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A young girl learns about the circular nature of all life in this lovely picture-book from first time author/illustrator team Xelena González and Adriana M. Garcia. Through her time with her grandfather, who talks about the circles all around them - the rainbow in the sky, their use of the earth for gardening, the cycles of life and death in their own family, the cultivation of the apple tree planted when she was born - the girl gains a better understanding of the world around her, and of her place in it... The art is whimsical and earthy, impressionistic and realistic; a strange combination I want to surround myself with – mostly it is peaceful and wise. Using construction paper/cardboard, make your own circle puzzles. Laminate them if possible to make them sturdy and long-lasting.

Skills

The story opens up with a child drawing a circle. The child sits alone inside the shape. When family members want in on the space, a bigger circle includes everyone. Larger circles follow to accommodate more family members, friends and neighbors. Cuter as a child-narrated video, but the message is worthy enough to justify this less-evanescent medium. Another way to play this game is to lay out large circles on the ground, one per person. Hula hoops work well for this activity. Ask:Pause and think about the story. What stood out to you the most? How did the story make you feel?

They might get wet if they accidentally step onto a rectangle (water) but the consequences will be greater if they step onto a crocodile (triangle). Draw a circle around yourself and consider the love you have inside. Then consider what happens when we share that love with the world. “The Circles All Around Us” challenges the reader to open themselves up to others and in doing so, make the world a better place. Celebrate the ever-expanding circles that connect us all as you build a supportive and empathetic classroom community! Cut them into any shapes and get kids to build them. Store each circle puzzle in a separate plastic bag.This is a gorgeous book. I opened by saying it is a meditation and I’ll close on that sentiment. The message of connection, regardless of time, space, or matter, is beautiful. In an end note, the author, Xelena Gonzalex, of Native American and Spanish descent, writes that the text is specific to her culture, but also recognizes “more people are seeing themselves as part of a greater circle.” This is certainly the case, depending on where you look, if you are looking in the right places. Make paper or cardboard cut-outs of circles and hide them in the garden, house or classroom. Let kids search for them. Hide enough shapes so that everyone has a chance to find a few. This is also something you can do with chalk. Draw the shapes on the paving in various colours and have kids cross the chalk river. 7. Circle Puzzles

Connect: Describe a time when you felt “outside” a circle. How did that make you feel? What can you do to invite other people so they don’t feel left out? After Reading The text closes with a close-up of the girl, like the cover. This time her eyes are open. She is able to see what her grandfather has shown her.Though directed at sons, the guidance presented is sensible for kids of all genders navigating life. When the music stops, each child must run and stand on/in a circle. A child who doesn’t get to a circle in time is out. In each round, one circle is removed until there is one winner left.

Collect all the circular items and discuss them after the search. This is a great opportunity to teach children the vocabulary of shapes. In this post, I will walk you through a detailed lesson plan that includes thoughtful questions for pre, during, and post-reading, as well as a free activity. The message in this story is a reminder of the importance of human connections. Life is so much more meaningful when we engage with different people. The narrator compares social circles to books. Think of how limiting life would be if we only had one book to read. This idea applies to the people we meet. Life is better when we make connections with many new and different people. Lesson Activities Lay the shapes across a room, making sure to place the circles close enough together – but not in a straight line – with the other shapes in between them. Create a work of ripple art by marbling oil and food coloring. The colors ripple together to create something unique and beautiful.The best way to use the book is as a read aloud to stimulate conversation. It would be valuable in a small Quaker classroom or school classroom. The concept of drawing circles is useful, although not a new idea. Whom do you invite into your circles? Who is left out? How can you expand the circle? This book makes a fine gift for a new baby, a birthday, an older child meeting a new sibling, or even one leaving home for the first time. Challenge them to form a circle with their body parts, such as their fingers, hands, legs, or their whole body.