a list of wordless picture books.

Here are reviews on Chalk and information about Bill Thomas and his books.

Watch a sneak peak of Chalk on Youtube.

---