It has certainly been a magical week of reading and books around our nation this past week (and month), which will no doubt continue in its festivities (because kids’ books are awesome!). One such phenomenal creature we’re celebrating is the delightful Allen (and his pet dog, Byte) from Allen the Alien by Stephanie Ward and Aleck Morton!
Allen has landed here on Earth and is on an epic mission to make new friends. Let’s see things from a different perspective with some fun and wacky activities to do together. 🙂
Discussion
Tuning in game: Fill a library bag with books about ‘supernatural’ creatures, such as aliens, monsters and unusual beings. Ask one student at a time to pull a book out, without looking, then describe what is on the front cover. How is it different to us? Do you think it would like the same food as us? The same games? Speak the same language? If this creature came to our school, would you be its friend? Why or why not?
Do friends have to have all the same things in common? Give some examples of things that can be different.
Look at the cover of Allen the Alien. What do you notice? How do you think the different characters are feeling? What does it make you wonder? How does it make you feel?
After Reading:
Retell the story in your own words, role play or use props like character stick puppets or shadow puppets.
What kinds of things did Allen and Byte like to do with the earthlings? Did Allen realise how the people felt about his toys and games?
Put yourself in both Allen’s position and in the position of the earthlings. What might you do differently if this was you?
What was your favourite part of this story?
What did you like about the illustrations?
How did you feel about the ending?
What are the most important things to remember when it comes to making friends, fitting in, and being a good friend to newcomers?
Activities
Dress up like Allen!
Dressing up like Allen would be out-of-this-world fun! And if you’re really creative, you can create his spaceship / UFO, too!
For Allen, all you need is a yellow tee and a red ribbon as a sash, white shoes and a blue face (or mask). You can also accessorise with your trusty pet, Byte, and of course, a box with clear umbrella attached for your supersonic spaceship!
News Report Writing and Presenting
Create a LIVE news report on the airwaves by writing and recording a newsworthy story about a UFO invasion or a friendly alien landing on Earth.
What is the name of your news channel?
What is the news story about? Will it be a happy story or a warning to stay safe? Will you interview the ‘alien’ or earthlings for your story? What is the outcome of the story?
How will the news story be presented? A video, audio recording, slideshow presentation or as a poster?
Alien Diagrams
Meet Allen, or your own favourite alien! Draw a labelled diagram of your own alien friend (and its sidekick), including its special features, interests, hobbies, dislikes, abilities, etc.
Colour it in and share with a friend.
*Stay tuned for a special giveaway relating to this task!
Colouring-in Allen (plus Wordsearch)!
With thanks to the brilliance of illustrator, Aleck Morton, and author, Stephanie Ward, please find these intergalactically cool drawing and colouring sheets, and Allen the Alien wordsearch to download for FREE!
Happy Book Week! 🙂
*Teaching notes prepared by Romi Sharp. Allen the Alien is written by Stephanie Ward, illustrated by Aleck Morton, published by Riveted Press.
#literacy #science #visualarts #drama #civicsandcitizenship
Find Stephanie Ward at her website: Stephanie Ward – Notes from a Writer with Wanderlust (stephaniemward.com) and on Instagram, Facebook, Goodreads and Amazon.
Find Aleck Morton at his website: About — ALECK MORTON and on Instagram and Facebook.
Allen the Alien is available for purchase from Riveted Press and online and at your local bookstore or library.
Join in this intergalactic adventure with Stephanie Ward and her out-of-this-world picture book, Allen the Alien, impressing readers across the blogosphere (and entire universe)!
#allenthealien #belonging #friendship #humour #picturebooks #justkidslit
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